Environmental Building Design Earns UAlbany High Marks on the Sustainable Campus Index
ALBANY, N.Y. (Sept. 12, 2024) — The University at Albany was named a top performer in the 2024 Sustainable Campus Index, published by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).
The index ranks colleges and universities in 17 impact areas evaluated through the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS). UAlbany received a Gold STARS rating and ranked ninth in the buildings category, the only SUNY campus to rank in this category. Binghamton University also received a Gold STARS rating, while SUNY’s College of Environmental Science and Forestry was ranked Platinum.
“UAlbany has committed to an ambitious Climate Action and Sustainability Plan and strives to be a leader in this area,” said Vice President for Finance and Administration Todd Foreman. “External recognition in the form of awards and certifications further validates our efforts and energizes our faculty and staff committed to this important work.”
Sustainability initiatives for buildings vary based on the project, but the overall aim is to reduce energy and carbon emissions by improving the building envelope, lighting, HVAC systems and controls, said Indu, UAlbany’s energy officer. That includes installing water-efficient fixtures, using low-emitting materials to improve indoor air quality, and designing green stormwater systems. During construction, every effort is made to source materials regionally, use materials with high-recycled content, and minimize waste.
The Sustainability Index buildings category covers new design and construction as well as maintenance and operations of current buildings. The report notes that building design and operation can significantly reduce energy and water use, and greenhouse gas emissions.
UAlbany has 17 buildings that are certified as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), demonstrating that the building was designed or rehabilitated to meet set standards in sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.
ETEC and Hudson are both ranked LEED Platinum, the highest level. The recently opened south wing of CNSE Downtown, the former Albany High School, was certified as LEED Gold, and the new construction at Colonial Quad – including Paine and Zenger halls and the Recreation & Wellness Center – are expected to receive Gold certification.
Creating a sustainable campus is a group effort, according to Mary Ellen Mallia, director of the Office of Sustainability. "Through the development of rigorous building standards and the dedication of our staff, we have successfully achieved environmentally responsible buildings," she said.
Other campus buildings with LEED Gold certification are Catskill; the Information Technology Building, which houses the Data Center; Beverwyck and Schuyler halls on Dutch Quad; Herkimer Hall on Colonial Quad; Liberty Terrace; the Massry School of Business building; and Mohawk Tower and Onondaga Hall on Indigenous Quad.
LEED Silver certified buildings are Husted Hall; SBA and Annex building; the RNA Institute in Life Sciences; and both the Campus Center East and West additions.
UAlbany’s STARS report is publicly available on the STARS website