Advanced Efficiency Building Technologies Will Result in Skaneateles Village Hall Generating More Energy than it Consumes

New York, NY – October 3, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — The Village of Skaneateles and NYSERDA today announced the grand opening of the first municipal net-zero energy building in New York State. The Skaneateles Village Hall, formerly a vacant fire station, will house new village offices and a police station and is expected to produce more energy than it consumes. Officials met at the site today to announce the grand opening.

The village was awarded $546,000 for the energy efficient building improvements by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) through Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development initiative.

The $1.5 million project is expected to reduce energy usage by more than 62,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually and result in the avoidance of 46 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually.

“The Village of Skaneateles should be commended for its demonstrated leadership and for this dynamic net-zero energy building that can serve as a valuable model for other municipalities,” said John B. Rhodes, President and CEO, NYSERDA. “Increasing energy efficiency across all sectors of New York’s economy remains a cornerstone of Governor Cuomo’s efforts in advancing the State’s clean-energy economy through public-private partnerships in every region of the State thereby ensuring a clean, affordable and sustainable energy future for all New Yorkers.”

“The Village’s goal in the renovation of its former Fire Station was to not only provide a new ‘home’ for its staff and Police Station, but to also be a leader and educator to the community and visitors alike. The reduction of energy consumption and the creation of the first municipal net-zero public building in New York State was accomplished with renovations that included a new Geothermal HVAC system, complete building envelope renovation, a lighting retrofit including LED lighting, and installation of a 54 kW Solar PV system on the roof,” said Skaneateles Mayor Martin Hubbard. “The Village is pleased and proud of the substantial efforts made to utilize technologies developed in Central New York including the HVAC system developed and manufactured in Auburn, N.Y. The Village constructed a building that produces more energy than it consumes and will serve as a showcase of technology and environmental stewardship in the Village setting an example in the community.”

The project began over a year ago when Village officials partnered with the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board (CNYRPDB) under its EPA-funded Climate Change Innovation Program. The CNYRPDB is working with seven municipalities in Central New York to develop greenhouse gas inventories and develop climate action plans.

With an initial investment of $30,000 in EPA funding from the CNYRPDB and funds from the sale of the old Village Hall, officials saw the opportunity to repurpose a vacant fire station in the Village Center and turn it into a net-zero energy environmental showcase.

While many of the Climate Change Innovation projects have provided significant savings and greenhouse gas reductions to municipalities, none have achieved a net-zero energy status.

“The Village of Skaneateles has taken a big step to understanding and mitigating its impact on the surrounding community,” said Chris Carrick, CNYRPDB Energy Program Manager. “This project is a shining example of how public projects can inspire communities to take action and we are proud of the opportunity to help the Village secure funding and complete the first net-zero energy Village Hall in New York.”

Energy-efficient improvements include a 54 kW PV system, geothermal well field and heat pump system to provide on-site energy extracted from underground, LED lighting and green exterior upgrades such as increased insulation and energy efficient windows.

The building will also have an educational energy display in the lobby so visitors can see how the building is performing.

“This project makes economic sense,” said Senator John A. DeFrancisco. “It will allow the Village of Skaneateles to significantly reduce its overall operating costs, while serving as a model of environmental stewardship.”

“Ensuring our communities have up-to-date facilities that are readily accessible to residents is undeniably important. When we build or renovate these facilities, it is all the more beneficial if we can do so in a way that is not merely economically sustainable, but environmentally sustainable,” said Assemblyman Gary D. Finch. “The construction of the new Skaneateles Village Office achieves that goal thanks to the support of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. This new facility will not only benefit Skaneateles, but also stand as a model for other communities to follow in updating their facilities with new technologies in an environmentally conscience way.”

The Regional Economic Development Council initiative (REDC) is a key component of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s transformative approach to State investment and economic development. The Councils are public-private partnerships composed of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government, and non-governmental organizations. The Regional Councils have redefined the way New York invests in jobs and economic growth by putting in place a community-based, bottom up approach and establishing a competitive process for State resources. As a result of the first two rounds of awards, $1.5 billion in investments has been awarded to support more than 1,400 regionally significant economic development and community revitalization projects that are creating or helping to retain an estimated 75,000 jobs across the Empire State and generating investments to grow the economy. For more information on the regional councils, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov Link opens in new window – close new window to return to this page..

About NYSERDA

NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect our environment and create clean-energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York since 1975. For more information, visit nyserda.ny.gov or follow us on TwitterLink opens in new window – close new window to return to this page., FacebookLink opens in new window – close new window to return to this page., YouTubeLink opens in new window – close new window to return to this page., InstagramLink opens in new window – close new window to return to this page..

Last Updated: 10/03/2013
Contact(s)

Dayle Zatlin, Assistant Director of Communications
Phone : 518-862-1090, Ext. 3359
Email : dez (at) nyserda.ny (dot) gov

Bob Lotkowictz, Village of Skaneateles
Phone : 315-685-5977
Email : bob.lotkowictz (at) gmail (dot) com