Awards & Accolades

Renovated South Wing of CNSE Downtown LEED Gold Certification Award
September 2024

The recently renovated South Wing of CNSE Downtown has received Gold Certification under LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors. Various efficiency measures including LED lighting, dedicated outside air ventilation system, and adiabatic cooling towers result in 30% reduction in energy usage and 40% reduction in water usage. The building chillers use a non-ozone depleting, low global warming potential hydrofluoro-olefin(HFO)-based refrigerant to further reduce operational carbon emissions. This was the first project on campus to require Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) and Health Product Declaration (HPD) for over 40% of the materials by cost. These declarations allow us to understand the environmental and health impacts of the materials we use in our buildings and ways to reduce our environmental footprint while improving indoor air quality, human health and well-being.

ETEC LEED Platinum Certification Award
December 2022

ETEC, the new 246,000 square foot lab building recently received LEED Platinum certification, the highest level of certification awarded by the US Green Building Council for energy-efficient and sustainable buildings. ETEC achieved this certification by reducing its energy use intensity and using a geothermal heat pump system for all of its heating, cooling, and domestic hot water heating, thus eliminating any on-site fossil fuel combustion except during emergency operation. About 60% of the building's annual electricity is supplied by the on-campus solar panels located on the podium roofs, and the rest is offset through the purchase of offsite renewable energy credits. Other noteworthy sustainability features include green stormwater management infrastructure, including a teaching green roof, a 40% reduction in water use through water-efficient plumbing fixtures, and 35% of the materials by cost extracted, harvested, or recovered, as well as manufactured within a 500-mile radius of the project.

Renovated Beverwyck & Schuyler Halls in Dutch Quad LEED Gold Certification Award
April 2021

Two more buildings on campus, Beverwyck and Schuyler Halls on Dutch Quad that house both student dorms and the Student Health Services, achieved LEED Gold certification. The buildings are estimated to use 23% less energy and 43% less potable water than a baseline code-compliant building. The project diverted 90% of the construction waste from landfills by recycling and/or salvaging materials. The environmental and indoor air quality impact of the materials used on the project was improved by achieving 20% recycled contents in materials, 30% regional materials, and low-emitting adhesives, sealants, paints, coating, and flooring systems.

Campus Center East and West Expansions LEED Silver Certification Awards
March & October 2019

The new additions to Campus Center, i.e. the East and West Expansions have both achieved LEED Silver certifications. One of the highlights of the building’s design is the use of green roofs, porous asphalt pathways, and porous concrete pavers. These green infrastructure measures not only assist with stormwater quantity and quality control but also reduce the need for salt and deicers in winter and provide better traction. Additionally, a 27kW on-site solar photovoltaic system is located on the Campus Center West roof. Check out the visual display unit located on the green wall across from Starbucks to learn more about these and other energy and sustainability features incorporated in the Campus Center East and West expansions.

Renovated Herkimer, Colonial Quad LEED Gold Certification Awards
September 2019

Herkimer in Colonial Quad achieved LEED Gold, a noteworthy achievement for an existing building renovation project given the envelope and historic preservation constraints. The building is estimated to use 25% less energy and 46% less potable water than a baseline code-compliant building. The environmental and indoor air quality impact of the materials used on the project was improved by achieving 20% recycled contents in materials, 63% regional materials, 67% FSC-certified wood, and low-emitting adhesives, sealants, paints, coating, and flooring systems.

Campus Center Expansion Grand Honor Award
July 2019

The Grand Honor Award went to the University at Albany Campus Center by Bergmann as associate architect with William Rawn Associates, Architects, Inc. as design architect. The new student center serves as a prominent gateway to and from the campus grounds, expanding capacity while enhancing existing functions. AIARoc Highlights.

Renovated Onondaga, Indigenous Quad LEED Gold Certification Awards
October 2018

Onondaga in Indigenous Quad is the first low-rise residential building on campus to achieve LEED Gold, a noteworthy achievement for an existing building renovation project given the envelope and historic preservation constraints. The building is estimated to use 21% less energy and 43% less potable water than a baseline code-compliant building. Additionally, the project diverted 80% of construction waste from landfill by recycling, reusing, and salvaging materials. The environmental and indoor air quality impact of the materials used on the project was improved by achieving 24% recycled contents in materials, 68% FSC certified wood, and low-emitting adhesives, sealants, paints, coating, and flooring systems.

UAlbany Top-10 on Sustainability Index
September 2018
 

The University at Albany was recognized as a Top 10 Performer in the Building category by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). AASHE’s Sustainable Campus Index highlights the most sustainable colleges and universities in 17 impact areas and overall by institution type, as measured by the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS). UAlbany ranked # 8 among the 477 institutions that submitted the STARS report. The high score is a reflection of the University’s sustainable building operation practices, robust indoor air quality plan, high levels of energy efficiency and sustainability in its new and renovated buildings, and its seven LEED-certified buildings. AASHE Publication.

