NYSERDA Press Releases

IBM Makes Major Energy-Saving Upgrades at East Fishkill Facility NYSERDA Provides Nearly $735,000 For Improvements

Albany, NY – The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announced that it has teamed with IBM and York International on a project to improve energy efficiency at IBM's 40-building facility in East Fishkill. Under its New York Energy $mart^SM program, NYSERDA is providing nearly $735,000 to partially support the replacement of two 2000-ton chillers and the installation of a third, backup 2000-ton chiller to meet the cooling needs of the facility. IBM is expected to reduce its use of local energy resources by 15 percent compared to the old chillers.

"This is a great team effort. IBM, York International and NYSERDA understand that energy efficiency is important to the community as well as to a company's bottom line. As IBM is a significant employer in New York State, I am pleased that NYSERDA could help IBM stay competitive and lower their operation costs, while simultaneously reducing their energy use" said NYSERDA President William M. Flynn.

The project reduces IBM's electric usage during the peak load summer months, provides optimal cooling, and decreases environmental emissions at power generating facilities. The chillers will help serve approximately 4.3 million square feet of space for IBM.

"I am very pleased that this funding will allow IBM to increase energy efficiency and realize substantial savings," said Senator Saland. "I hope that IBM's example will encourage other companies and organizations to explore ways they may use energy more efficiently. Promoting energy efficiency and in turn reducing the cost of doing business is a positive contribution to the quality of life we enjoy."

"I applaud IBM for making the necessary improvements to their facility to reduce their energy use," said Assemblyman Patrick Manning. "Like IBM, other businesses, large or small, can realize significant savings just by upgrading outdated equipment that might otherwise be leading to higher energy costs."

Chillers represent a significant purchase and a sizeable portion of a facility's energy costs. The centrifugal water-cooled chiller is highly efficient and built to fit a facility's needs. After assessing the energy use and need profiles at IBM, York International recommended, supplied and assisted in the installation of the three water-cooled centrifugal chillers.

"With the assistance of York International and NYSERDA, IBM was able to replace existing chillers with more energy efficient units, resulting in lower operating costs and an overall reduction in energy usage in the State. We look forward to working with NYSERDA on energy initiatives in the future," said IBM Facilities Engineer David Feeney.

Since 1998, NYSERDA has provided nearly five million dollars to support more than 75 projects in Dutchess County. Combined with co-funding from participants, the value of these projects is nearly $15 million. Among some of the other customers NYSERDA is working with in Dutchess County are: Bard College, Sprout Creek Farm, Saugerties Central School District, Northern Dutchess Hospital, and Dutchess Beer Distributors.
A component of New York Energy $mart^SM , the Commercial/Industrial Performance Program, provides incentives for cost-effective measures that include lighting, motors, variable-speed drives, energy management systems, packaged air conditioning and chiller systems, and custom measures that result in demand reduction or energy efficiency improvements. Financial incentives are paid on a performance basis to contractors implementing electrical efficiency improvements, or demand reduction.
The New York Energy $mart program is designed to provide funding for projects that help lower electricity usage and encourage energy efficiency as the State's electric utilities move to competition. New York Energy $mart encompasses many energy efficiency programs and is available to all electric distribution customers (residential, commercial, institutional and industrial) of Central Hudson, Con Edison, NYSEG, Niagara Mohawk, Orange and Rockland, and Rochester Gas and Electric. For more information visit www.nyserda.org or call toll-free (866)- NYSERDA or (866)-697-3732.

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