Improvements at University at Albany’s Herkimer Hall complete; part of $47 million in capital projects at SUNY Campuses

Albany, NY Governor Andrew Cuomo celebrated the completion of a $10.3 million project to improve Herkimer Hall at the University at Albany. The project is part of $47 million in capital projects being completed on SUNY campuses statewide by DASNY.

“With these critical upgrades, we are transforming Herkimer Hall into a state-of-the-art facility to help keep the University at Albany competitive and attractive,” governor Cuomo said. “From faculty to classes to facilities, our world-leading state university system has unparalleled offerings to attract and foster New York’s next generation of leaders.”

The $10.3 million improvement project was the first major renovation of the 51-year-old residence hall. All of the building’s systems were replaced entirely, including: mechanical, plumbing, electric and lighting. The renovation modernized the building, adding new efficient windows, a new roof, complete retooled HVAC including valance heat, new bathrooms, updated laundry facilities, and community study and recreation spaces.

The project was done to LEED-Gold standards under the U.S. Green Building Council’s sustainability and energy efficiency guidelines. Recycled content was used as well as low-emitting materials to ensure air quality.

This supports governor Cuomo’s Executive Order 88, which is to achieve a 20% reduction in energy use in State buildings by 2020 through the BuildSmart NY program. The New York Power Authority, and its partnership with the SUNY system and five other state agencies accounting for 90% of state building space, are central to the BuildSmart NY effort. The Herkimer Hall project and BuildSmart NY support the governor’s Reforming the Energy Vision strategy to build a clean, resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers. REV is ensuring the state meets its 2030 energy goals of reducing statewide greenhouse gas emissions 40% and decreasing energy consumption in buildings by 23%. It was financed through DASNY’s SUNY Dormitory Facilities Program, which issues low-cost tax-exempt bonds supported by student residence hall fees.