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NYU to Advance Green Building Projects Throughout System

School News — Thu, 18 Apr 2019 14:21:03 +0000

By Aziza Jackson

ALBANY, N.Y. – New York University (NYU) is moving forward with plans to advance sustainable construction and renovation projects throughout its university system.

Gerrard P. Bushell, Ph.D., president & CEO of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), recently announced that NYU issued $862.8 million in bonds through DASNY. The financing will be used in conjunction with previous financings to advance construction and renovation projects throughout the university system. The $862.8 million issued by DASNY on behalf of NYU was offered as $603.5 million in tax-exempt bonds and $259.3 million in taxable bonds.

The issuance includes more than $83 million in Green Bonds providing investors with the opportunity to directly support projects that NYU has identified as environmentally sustainable. Green Bond proceeds will go toward sustainable construction projects and equipment at NYU’s 181 Mercer Street, 370 Jay Street, and the Langone Health Science Building.

“We are excited to have the opportunity continue our long-standing partnership with New York University,” said Bushell. “In working to reduce the university system’s carbon footprint, we are creating more sustainable communities and helping support Gov. Cuomo’s vision for a cleaner, greener New York.”

The proceeds of the issuance will be used to pay for the construction and equipping of a mixed-use building at 181 Mercer Street, which will include dozens of new classrooms, spaces for performing arts education, training, and rehearsals, student and faculty housing, and a replacement sports and recreation facility. The construction will incorporate a variety of sustainable design features such as:

Connecting to the university’s high-efficiency, green-house gas and pollutant-lowering Co-Generation (CoGen) facility, which produces electricity, heat, and chilled water
Low-flow plumbing
Green roofs and outdoor terraces with low irrigation plants to help naturally cool the building, with a retention tank to manage rainwater runoff.

Other Green Bond-funded university system upgrades include:

Converting the facility at 370 Jay Street into an innovation hub for engineering, applied and urban sciences, and digital technology and media arts. Restoring the existing façade of the building using high-performance, energy efficient windows, and preserving the neighborhood’s aesthetic character, while significantly reducing the building’s energy footprint
Construction and equipping of the Langone Health Science Building, incorporating various green design strategies such as external glass louvers on the south façade to mitigate direct sun and glare, a light-colored roof and paving stones along with vegetated terraces to also reduce energy load and mitigate urban heat island effect, and high efficiency lab equipment.

NYU embraces sustainable building practices, with the vast majority of the 2019 transaction (tax-exempt and the taxable) slated to support green construction and renovation projects. Last year, NYU made a commitment that all new building construction earn LEED Silver designation at a minimum.

“NYU plans to be carbon neutral by 2040,” said Cecil Scheib, assistant vice president for Sustainability. “With DASNY’s support to make sustainable capital projects cost effective here in New York State, NYU can make the most of each construction opportunity.”

The remainder of the Series 2019 bonds financed other projects, including:

Upgrades to the university’s CoGen plant to improve energy-efficiency and accommodate increased electricity, heating, and cooling needs related to expansion, the Co-Gen plant substantially reduced NYU’s carbon footprint when it first came on line in 2011
Upgrades to infrastructure and renovations at 404 Lafayette Street and 708 Broadway
Improvements to academic facilities in Brooklyn for the Tandon School of Engineering
Renovations and equipping of space for use by the university’s Chemical Biology Department at the Silver Complex.

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NJ Voters Approve School Construction Projects

TRENTON, N.J. — Voters in 11 of 13 New Jersey school districts approved requests for more money towards school construction projects. The 11 approved bond proposals total $116 million in construction costs and are eligible for $50 million in state subsidies, according to the New Jersey School Boards Association. The money will fund projects ranging from roof replacements to energy system upgrades to security improvements.
The following 11 school districts approved projects:
• Absecon: approved $5.2 million in improvements to H. Ashton Marsh and Emma C. Attales Schools, as well as necessary furniture, equipment and site work.
• Bloomingdale: approved $1.3 million for various improvements and renovations to Martha Day Elementary and Walter Bergen Middle schools.
• Clinton-Glen Gardner School District: approved $2.1 million for a roof, HVAC and fire alarm system replacement.
• Long Hill Township: approved $3.2 million towards HVAC upgrades at three schools, as well as partial roof replacement at Millington Elementary School.
• Mansfield: approved $6.6 million for upgrades to HVAC, boiler, lighting, roof and fire alarm systems, as well as front entrance security improvements and construction of a new maintenance building.
• Middleton: approved $32.2 million to upgrade geothermal systems at the high schools and middle schools, as well as replace the roofs at the high schools, middle schools and 10 elementary schools.
• Mount Holly: approved $20.4 million towards the installation of security doors, partial roof replacements, HVAC replacements and fire system replacements at three schools, as well as the needed furniture, fixtures and equipment required.
• Mountainside: approved $19.4 million for educational and physical plant renovations, including security and technology updates, at Deerfield and Beechwood schools. Work will include new secure entry vestibules, as well as a new media center and locker room facility renovations at Deerfield School.
• Ocean City: approved about $6 million in improvements and renovations to Ocean City Primary School, as well as the acquisition of equipment and site work.
• Verona: approved $16.6 million in security, technology, fire alarm and other upgrades to six schools, as well as gym bleacher upgrades and façade upgrades.
• Wallington: approved $2.6 million for an interior door replacement, for school safety upgrade, at two schools, as well as masonry replacement, partial roof replacement and interior painting.
The two school districts that did not get approval for construction projects were Glassboro and Greater Egg Harbor Regional. Glassboro requested $26.9 million for security, mechanical and electrical upgrades at five schools, as well as a music room renovation and conversion of space into a performing arts theater at Glassboro High School. Greater Egg Harbor Regional asked for about $40 million to be used towards renovations at all three high schools.

