Albany City Schools Energy-Savings Project Unveiled

Contact
Brian Warner
914-390-8183
brian.warner@nypa.gov

Ryan Moore
1-800-NYSERDA,
ext. 3267

September 4, 2002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALBANY - With students returning to the classroom, the Albany City School District has unveiled its efforts to conserve energy, save money and protect the environment with a $3.2 million comprehensive energy-efficiency project.

The project, administered by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) with assistance from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), will reduce the district’s energy costs by $146,000 annually, cut electricity use by 289,151 kilowatt hours each year and prevent 173.5 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually.

NYPA Chairman Louis P. Ciminelli joined District Superintendent Lonnie Palmer and William M. Flynn, president of NYSERDA, at ceremonies Wednesday at Arbor Hill Elementary School.

"Governor George Pataki's commitment to energy efficiency is providing an array of benefits for schools and local governments across the Empire State.  The Albany City Schools project is a great example of coordinated state efforts to help local schools save energy,” Ciminelli said.

Project financing includes a $1 million grant authorized by the Governor’s office from the petroleum overcharge restitution (POCR) funds recovered in federal court cases to compensate consumers who were unfairly overcharged by major oil companies, Ciminelli noted.

“The investment of $3.2 million to improve the climate controls and energy management of Albany City schools will enhance the learning environment for students and help the district save money on energy costs,” said District Superintendent Palmer.

Among the critical elements of the project was installation of a new chiller for climate control at the Arbor Hill School in time for the 2002 school year.  NYSERDA provided more than $225,000 in funding for the $450,000 Carrier system.

“Under the leadership of Governor Pataki, NYSERDA and NYPA have made great strides to improve energy efficiency across New York State,” said NYSERDA President Flynn.  “As part of the contract between NYPA and the Albany City School District, NYSERDA provided more than $225,000 to help Arbor Hill Elementary install a new chiller.  Through our Energy Smart Schools Program, we will continue to help more school districts throughout the State cut costs through energy efficiency."

Other elements of the Albany City School District energy efficiency project include direct digital controls, boiler instrumentation and an energy management system at 18 school buildings and several other district facilities, including the Abrookin Voc-Tech Center and the Adult Learning Center.

An energy management system will enable district facility managers to remotely control—via the Internet—boiler operations and building temperatures to use fuel more efficiently.  New boilers were installed at Giffen Elementary School.  New burners were installed at Albany High School, School #19 and School #20.  Other equipment such as new ventilation controls will help regulate temperatures in classrooms throughout the district.