STONE RIDGE – SUNY Ulster is undergoing a $2.6 million energy conservation makeover with the cost of the project expected to be funded through energy savings over a 15 year period.

The college has selected Johnson Controls to assist in the energy conservation upgrade.

Under the contract with the company, the upgrade is expected to reduce the college’s energy use by almost 1.3 million kWh per year, is to eliminate the need for 578 gallons of fuel oil and reduce the college’s co2 emissions by 537 metric tons per year.

Based on the 2005-2006 utility bills, the college’s average annual utility cost is $605,150. Based on an energy study conducted by Johnson controls, the potential exists to reduce energy use and achieve total annual utility cost savings of $195,300 and annual operating and maintenance savings of $14,880.

Upgrades include retrofitting older, less energy efficient equipment with state-of-the-art energy using equipment. The project will also address water conservation and a renewable energy system in the form of a solar hot water hearing system.