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New Jersey Higher Education Receives $1.3 Billion Boost

TRENTON, N.J. — Colleges and universities in New Jersey will receive $1.3 billion to fund 176 construction and renovation projects that will impact approximately 350,000 students.

The funds come from the $750 million “Building our Future” bond referendum approved by state voters in November as well as funding from the Higher Education Capital Improvement Fund, the Higher Education Facilities Trust Fund, the Higher Education Technology Infrastructure Fund and the Higher Education Equipment Leasing Fund.

“Today we begin a new era of opportunity for New Jersey’s colleges and universities,” N.J. Gov. Chris Christie said in a statement. “To keep more of our best students in the state to make our colleges more attractive research partners for industries looking to bring good paying jobs and business here, we need modern facilities to remain competitive.”

The Educational Facilities Authority, the Economic Development Authority, the Schools Development Authority and the Department of Treasury reviewed 250 projects submitted by various New Jersey higher learning institutions and passed on their recommendations to Secretary of Higher Education Rochelle Hendricks. The list reflects the priorities of the state regarding high education with special attention paid to science, technology engineering and math.

“Our team looked for innovative projects that were in line with the mission of the colleges and New Jersey’s needs. I’m proud that higher education institutions in every region of our state will benefit,” Hendricks said.

According to Hendricks, 46 institutions submitted applications for construction funding, totaling $2.1 billion. Many of the projects selected were shovel-ready and added capacity to the school. Although not all of the projects were funded, many colleges and universities received generous portions.

The campuses of Rutgers University will receive the largest chunk of funding, nearly $357 million, which will fund projects such as an $82 million chemistry and chemical biology building.

Montclair State University will receive $93.8 million to expand academic and research facilities as well as upgrade technology infrastructure. Projects will include the $55 million Center for Environmental and Life Sciences, a 107,500-square-foot scientific research building and the $66 million replacement of the School of Business.

“The new Center for Environmental and Life Sciences will have a direct impact on keeping high-potential science students from leaving New Jersey to pursue their education in fields critical to the state’s economy,” said Robert Prezant, dean of the college of science and mathematics. “The project will support academic programs and cross-disciplinary research in the environmental and life sciences with a focus on sustainability science, pharmaceutical biochemistry and medicinal chemistry.”

With approval to undergo an $86.3 million renovation to the Central King Building, the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) hopes to become a more competitive college in subjects of science and technology.

"These projects are of critical importance to NJIT and New Jersey," said Matt Golden, spokesman for NJIT, in a statement. "They will enable us to expand our capability and influence as a nationally-recognized science and technology university. These projects also will increase our role as a driver of economic growth in New Jersey and throughout the region.”

Rowan University will receive $117 million for a new building for the College of Engineering and a new facility for the university’s College of Business. The new buildings will allow the school to double enrollment in each program.

“In no uncertain terms, this is the critical funding Rowan requires to transform into a major comprehensive public research university,” said Ali Houshmand, president, Rowan University. “This is a tremendous investment by the state in our institution, in Glassboro, and in all of south Jersey.”

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New Jersey Looks to Borrow Millions for Higher Education Construction

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — The time of voting is upon us and in New Jersey it could mean funding for college and university construction projects.

If the state voters approve a $750 million referendum on borrowing for construction at New Jersey colleges and universities, projects would require a 25 percent match by the schools, increasing the value of investment to $1 billion. If voters pass the referendum, it would be New Jersey’s single largest financial commitment to higher education since a 1988 referendum of $350 million.

