FIT is being recognized by New York City for its impressive 50 percent reduction in energy use and 55 percent reduction in carbon emissions since 2005, amounting to a $3.1 million annual savings. In fact, it is being held up as a model for reducing energy consumption through equipment upgrades, in New York and in other U.S. cities.
Over the past 11 years, the college has implemented a master plan for improving its energy-efficient infrastructure, from the heating and cooling equipment to hot water heaters, insulation, and LED lighting. A recent case study, published by industry nonprofit the Building Energy Exchange and New York City’s Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), describes FIT’s best practices in converting and upgrading equipment, training staff on the new equipment, evaluating those improvements, and getting buy-in from the community, all steps that have made the energy reduction efforts such a success.
In conjunction with the case study, representatives from FIT—Sherry Brabham, treasurer and vice president for Finance and Administration, and Albert Palmaccio, director of FIT’s physical plant for ABM Engineering Services—contributed to a panel discussion on September 20, Designing an Energy Efficiency Master Plan: A Spotlight on FIT.
Additionally, two contributors to FIT’s success have been named Energy Champions by DCAS over the past two years. Allen King, associate executive director of facilities, was honored with a 2018 Energy Champion award at a ceremony on October 24 at the American Museum of Natural History. Palmaccio was an Energy Champion last year. The accolade celebrates individuals who are making a difference in energy and greenhouse-gas reduction throughout the city.