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State OGS Teams With NYPA on Energy-Efficiency Measures at Sen. Hughes State Office Building Contact: Brad Maione, OGS August 14, 2007 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SYRACUSE—The Senator John H. Hughes State Office Building will soon join the growing list of energy-efficient state facilities, thanks to a comprehensive $1.7 million energy-efficiency project being undertaken by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and the New York State Office of General Services (OGS). “The work NYPA is doing in Syracuse and has taken on at dozens of other facilities operated by the Office of General Services is critical to the Empire State’s energy future. Installation of new energy management technologies and equipment will transform this building’s energy profile. This project will deliver where it counts, lowering electrical use while reducing heating costs,” said NYPA President and Chief Executive Officer Roger Kelley. Said OGS Commissioner John Egan: “OGS will continue to follow Governor Spitzer’s mandate to conserve energy while providing a sustainable work environment, in the buildings we manage across the state of New York. OGS, in partnership with NYPA, has completed over $45 million in energy projects statewide, resulting in a 30.4% reduction in energy consumption, relative to 1990 levels. This reduction represents $15 million in annual utility cost avoidance last year alone. These projects reduce the consumption of non-renewable resources while lessening fossil fuel emissions.” When completed in 2008, the Hughes State Office Building will have an electrical saving of approximating 360,000-kilowatt hours valued at nearly $30,000. Its heating requirements will be reduced by 6,915 MMbtu’s (Million British Thermal Units) valued at nearly $44,000. The combined energy reductions will yield annual savings of just about $74, 000. Among the energy-efficiency measures scheduled for installation is an expansion of the existing energy management system to provide direct digital control of ventilation systems. Enhanced control of the hot and cool airflow through the building is a central aspect of this energy efficiency project. Carbon dioxide sensors and automatic dampers will allow the upgraded energy management control system to match the volume of air introduced into the building to occupancy requirements within specific areas. Variable frequency drives will be installed on primary fans to allow for more efficient transfer of air as it’s forced over heating coils during the winter months. This measure will also help balance the volume of outside air being introduced into the building significantly reducing energy waste and electrical consumption. These and other adjustments to existing systems will help increase equipment reliability to reduce operating and maintenance costs. In response to Governor Eliot Spitzer’s goals, all state agencies and departments are seeking opportunities to enhance energy-efficiency practices and adopt sustainability concepts at their facilities. NYPA’s energy efficiency project here in cooperation with the OGS is the latest example of how state agencies are responding to the Governor’s initiatives. The Hughes State Office Building—owned and operated by OGS—houses regional offices of 23 state agencies, including the Departments of Transportation, Motor Vehicles, Education, and Taxation and Finance. Additionally, several state legislators have district offices here to handle constituent issues. More than 260 area residents visit the building daily. The Power Authority has also undertaken energy-efficiency initiatives and other clean energy projects for numerous local governments at thousands of public facilities around the state. Statewide, NYPA energy services efforts have lowered electricity use by 193,000 kilowatts (kw), or enough power to meet the requirements of 155,000 homes, reducing the need for almost 1,200 barrels of oil and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 405 tons annually.
About NYPA: ■ NYPA uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. ■ NYPA is a leader in promoting energy efficiency, new energy technologies and electric transportation initiatives. ■ It is the nation’s largest state-owned electric utility, with 18 generating facilities in various parts of the state and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. About OGS: The New York State Office of General Services (OGS) provides a broad range of support services that facilitate the operations of State government, and assists local governments, public authorities, public and private agencies. OGS offers numerous services to clients throughout the Empire State, including property management, design and construction, procurement, and various support services.
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