Photo: The project is part of a broader initiative led by the New York Power Authority to reduce emissions at the state鈥檚 largest public facilities.听Photo Credit: Brooklyn College听
By Lindsey Coulter听
BROOKLYN, N.Y. 鈥� Brooklyn College has launched a major step toward meeting its campuswide decarbonization goals with the drilling of a 500-foot-deep geothermal test well, marking its participation in New York鈥檚 Decarbonization Leadership Program (DLP) and positioning the institution as a leader in sustainable campus infrastructure.听
The project, which kicked off during World Environment Day on June 5, is part of a broader initiative led by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to reduce emissions at the state鈥檚 largest carbon-emitting facilities. Brooklyn College is the first City University of New York (CUNY) campus to undergo this level of geothermal testing. The results will determine the viability of a fully integrated low-carbon energy system on campus.听
鈥淧articipating in Gov. Hochul鈥檚 Decarbonization Leadership Program is a pivotal step in CUNY鈥檚 commitment to environmental stewardship on our campuses,鈥� said Mohamed Attalla, CUNY vice chancellor of facilities planning, construction and management, in a statement published by the college. 鈥淓xpanding on renewable energy is a key strategic direction for CUNY including geothermal. Brooklyn College was envisioned as a suitable site and many sites will follow.鈥�听
The initiative centers on the campus鈥� West End Building (WEB), a 20,000-square-foot academic hub that serves as an academic and student life center. A $10 million award from the New York State Bond Act will fund its conversion to a geothermal heating and cooling system that will provide the facility with 100% carbon-free climate control.听
Already equipped with hydronic infrastructure, the WEB is considered ideal for a geothermal retrofit. It houses a variety of high-use spaces, including a large open-use computer lab, multimedia classrooms, the Undergraduate Film Department, 16 student clubs and a student testing center.听
鈥淏rooklyn College is proud to play a vital role in advancing clean energy innovation,鈥� said College President Michelle J. Anderson in a statement. 鈥淭his initiative stands as a cornerstone of the college鈥檚 commitment to building a cleaner, more resilient future.鈥�听
The geothermal project is being delivered in partnership with NYPA, which provides energy services to public institutions across the state. Under the DLP, NYPA supports facilities with energy audits, engineering, installation and construction services aimed at accelerating the state鈥檚 climate goals.听
鈥淏rooklyn College鈥檚 efforts to explore the viability of a geothermal system is an exciting milestone in the school鈥檚 journey toward decarbonization,鈥� said Maribel Cruz-Brown, NYPA senior vice president of customer solutions, in a statement. 鈥淚t exemplifies how the public sector is driving progress through collaboration and strategic planning.鈥�听
CUNY is the nation鈥檚 largest urban public university system, enrolling nearly 240,000 students across New York City. Brooklyn College, a senior CUNY institution with a 90-year legacy, serves approximately 15,000 students across more than 100 academic programs.听 Other CUNY campuses, including Hunter College and City College, are developing decarbonization action plans through the same program.听
NYPA, the largest state public power organization in the U.S., generates more than 80% of its electricity from renewable hydropower and plays a key role in transitioning New York鈥檚 public facilities toward sustainable energy.听