Purchase College Awarded $50 Million for Geothermal Energy Infrastructure

BCW Member Purchase College will receive $50 million in funding for a major geothermal energy initiative as part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s $1 billion Sustainable Future Program—the largest climate investment in New York State history.

This strategic investment will support the design and initial construction of a campus-wide thermal energy network, which utilizes underground piping to distribute heating and cooling across multiple buildings. The project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 65%, significantly lower utility costs, and serve as a foundation for future sustainable infrastructure.

Governor Hochul allocated $200 million of the Sustainable Future Program to expand thermal energy networks at municipal and State-owned facilities, including several campuses within the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Purchase College is one of three SUNY institutions selected for this initiative, alongside SUNY Buffalo and SUNY Stony Brook.

“Purchase College is excited to be at the forefront of sustainability and clean energy. We are grateful to Governor Hochul and our representatives in the New York State Senate and Assembly for this investment,” said Purchase College President Michael E. Steiper, PhD. “We are eager to get to work on this new project, which will have a significant, positive impact on our campus, the wider community, and our environment for decades to come.”

“This project is transformative from an environmental, economic, and educational perspective. When completed, the campus will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 65 percent while reducing utility costs and integrating sustainable projects into the curriculum,” said Tom Kelly, Senior Energy and Sustainability Manager at Purchase.

“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. 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,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr.

Purchase College is recognized for its environmental stewardship. It is designated a Green Campus by the Princeton Review and holds a Silver STARS rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). Sustainability is embedded across campus operations, academics, and community engagement.

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