Renovated Building 25 LEED Platinum Certification Award
January 2018
 

Building 25 became the first building at the University to achieve the highest LEED certification. The project reused the existing building shell to create an energy-efficient and sustainable building that consumes 39% less energy and 37% less water than a similar code-compliant design. During construction, the project reduced its environmental footprint by diverting 77% of the construction waste from landfill, used 34% recycled content in the construction materials, sourced 20% of the building materials from within a 500-mile radius, and used Forest Stewardship Council certified wood for 64% of all wood used on the building. In addition, the use of low-emitting adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings, flooring, and composite wood improved the indoor air quality of the building. The parking lot utilizes porous asphalt to improve stormwater quality. The inviting main staircase and the walkability of the project neighborhood promote active design and healthy lifestyles. The building incorporates energy monitoring systems to measure and verify the building’s energy performance and ensure that the building continues to perform at its intended level. Building 25 Earns LEED Platinum Certification NewsCenter.

UAlbany and Stormwater Coalition Recognized for Environmental Stewardship and Intermunicipal Cooperation
October 2017
The Capital District Regional Planning Commission awarded the Stormwater Coalition of Albany County with a 2017 Erastus Corning 2nd Achievement Award for Intermunicipal Cooperation. UAlbany has long been part of this intermunicipal stormwater planning and implementation group charged with coordinating planning and compliance with the Clean Water Act and SPDES permits. As one of 12 members who form the Stormwater Coalition of Albany County, the University is committed to environmental stewardship and the implementation of green, sustainable best practices. The other members of the coalition include: the City of Albany, Town of Bethlehem, City of Cohoes, Town of Colonie, Village of Colonie, Village of Green Island, Town of Guilderland, Village of Menands, Town of New Scotland, City of Watervliet, and the County of Albany.

Renovated Mohawk Tower LEED Gold Certification Award
November 2016
 

Mohawk Tower is the first high-rise residential tower on campus to achieve LEED Gold, a noteworthy achievement for an existing building renovation project given the envelope and historic preservation constraints. The renovated tower features 2,200 new windows, wall insulation where none existed, heat recovery ventilation system, LED lighting, and water efficient plumbing fixtures including dual flush toilets. The building is estimated to use 33% less energy and 40% less potable water than a baseline code-compliant building. Additionally, the project diverted more than half of construction waste from landfill by recycling, reusing, and salvaging materials. The environmental and indoor air quality impact of the materials used on the project was improved by achieving 35% recycled contents in materials, 70+% FSC certified wood, and using low-emitting adhesives, sealants, paints, coating and flooring systems.

UAlbany's Uptown Campus named one of "The Most Beautiful Public College Campuses in America"
September 2016
The University’s Uptown Campus was recognized for its architectural and landscaped beauty by https://www.thrillist.com. The Facilities Office and the University community are proud of our Edward Durell Stone mid-century design and have been acknowledged for our collective efforts to preserve and enhance our campus-built environment. Building additions, renovations, and site upgrades are carefully coordinated to ensure the original design entity for the entire campus is followed.

Service Building A LEED Gold Certification in Green Workspace Challenge Award
March 2016
 

Service Building A, Office of Facilities Management, was awarded Green Workspace Gold level certification by the Office of Environmental Sustainability for achieving high levels of sustainable practices in the workspace. Facilities Management is the largest workspace to receive a certification in the Green Workspace Challenge as well as the first whole-building workspace to be certified.

University Auxiliary Service at Albany presented the Office of Physical Plant with a certificate:
Spring 2016

"In recognition and profound appreciation of distinguished service by UAlbany Facilities Management administration and staff during the snow events of Winter 2015".
UA Facilities Management demonstrated exceptional commitment to UAS, UAS corporate partners and to the University community in providing community-wide support and access to UAS facilities during difficult and extreme weather conditions and on multiple occasions.

RNA Institute in the Life Sciences Research Building LEED Silver Certification Award
June 2015
 

The RNA Institute Facilities is the first LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors project on campus. The project received a LEED Silver Certification in June 2015 under the version 3 LEED 2009. For more information on the project LEED scorecard, please visit U.S. Green Building Council Website.

Facilities Management Honored by Disability Resource Center for "Outstanding Service to Students with Disabilities"
April 2015

The Facilities Management Office received recognition by the Disability Resource Center on April 8, 2015 for its dedicated work through the extremely harsh 2014-15 winter, braving extremely cold temperatures and snow conditions, keeping handicapped accessible paths and parking spaces clear of snow and ice. February 2015 was particularly brutal, the second coldest on record, with an average daily temperature of 12.7 degrees. Facilities Management's Grounds Department and the Custodial Department, along with Mechanical Repair and Vehicle Operations, bear the brunt the snow and ice work and very capably handle the challenge of a 420 acre, 155 building campus, with over 7,200 parking spaces and 11 miles of roadways.

Information Technology Building (ITB) LEED Gold Certification Award
March 2015
 

This innovative award is a particularly high achievement for a building that houses a data center. Of note, the building includes daylighting, heat recovery chillers, energy recovery ventilation, economizer cooling, and high efficiency envelope, lighting fixtures and mechanical equipment. For more information on the project LEED scorecard, please visit U.S. Green Building Council Website.

