2. What it means to be green…
NYU Green Action Plan
One of the nation’s largest wind-credit purchases (118 million kWh)
The Next Generation of CoGeneration (CHP)
Sustainability = Recycle, Re-use, Understand your impact on the environment

3. CoGeneration… The Next Generation is CHP
Combined Heat and Power Production (CHP)
More Efficient
Clean Energy
Fuel Conservation
CHP is the simultaneous production of electricity and useful thermal energy (let’s learn more!)

4. Conventional Generation
“CHP can increase operational efficiency and decrease energy costs, while reducing emissions of greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.” U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Conventional Generation
30% of energy input (fuel) converted to energy output (electricity)
70% loss of energy (as heat) emitted to environment
CHP (turns the formula around by using the wasted heat)
70 to 90% of energy input (fuel) converted to energy output (electricity and heat)
10 to 30% loss of energy
Runs on natural gas, and sometimes low sulfur fuel

5. (Remote from thermal users)
Conventional Generation
Pollution
70% Waste Heat
Fuel 100%
30% Electricity
(Remote from thermal users)
Power Plant

6. (On or near thermal user sites)
Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
Pollution
10-30% Waste Heat
Electricity
70-90% Steam
Chilled
Water
Fuel 100%
CHP Plants
(On or near thermal user sites)

7. CoGeneration at NYU Current CoGeneration Operation
30 year old equipment (was good at the time)
Runs mainly on diesel fuel
Supplies electricity to 7 University buildings
By 2008, need the plant to be retired in order to meet environmental code
NYU Decision to invest in CoGeneration/CHP
Large initial capital investment ($110 – 120 million)
Responsible investment because of immediate environmental benefits and long-term financial benefits
Expand capacity to supply energy to 30 University buildings
Removal of University buildings from over-burdened ConEdison lines
If NOT CoGeneration/CHP
Was alternative to take current CoGen off-line and NOT replace with new CoGen…but,
$60 million to take current plant off-line, reconnect buildings to ConEdison lines and install local generators and fuel tanks to meet life safety and critical load emergency power requirements
Similar construction impact but with very negative implications for the environment
Machinery would need to be added (likely to rooftops) of University buildings

8. Environmental Benefits of NYU’s CoGeneration/CHP Plans
Pollutant *
Con Edison **
New CoGen Plant
Reduction
% Reduction
(tons)
CO2
150000
92500
57500
38%
Regulated Pollutants
1400
240
1160
83%
Particulate Matter
462 60
402
87%
* Emissions factors based on NYSERDA published data
** Based on similar load capacity as new plant

9. Environmental Benefits
38% Reduction in CO2
CO2 seen as leading cause of global warming
83% Reduction in Regulated Pollutants
NOx – causes smog
SOx – causes acid rain
Carbon Monoxide
87% Reduction in Particulate Matter
Leading cause of asthma, particularly a problem for children

10. NYU’s Planned CoGeneration/CHP Plant is equivalent to…
NYU planting 7.8 million trees
NYU eliminating emissions from 5.8 million gallons of gas burned per year
Removing 10,000 cars from the roads per year

11. “It’s Not Easy Bein’ Green” Kermit the Frog
Long-term benefits require up-front investment
Capital Investment (NYU)
Patience Investment (NYU and Community)

12. CoGeneration/CHP Location
Plant underneath Warren Weaver Hall
251 Mercer St.
Two options for new plant location
Mercer Street
Gould Plaza

13. Mercer Street Option Pros Empty space/earth where plant can be located
Ultimate improvement to Mercer Plaza
Community input on ultimate plaza design
All equipment fits below ground
No loss of classroom space for the University
Mercer Street wider and would allow project work to take place without full street closing
Cons
Disruption to neighbors on Mercer Street
More expensive construction project than Gould Plaza option
Temporary loss of trees in the immediate area
Mercer street partially closed

14. Gould Plaza Option Pros Less disruption to Mercer neighbors
Easier construction site
Potential for shorter construction time frame
Cons
More disruption to very compacted area on West 4th Street and Washington Square Village
West 4th Street a smaller street, full street would have to be closed at times
Permanent loss of 15 classrooms (approx. 15,000 square feet)
Immediate classroom relocation a difficulty, would most likely need variances to allow the relocation
Classrooms are used primarily by one school (Stern School of Business); moving classrooms out of Stern’s building will cause complications for scheduling classes; and increases above ground foot traffic as students shuffle between classes
Not all equipment fits below ground; portions of equipment would have to be located above ground on 3rd Street

15. Expanding the conversation about Trees
If Mercer option pursued:
25 trees in current area
Manhattan Forestry/NYC Parks Department overseeing and directing options for trees during project
For trees that are removed and can not be replanted (for size, age and quarantine reasons): University pays to plant the equivalent # of new trees in Community Board #2 area
University plants new (mature) trees at the end of the project

16. New Mercer St. Park Mature trees, up to 30 feet tall can be planted
Plaza will be greener, nicer and more user-friendly
Heating vents will go away
Whole area benefits from beautification

17. London Plane Tree
At Halka Tree Nursery, NJ
30 foot high, 10 inch caliper
Oak Tree
Planted spring 2005, photographed summer 2006
28 foot high, 8 inch caliper

18. Honeylocust Tree
Planted November 2005, photo June 2006
22 foot high, 6.5 inch caliper
Honeylocust Tree
At Halka Tree Nursery, NJ
25 foot high, 7 inch caliper

19. Mercer Plaza transforms into Mercer Park