As part of Earth Week, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that SUNY Oneonta has become the first SUNY campus to power part of its campus with 100% locally sourced renewable energy, thanks to a first-of-its-kind partnership with NYSERDA’s Tier 1 Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) program.

The campus will use the clean energy to fully power four 200-bed residence halls—totaling 1,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity in 2025. This marks a major milestone in New York’s statewide push for carbon neutrality and campus sustainability.

The $2 million REC purchase is part of NYSERDA’s voluntary Tier 1 REC Presale Program, which allows organizations to buy environmental attributes from new, state-approved wind and solar sources. The model is designed to be replicated by other universities, corporations, and institutions across the state.

“SUNY Oneonta is setting an example for how public institutions can take real, measurable steps toward carbon neutrality,” said Governor Hochul. “This partnership provides a blueprint that other SUNY campuses—and institutions across New York—can follow.”

The transaction supports SUNY Oneonta’s Clean Energy Master Plan, which targets carbon neutrality by 2045. That plan includes converting buildings to heat pump systems and expanding solar power use alongside this REC purchase.

“As co-chair of the SUNY Sustainability Council, I’m proud of this step toward addressing climate change,” said SUNY Oneonta President Alberto Cardelle. “Sustainability is one of our core values, and this action aligns with our commitment.”

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris praised the partnership: “Securing locally-sourced renewable energy for our campuses is critical to New York’s energy leadership. We’re proud to collaborate with SUNY Oneonta to lead this charge.”

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said the initiative will serve as a case study for other campuses. “We applaud SUNY Oneonta for being the first to embrace this path forward. The learning we gain from this program will inform clean energy strategies across the system.”

The REC program supports New York’s broader climate goals under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, including an emissions-free electricity grid by 2040 and a just transition that directs at least 35% of benefits to disadvantaged communities.

Assemblymember Brian Miller called SUNY Oneonta “a leader” among New York institutions. “They’re showing how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand,” he said.

For more information on NYSERDA’s REC program, visit nyserda.ny.gov.