New York State buildings, including hospitals, are working to meet the state’s mandate of achieving 11 trillion BTU of energy savings by 2025. However, hospitals face particular energy-related challenges that will require an ongoing commitment to meet the state’s energy efficiency mandate. Hospitals are the most water-intensive facilities in the country, representing seven percent of all commercial and institutional use. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, inpatient healthcare ranks as the second largest commercial energy user, after the food service industry. Hospitals must address these issues – and continue to conserve water and energy, and minimize costs – without compromising the care they deliver to their communities.
Goals for 2026:
- Continue progress on the NYSERDA funded heat recovery project.
- Continue the curtain wall project and estimate savings realized.
- Develop a general maintenance sustainable landscaping policy.
Recent Highlights:
Curtain Wall
Stony Brook University Hospital underwent the replacement of its existing end-of-life curtain wall system cladding on its (2) hospital bed towers (Nort & South). The intent of the project was to improve building efficiencies and enhance patient and staff safety and comfort. The existing system was creating stress on HVAC systems and the associated interior spaces. With over 150,000 vertical square feet of facade replacement the project’s goal was to modernize the curtain wall system while maximizing energy efficiencies. Through thermal analysis during the design documentation phase, our engineering consultants determined that the newly proposed system would increase the building’s energy efficiency by approximately 30%. Further analysis completed during pre-construction increased this number to approximately 40% through the selection of glass e-coatings, pressure plate material composition, and more robust sealants. With the project being approximately two-thirds complete at the time of this submission, the efficiency impacts can already be seen. The North Tower is 100% complete and thermal imaging evidence (attached) can now confirm that the building’s air separation has strengthened with temperature values showing a 20-25 degree difference between the newly installed system and the existing.
Continuous Retro Commissioning
Stony Brook University Hospital has a continuous retro-commissioning process in place for the building management system. The building management system is monitored 24/7 and the expectation is that all systems run in automatic mode. When a building cannot operate in automatic mode, a work order is entered into the work order management system. The work order is then given to the Building Management System vendor to take corrective action. The corrective actions are expected to be made within a 15-day window. HVAC system components operate air handler dampers in economizer mode utilizing return air or outside air depending on the outside air temperatures. The air handlers operate on a discharge air reset based on outside air temperatures. All air handlers and pumps have had VFDs installed and operate in automatic mode from pressure sensor setpoints. All mechanical systems are checked for leaks during daily rounding and leaks are repaired within 15 days. The individual VAV boxes are on a preventative maintenance schedule, verified and calibrated by the Building Management System vendor. The process has provided reliable and consistent energy savings.
Recent Recognition:
In 2025 Stony Brook University Hospital was awarded the Energy Circle of Excellence from Practice Greenhealth. The Energy category celebrates hospitals that are leading the sector in energy efficiency and strategic energy use planning. Leaders generally have energy managers and written programs to reduce energy use over time. They are tracking energy use intensity and ENERGY STAR performance metrics and sharing details on comprehensive project implementation and staff engagement strategies.
The New York Power Authority (NYPA) awarded SUNY Stony Brook (including Stony Brook University Hospitals) the Outstanding Commitment to Energy Efficiency award! The award recognizes NYPA customers for their leadership and innovation in advancing clean energy projects throughout New York State.
Team Leaders:
Melissa Murphy, Michael Cullen, John Pluchino, James Prudenti