NYSERDA Press Releases

$800,000 from NYSERDA Helps Albany Molecular Research Install Geothermal System and Construct Efficient, High-Tech Laboratories

Albany, NY – Albany Molecular Research, Inc. recently converted its office and warehouse into a state-of-the-art laboratory for pharmaceutical research. Located near the Pine Bush Preserve, Albany Molecular Research, Inc. placed an emphasis on the laboratory's design and reducing its impact on the environment. To help achieve that goal, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) provided $800,000 to offset added costs associated with the energy-efficient and renewable energy measures for their expansion projects in Albany and at their research center in North Syracuse.

"The programs NYSERDA offers are helping commercial customers, like Albany Molecular Research, save energy and cut costs," said NYSERDA President William M. Flynn. "The technical and financial assistance available through our New Construction Program lowers the cost of energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy technologies, which are helping Albany Molecular save nearly $140,000 in annual energy costs. This project clearly illustrates Governor Pataki's commitment to helping businesses grow, while at the same time protecting our environment."

"I applaud Albany Molecular Research for choosing an environmentally sound and energy-efficient approach when constructing their new pharmaceutical laboratory," said Senator Neil D. Breslin (D-Albany). "As a result of NYSERDA's assistance, Albany Molecular has a state-of-the-art facility that does not hinder the surrounding Pine Bush environment."

"As one of the fastest growing companies in the Capital District, Albany Molecular Research will maintain its competitive edge and save thousands of dollars in annual energy costs because of the energy-efficient design of their new laboratory," said Assemblyman John J. McEneny (D-Albany County). "I encourage other businesses to consider the opportunities that NYSERDA can offer."

"One of the greatest challenges of this project was choosing the most cost-effective building technology alternatives," said David M. Coon, facility director of Albany Molecular Research, Inc. "NYSERDA's technical assistance really made a difference."

NYSERDA offers technical and financial assistance to evaluate and design energy-efficient and renewable energy options. The customer receives cash back for installing cost-effective electric efficiency measures in new or substantially renovated buildings. Additional incentives are available to make the building "green" by installing renewable technologies.

Albany Molecular Research, Inc. and the design team, Friedman Fisher Associates, P.C. of Albany, began the project by working with NYSERDA to evaluate the feasibility of installing a geothermal system at the site. An additional $48,000 was provided for the study through NYSERDA's Flexible Technical Assistance Program. The actual design of the geothermal system was provided by Malcolm Pirnie, Inc. of Latham.

"Our experience with NYSERDA and their technical assistance provider, has been a completely successful and enjoyable partnership," said Brad Fisher, chief engineer for Friedman Fisher Associates, P.C.

In the case of Albany Molecular Research, Inc., NYSERDA recommended the following equipment be installed for the Albany expansion:

• Renewable geothermal system using water below the ground to provide
  space cooling to the facility while avoiding visual impacts associated with
  cooling towers in the environmentally sensitive Pine Bush area;
  
  
• Run-around heat recovery system that captures heat or coolness in the air
  exhausted from the building to pre-condition fresh air being drawn into the
  building;
  
  
• Primary/secondary hot water pumping for heating; and
  
  
• Variable air volume and supply systems with direct digital controls to optimize
  the efficiency of the laboratories air handling equipment.

Since 1998, NYSERDA has provided more than $28 million to support more than 400 projects in Albany County. Combined with co-funding from NYSERDA's partners, the value of these projects is more than $60 million. Among some of the other customer NYSERDA is working with in Albany County are Verizon Communications, Inc., Albany Marriott, the College of Saint Rose, and Equinox.

Funding for this project came from NYSERDA's New York Energy $mart^SM program, which is designed to lower electricity costs by encouraging energy efficiency as the State's electric utilities move to competition. The programs are available to all electric distribution customers (residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial) of Central Hudson, Con Edison, NYSEG, Niagara Mohawk, Orange and Rockland, and Rochester Gas and Electric. All New York Energy $mart programs are funded by a System Benefits Charge (SBC) paid by electric distribution customers of participating utilities. NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation established by law in 1975, administers SBC funds and programs under an agreement with the Public Service Commission. Additional information about these programs can be obtained at www.nyserda.org or 1-866-NYSERDA.

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