In order to get voter support, the “Building Our Future” coalition is kick starting a campaign to push for approval.

If the referendum passes, coalition leaders say as many as 10,000 construction jobs could be created in addition to long-term opportunities in New Jersey.

Although the economy is still getting back on its feet, senate president Stephen Sweeney said that passing the referendum “…is something we can’t afford not to do.”

Voters are in agreement so far as results from a Rutgers-Eagleton Poll issued recently noted that 62 percent of likely voters support the bond proposal, up from 56 percent a month ago. Only 27 percent of voters opposed, while 11 percent were unsure at the time.

“As we get closer to the election, support for the higher education bond seems to be solidifying, reflecting the lack of vocal opposition so far,” said political scientist David Redlawsk, director of the Rutgers-Eagleton Poll in a statement.

The referendum does have some restrictions, which will result in only certain higher education projects to receive funding.

The measure dedicates $300 million for the public research universities at Rutgers, New Jersey Institute of Technology and Rowan University. The eight state colleges and universities will be allocated $247.5 million, while two-year community colleges will receive $150 million and private institutions will be funded $52.5 million.

While the referendum seems steep at $750 million, it still will not be enough to cover all the “wish list” items that schools were asked to propose — they came in at a total of $6 billion.

Some may be wary to borrow such a large portion of funds, but others look at the referendum as a step in the right direction.

“This we all view as an investment, said assembly speaker Shelia Oliver in a statement. “This is going to enable our state to generate more revenue and to broaden revenue streams.”

The funding will also help to give students a better chance at receiving a high-quality education in New Jersey.

“It’s about New Jersey kids who are coming out of high school knowing they can receive the top-notch, 21st century preparation in our colleges,” said president of Rutgers, Robert L. Barchi in a statement.

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NJ Schools Receive Funding to Improve Facility Safety

Bayonne, N.J. — As a reward for the Board of Education’s commitment to risk management, the New Jersey School Boards Association Insurance Group granted the Bayonne Board of Education $70,000 for improved safety measures throughout the district.

The grant will go towards the installation and maintenance of a basketball winch system and backstops in the high school, replacement of locker room floors and tiles at Lincoln School pool, replacement of floor tiles in ice rink lobby, and eight pedestrian cross-walk signs, according to the district.

The Burlington, New Jersey-based nonprofit Insurance Group awarded a total of $5 million in safety grants to member districts across the state.

"I commend and congratulate School Business Administrator Leo J. Smith, Jr., and his entire staff for this exemplary award," said Dr. Patricia L. McGeehan, Superintendent of Schools. "We are very grateful for the additional funding during these difficult

economic times."

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Single Source: Cutting Costs Not Classes

The recession has had an immense impact on nearly all segments of the construction industry. But one New Jersey property developer is providing relief with its cost-effective model for schools, hospitals and other institutions.

Based in Gibbsboro, New Jersey, Scarborough Properties developed its single-source model that essentially ensures clients are not responsible for cost overruns.

"The budget set at the beginning is the total amount paid," explains Sean Scarborough, president of Scarborough Properties. "The model works because we understand the risk and create value for the institution by insulating it from cost overruns and unnecessary delays. A construction manager would not be financially liable until several months before construction started, long after decisions about budget and design had been made."

Scarborough Properties — formed more than six decades ago — has developed and owned its own residential and commercial properties, working every element of the development process, marshalling design professionals, construction specialists and banks to build a project the company would own. The firm now owns a wide variety of income-producing properties, such as marinas, retail shopping centers, free-standing pad sites, and single-tenant office buildings.

Its single-source model first evolved in 2000 when ChARTer-Tech High School for the Performing Arts was about to lose its home, which was a former grade school. Scarborough Properties stepped in, arranged financing, designed the building and built it. Today, the Somers Point, New Jersey school is one the strongest charter schools in the state.

"By hiring us to oversee the project from start to finish at a pre-determined cost, the faculty was able to focus on what they are trained to do-provide a great education for the students," says Scarborough.

Jerry Klause, co-founder of the ChARTer-Tech School and president of the Board of Trustees, agrees wholeheartedly. A huge an of Scarborough’s single-source model, he says, "You know what you’re getting into. This allowed us to not worry about anything except what the final number was and that we were basically getting a turnkey situation. I knew what my costs were."

Spanning 40,000 square feet, the $4.3-million school opened in 2000 with 200 students. Today, enrollment is at 240 and there are plans for an addition that will include 2,000 square feet of classroom space and a 500-seat auditorium. The school would then be able to accommodate 400 students. Klause says they are definitely working with Scarborough Properties again.

