Improvements Part of $47 million in Capital Projects Completed for SUNY Campuses by DASNY in Summer 2017
(August 30, 2017) Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced today the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York has completed a $19 million major renovation at SUNY New Paltz's Bevier Hall. The $19 million improvement project for the 49-year-old residence hall included a new roof, windows, floors and bathrooms. The 212-bed hall also received a new elevator and entrance, as well an enhanced lounge space for students to meet. Heating, ventilation and Wi-Fi along with mechanical, plumbing, and fire protection systems were also upgraded.
"This $19 million investment in SUNY New Paltz's residence hall will help to attract New York's best and brightest students from across the state," Governor Cuomo said. "By upgrading and improving campuses throughout our top-notch SUNY system, we create a learning environment that fosters innovation - helping to mold the state's next generation of leaders."
The project was done to LEED-Gold standards under the U.S. Green Building Council's sustainability and energy efficiency guidelines. Low-emitting materials were used to ensure air quality. Bike racks and water bottle fill stations were installed, as was energy-efficient lighting. Energy performance is expected to be nearly 30 percent better than code, supporting Governor Cuomo's Executive Order 88, which is to achieve a 20 percent 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 percent of State building space, are central to the BuildSmart NY effort. The Bevier 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 percent and decreasing energy consumption in buildings by 23 percent.
DASNY President & CEO Gerrard P. Bushell said, "The modern, sustainable upgrades to Bevier Hall provide students with best-in-class living and learning space and give SUNY New Paltz an advantage in the competition for the world's best minds. DASNY is proud to deliver these improvements with speed and efficiency as we partner to strengthen the economic foundation of New York State."
SUNY New Paltz President Donald P. Christian said, "Providing our students with access to state-of-the-art living and learning spaces, like Bevier, meets the call for high-impact teaching and learning practices. These modern facilities provide students with the opportunity to actively engage in the College community and to learn about themselves and others, to explore their interests, and become leaders beyond the classroom."
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO, Alicia Barton, said, "Governor Cuomo's commitment and investment in energy efficiency in public buildings will significantly help the University reduce its energy bills and carbon footprint. This project at Bevier Hall demonstrates that energy efficiency measures in our buildings is a financial and environmental win-win for all New Yorkers."
Ulster County Executive Mike Hein said, "This new residence hall at SUNY New Paltz will help bring this campus into the 21st century while offering students a unparalleled place to live and work. I thank Governor Cuomo and our partners at DASNY for this major investment in the university."
The project is part of $47 million in Capital Projects being completed for SUNY Campuses statewide. It is also the third in a series of major residence hall renovations DASNY has completed at SUNY New Paltz. Each exceeded expectations by being completed in a little more than seven months. The upgrades at Crispell, Lefevre and Bevier halls makes them ready to serve a new generation of students while meeting modern efficiency standards. The projects were financed through DASNY's SUNY Dormitory Facilities Program, which issues low-cost tax-exempt bonds supported by student residence hall fees.
View project photos here.
About Reforming the Energy Vision
Reforming the Energy Vision is Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's strategy to lead on climate change and grow New York's economy. REV is building a cleaner, more resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers by stimulating investment in clean technologies like solar, wind, and energy efficiency and requiring 50 percent of the state's electricity needs be generated from renewable energy by 2030. Already, REV has driven a nearly 800 percent growth in the statewide solar market, enabled over 105,000 low-income households to permanently cut their energy bills with energy efficiency, and created thousands of jobs in manufacturing, engineering, installation and other clean-tech sectors. REV is ensuring New York State reduces statewide greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and achieves the internationally-recognized target of reducing emissions 80 percent by 2050. To learn more about REV, including the Governor's $5 billion investment in clean energy technology and innovation, please visit www.ny.gov/REV4NY and follow us at @Rev4NY.