State Authority Assists Bard College
with its Commitment to Geothermal Technologies and Help Reduce Energy
Costs, Demand and Usage at College
RELEASE: IMMEDIATE, June 21, 2001
CONTACT: Colleen Quinn, NYSERDA
(518) 862-1090, ext. 3359.
Annandale-on-Hudson, NY – – Bard College's interest and
commitment in installing geothermal systems, among other measures,
will significantly reduce their energy costs and make for a more comfortable
and healthy environment. The New York State Energy Research and Development
Authority (NYSERDA) announced its role in the installation of geothermal
systems and other efficiency measures through several of their programs
at two of Bard College's dormitories today. The geothermal systems,
in conjunction with other installed measures, and are expected to
lower energy costs for Bard College by nearly $100,000 annually, provide
peak summer demand savings of 450kW, and reduce CO2 emissions by over
400 tons.
NYSERDA provided the college with a study to determine the feasibility
of installing geothermal systems at the college. Based upon the results
of that initial feasibility study, the college enrolled in NYSERDA's
New Construction Program, which provided the college with nearly $25,000
to complete technical assistance evaluations. These evaluations determined
the energy savings associated with installing geothermal systems and
other energy efficiency measures the school was considering.
"Through our New York Energy $mart program, NYSERDA is promoting
energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. Implementing
Geothermal systems such as this defines a more efficient and environmentally
responsible means of heating and cooling our buildings. With the
Governor's support, NYSERDA is eager to continue and expand our
efforts to bring these technologies to the forefront and allow New
York State to reap the energy, environmental, and economic benefits
the technology offers."
In addition, the New Construction Program will be providing over
$400,000 in incentives to help the college install the recommended
equipment. Geothermal systems use the constant temperature of the
earth to heat and cool buildings more efficiently. These systems are
also much quieter and produce no on-site emissions, as compared to
conventional heating and cooling systems. In addition, NYSERDA will
be sponsoring a one day Geothermal System Application and Design Seminar
at Bard College on June 27, 2001.
"I commend Governor Pataki and the New York State Energy
Research and Development Authority for choosing to install geothermal
systems and other efficiency measures at Bard College," said
Senator Saland. "This decision will benefit the college through
the reduction in energy costs, improved energy efficiency, and most
importantly reduce CO2 emissions significantly. This addition to
Bard is a "win-win" in terms of both energy efficiency
and improving the quality of our environment."
"Our college has been interested in incorporating energy efficiency
in these projects from the start and NYSERDA's assistance helped
make it possible. Using these measures will reduce operating costs,
reduce down time and improve comfort and health in the dorm,"
said Mark Primoff, Spokesperson for Bard College.
"The program had a direct and very positive impact on the architecture
of these new student residences. By using geothermal heat pumps,
we were able eliminate exterior louvers normally used with air-to-air
heat pumps. As a result, we were free to design the buildings to
be more residential in character, a very important criteria for
student living," said Robert Siegel of Garrison and Siegel
Architects. "The NYSERDA New York Energy $mart program complemented
our sustainable design vision for these buildings: They would be
designed, detailed and built well, with substantial materials, to
endure many years of active use by students and visitors to Bard
who call this home during the next hundred years."
The New Construction Program is funded under NYSERDA's New York
Energy $mart program, which provides funding for energy efficiency,
low-income services, research and development, and environmental protection
programs during the State's transition to electric retail competition.
It is a key element in New York State's restructuring of the electric
utility industry. Funding is paid for by a System Benefits Charge
(SBC) on the electricity transmitted by the State's investor-owned
utilities. The State's Public Service Commission (PSC) named NYSERDA
administrator of these SBC-funded programs.
For more information on NYSERDA please refer to our web sites at
www.nyserda.org , www.GetEnergySmart.org., or call (518) 862-1090.
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