"We have all the approvals and I am negotiating with the bank right now for financing," says Klause. "We anticipate having the classrooms open for September 2011."

Site work will most likely begin next April. "We want to minimize the amount of construction and noise for the kids so most of the construction will be done in the summer."

Model’s Success

To date, the single-source model has proven to be very successful, largely because Scarborough Properties manages its team of professionals from the outset. Global costs remain in the forefront of the decision-making process during approvals, design and construction.

"There are many trained competent professionals involved in delivering a complex real estate development project," says Scarborough. "They all serve a role, but none have global responsibility."

And while some might point to the construction management model as an answer, Scarborough adds that it falls short in terms of managing a global budget.

"For instance, the construction manager is not responsible for the entitlement process or design — often underway for years prior to the ground breaking."

Future of Model

It would appear that with so many positives pointing towards the single-source model, it would soon become commonplace. But Scarborough doesn’t see this happening any time soon.

"There are few industry professionals that have the skill-set to replicate the model," he says. "The marketplace — architects, construction managers, attorneys and engineers, to name a few — consider it a disincentive to be controlled in the front end of the process by a professional developer. Too often they want to have control of the owner without financial risk."

In emphasizing this point, he says construction professionals often work on an hourly basis and expect to be paid whether or not the project is a success. Construction managers often operate on a cost-plus model.

And as to why this model has not been thought of before, Scarborough says it is because real estate advisory and development services are often made on a consultancy basis and not a performance-based approach. Scarborough manages the process from the owner’s perspective, just as it does for its own developments.

"The single-source model stands this concept on its head because our entire team works for Scarborough Properties, which is paid based upon performance."

Lisa Kopochinski is a freelance writer.

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University Seeks Green Partner

WAYNE, N.J. — William Paterson University of New Jersey recently dedicated its first solar installation, a 3-megawatt photovoltaic facility capable of supplying 15 to 20 percent of the 11,000-student institution’s energy needs — and now officials at the university want to go deeper into renewables on campus.

Lou Poandl, director of physical plant operations at WPU, says the solar installation is the first of several renewable energy projects the university is undertaking and investigating right now. Poandl says the university has begun preliminary research into adding wind power to the renewable energy and sustainability projects it has already implemented.

“We look forward to putting two or three very large wind turbines on campus,” he adds. “But this idea is really still in its infancy and maybe two or three years down the road until implementation.”

In the near future, WPU plans to follow up its most recent solar installation with a 500-kilowatt to 1 MW photovoltaic project, which is likely to begin construction next year, Poandl says. Part of the project could sit atop a science building that’s currently under renovation and expected complete by 2012. They are planning to use products from a business like SandbarSolar.com as they are known to provide custom fittings at an affordable price.

“We’re interested in anybody who is involved in photovoltaics and wants to come to our campus,” says Poandl. ‘Their product or services might be more efficient or may cover a specialty area that fits a niche here that we haven’t already addressed with solar.’

WPU’s 3 MW solar system is situated on photovoltaic pavilions and four roofs campus-wide. SunDurance Energy, based in Edison, N.J., built the project, requiring no capital costs from the university.

William Paterson signed a 15-year solar power purchase agreement with Nautilus Solar Energy, of Summit, N.J., which will own and operate the system selling renewable energy back to WPU at a reduced rate. The university expects to save somewhere in the neighborhood of $4.3 million in energy costs over the next 15 years with the current installation.

William Paterson has saved over $15 million in energy costs since 2002 when an emissions reduction and energy conservation program was put into place, says Poandl.

“We have done many, many projects,” he adds. “Some of them were the proverbial low-hanging fruit — we’ve done light retrofits. We have put in occupancy sensors throughout the campus, in classrooms, offices, conference rooms, and restrooms.”

Other efforts include replacing gas-powered vehicles on campus with electric cars and implementing a campus-wide recycling program for paper, plastics, and other materials. WPU was the recent recipient of a $1.2 million federal grant aimed at upgrading the university’s controls for the HVAC systems on campus.

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N.J. Offers First Ever, Low-Interest Bonds for Charters

TRENTON, N.J. — Finding and affording suitable space has often been a dilemma for charter schools looking to open new facilities or expand.

In New Jersey, officials are easing that pressure by offering $30 million in low-interest, federally subsidized bonds so that charter schools statewide can fund new classrooms and other construction projects, according to a state official.

New Jersey’s Economic Development Authority will look for projects that are construction-ready and award the funds on a competitive basis, says EDA chief executive officer Caren Franzini. Charter schools will have until Nov. 19 to apply for funding.