Merit Citation Earned at 2014 American Institute of Architects - Eastern New York Design Awards for Service Building A
February 2015
 

CSArch Architecture/Engineering/Construction Management received a Merit Award in the Renovation / Addition / Adaptive Reuse category at the annual design awards ceremony held in Troy NY. The event, which recognizes design excellence within the local built environment, took place Thursday, February 19, 2015 at The Arts Center of the Capital Region.

The Design Awards Jury comments: "Clean, simple and purposeful; Nice use of light to foster collaboration; Very utilitarian and practical."

UAlbany Facilities Management's own architects, engineers and other staff worked hand-in-hand with the CSArch team to transform the fifty-year old building into a new vibrant and highly functional space. The project attained LEED Silver certification which was awarded in late 2014.

Additional information about this project can be found on the Design Presentation Board.

The Massry Center for Business Building LEED Gold Certification Award
September 2014
 

This stunning building, named one of the most beautiful of its kind in the world, includes a wide range of energy saving and sustainable features such as exterior fins and butterfly skylights designed to maximize daylighting but minimize glare and heat gain, triple pane glazing, displacement ventilation, heat recovery and demand based ventilation controls, high efficiency lighting with daylight and occupancy based controls, and 45% reduction in water use through high efficiency plumbing fixtures.

Service Building A LEED Silver Certification Award
September 2014
 

This office building, one of the first to be constructed on the Uptown Campus, includes key features such as maximization of daylight, high efficiency lighting and mechanical equipment with controls, high efficiency plumbing fixtures resulting in 30% reduction in water use, and porous asphalt surface.

Liberty Terrace LEED Gold Certification Award
May 2014
 

In this 500-bed apartment facility, utilizes a geothermal heat pump system for heating and cooling and includes a green roof among many other sustainability elements that make it a model for sustainable student residential construction, receiving recognition from state and federal agencies.

Business Building ranked Fifth Most Beautiful Business School
November 2013
According to an online survey from Top Management Degrees, UAlbany's School of Business is the "fifth most beautiful business school in the world". Read the news release at UAlbany NewsCenter.

Facilities Management received the Gender Warrior Award at 2013 Annual Lavender Graduation Ceremony
April 2013
The award was received for outstanding service to UAlbany and the concepts of Gender Inclusive Spaces. The Office of Facilities Management has worked with other campus units to provide Gender Neutral toilet facilities in campus buildings. The Lavender awards celebrate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Allied Faculty, Staff, and Students for their work in promoting LGBTQ Equity. The Awards are particularly special because they are chosen by LGBTQ and Allied students, faculty, and staff to recognize other student, faculty and staff contributions to the LGBTQ diversity at UAlbany.

Liberty Terrace project wins two 2013 ACEC Engineering Excellence Awards
Spring 2013
 

The Liberty Terrace project wins a Platinum Award, for engineering design services, and a Diamond Award, for modernizing the University's GIS database.

The Liberty Terrace project, which debuted in August 2012, involved the design and construction of two, five-story buildings on a 20-acre site. The 500-bedroom, 200,000-square-foot, apartment-style student housing complex was the university's first certified LEED Gold facility. The project was on an aggressive two-phase, two-year schedule, which required working on both phases simultaneously without disrupting the university's daily operations. It entailed full site/civil design, bid document preparation and construction administration services.

The Diamond Award is ACEC’s highest award. On the University at Albany GIS project, the latest technologies available were used to survey, including Real Time Kinematic (RTK) GPS locating and 3D laser scanning, as well as traditional survey methods. This complex project required using different technologies and making them work together to create a highly functional database.

Energy Efficiency Projects at UAlbany Support Governor Cuomo's Build Smart NY Initiative
Spring 2013
 

New energy efficiency projects at University at Albany, undertaken in collaboration with the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), will save the university approximately $704,000 in energy costs and eliminate more than 4,100 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually. Read the news release at UAlbany NewsCenter.

UAlbany's Custodial Department Obtains Diversey's HHPC GREENGUARD Certification
December 2012
As part of UAlbany's Office of Sustainability Initiative and in accordance with NYS Executive Order 134, our custodial department has achieved Diversey's Healthy High-Performance Cleaning (HHPC) GREENGUARD certification. If you would like to learn more about Facilities' Green Cleaning Initiative, please visit the University at Albany's Cleaning Guidelines.

Husted Hall: NYSERDA High Performance Building Certification
September 2012
Husted Hall qualified for NYSERDA’s High Performance Building certification by achieving energy cost reductions of 30% or higher over the ASHRAE 90.1-04 code baseline.

Husted Hall Rehabilitation LEED Silver Certification Award
June 2012
 

Husted Hall became the first building on campus to receive LEED-NC Silver certification for incorporating various energy and sustainability elements in the design and construction of the building.

New York State Environmental Excellence Award 2011
December 2011
University at Albany received the award from NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) for its "You've Got the Power to Conserve" program that engaged the campus community in energy efficient and environmentally responsible actions including the Intersession Energy Initiative and Fall Energy Campaigns.