Stony Brook Receives $22M for Cutting-Edge Thermal Energy Systems on Campus

The State University of New York at Stony Brook, as part of New York's $1 billion Sustainable Future Program, will receive $22 million to design and construct two geothermal network projects, one on its West Campus and one at Stony Brook Southampton.

Governor Kathy Hochul made the announcement while participating in the U.S Climate Alliance roundtable on September 24, as she announced the next steps for the Sustainable Future Program, which will accelerate capital projects in New York's transition to a cleaner, greener future. The historic investment - the largest climate investment in New York's history - will create good-paying jobs, lower energy costs for New Yorkers, and slash harmful emissions in the face of federal rollbacks.

"New York is a national leader in climate action, and we're proving that we can build a thriving green economy while protecting our planet," Governor Hochul said. "While others may retreat, we are doubling down. The $1 billion investment from our Sustainable Future Program will directly benefit New Yorkers by making our homes more energy-efficient, our schools healthier, and our communities more resilient. We are creating jobs, improving public health, and ensuring a just and affordable transition for every community."

$200 million is dedicated to expanding thermal energy networks, which use a system of pipes to share heating and cooling resources among multiple buildings. This funding will support projects at municipal and state-owned buildings, and will specifically include several projects within the State University of New York (SUNY) system, including Stony Brook.

"We're grateful for Governor Hochul's ongoing dedication to advancing New York's clean energy future," said William Herrmann, vice president for facilities and services and chief sustainability officer. "This investment empowers Stony Brook to deploy cutting-edge thermal energy systems that lower carbon emissions and boost campus-wide efficiency. It also deepens our collaboration with the state as we translate research into impactful climate solutions."

The funding will support two geothermal network projects. One will expand the existing system at the Southampton campus library to serve additional buildings, and the other will establish a new network on the main campus connecting the Multidisciplinary Engineering and Neuro-AI buildings with the existing engineering complex.

"SUNY remains committed to helping Governor Hochul achieve the state's climate goals, and thanks to her investment we will be able to transition the State University of New York at Buffalo, SUNY Purchase, and the State University of New York at Stony Brook to more efficient and sustainable energy sources," said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. "This funding will help SUNY meet its goal of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions and ensure students will have a brighter, more sustainable future."

"Governor Hochul has made clear her commitment to supporting generational investments like the Sustainable Future Program to foster an improved quality of life for all New Yorkers," said New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris. "Cleaning the air we breathe while lowering energy costs by advancing renewable energy projects, zero-emission transportation options and energy efficient building upgrades provides communities across the state with a critical foundation for a sustainable future."