“This is the first time, to my knowledge, that the state has ever made federal school construction bonds available to help charter schools,” Franzini says. “For the most part, we will be looking for projects that are already under way, with other financing in place, and the loans we will be administering will put the finishing touches on projects so they can move rapidly to conclusion.”

The federal bonds are expected to help New Jersey charter schools leverage nearly 10 times the amount in private sector financing, allowing the schools to deal with their most pressing needs. The state has approximately 72 charters, with another seven expected to come online by next fall, according to news reports.

“Other public schools have always been able to borrow money at a low interest rate to help them meet their facilities needs,” says Rochelle Hendricks, acting education commissioner. “Today, we begin to level the playing field.”

Edited 10-14-10

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Lawmakers May Require Solar Energy for New Jersey School Projects

TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey lawmakers are pushing forward with legislation that would require the construction of solar energy systems for all future school projects. The bill, known as A1084, is one of at least two recent state initiatives, the other occurring in Pennsylvania, that aim at making solar installations more attractive or necessary to build for schools in those states.

Last month, the New Jersey State Legislature’s Assembly Education Committee approved A1084 and referred it to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, which currently has possession of the bill.

The proposed measure mandates that schools built by public school districts or the New Jersey Schools Development Authority have a solar array before receiving approval for construction by the state’s commissioner of education. Proponents have cited benefits ranging from the cost savings and environmental friendliness of using solar to how large, flat school roofs provide ideal spaces for the systems. Other proponents say the bill lacks the wording “where feasible” for those districts without suitable cites for solar.

Opponents of the bill, like Assemblyman David W. Wolfe (R-Brick Township), say requiring solar panels may not be feasible period for every school district.

“We cannot in good conscience support this legislation without the identification of an appropriate funding source,” said Wolfe and other opposed assemblymen in a prepared statement. “School districts are facing serious financial difficulties and the bill’s fiscal impact on those districts, as well as the state, could be significant.”

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Calif., N.J. Schools See Construction Funding Boost

Sacramento, Calif. — State education agencies in California and New Jersey were recently awarded more than $675 million in school construction funds.

In Sacramento, the State Allocation Board announced that it has allocated $408 million in matching funds for 78 shovel-ready school construction projects in 42 school districts. These projects are expected to create more than 7,000 new jobs.

The funding was approved by the SAB under accelerated funding rules approved by the board in May. The program was created to give priority order to $408 million in available Proposition 1D funds, approved by California voters in 2006, to school projects that are ready to proceed with construction.

In order to qualify, participating school districts certified that within 90 days of receiving an apportionment, they would have local matching funds in hand, and at least half of their construction contracts in place. Matching funds typically equal 50 percent of construction costs.

School districts in financial hardship were also able to compete for the priority-ordered funding to purchase sites or begin design work.

If a district fails to begin construction within 90 days, the state will not release funds for the project and the district will be required to move to the back of the line behind other districts that are waiting funding from the state. The result is that the district could potentially wait months to years before receiving funding from the state again.

The SAB also took action recently to ensure that certain districts with imminent health and safety threats would receive the highest priority for future funding when additional cash is available to make apportionments.

Major projects allocated in this most recent round of funding include $59.5 million for new construction within the Desert Sands Unified School District; $68.5 million to relieve overcrowding within the Lennox School District; and $55 million to relieve overcrowding within the Santa Ana Unified School District.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie recently announced that 177 schools districts statewide are eligible for approximately $270 million in funds.

The state funds will support the cost of 740 capital maintenance and construction projects. Including state and local contributions, the 740 eligible projects are estimated to have a value of $697 million. The projects will create as many as 6,000 jobs, according to New Jersey’s Department of Education.

“This funding for school improvements will help school districts keep their facilities properly maintained and ease the burden on local property taxpayers,” says Bret Schundler, New Jersey’s education commissioner.

The state-funded grants represent at least 40 percent of eligible costs for projects in the Regular Operating Districts. An ROD is any New Jersey district not designated as one of the state’s 31 special-needs school districts. State grants are contingent on voter or budget approval of the remaining cost for local school districts.

Grants are approved by the DOE in fixed annual allocations based on a prioritization process that considers critical needs, such as health, safety, special education, renewal of existing buildings and overcrowding. Types of construction include capital maintenance, renovation, expansion and new facilities.

Major awards in New Jersey’s most recent allotment include $19 million for major renovations at Brick Township High School, $4.5 million for the addition of 17 classrooms and other spaces to Kingsway Regional High School and $7 million for an HVAC replacement project at Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District.

New Jersey’s Schools Development Authority currently has a portfolio of 1,126 ongoing grant projects in the RODs.

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