June 25, 2025
NYS Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner Jeanette Moy today announced that a $136 million capital appropriation spread over five years in Governor Hochul’s FY 2026 Budget will contribute to the full funding of phase one of the decarbonization of the Empire State Plaza, as outlined in the Empire State Plaza Energy Infrastructure Master Plan.
“This $136 million in funding for phase one of the Empire State Plaza Energy Infrastructure Master Plan ensures that we have the means to complete a major step in realizing a significant reduction in the Plaza’s carbon footprint,” Commissioner Moy said. “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, OGS is proud to continue its work with NYPA and all our local partners on this project that will result in cleaner and healthier air in communities surrounding the Plaza while contributing to the fight against climate change and building a greener New York.”
Released in July 2024, the Empire State Plaza (ESP) Energy Infrastructure Master Plan outlines a phased approach to reduce the environmental impacts of the Plaza’s operations. An initial $100 million in funding announced by Governor Kathy Hochul through the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act for phase one of the ESP Energy Infrastructure Plan is facilitating the installation of electric chillers and the installation of a new heat recovery chiller. OGS also received $5 million from the Public Facilities Sustainability Program in 2024.
This additional $136 million in critical funding from the FY 2026 Adopted Budget will be used for building modifications to accommodate the use of a new heat recovery chiller currently in design. These phase one improvements will lead to an estimated 20 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the Empire State Plaza.
Previous energy efficiency work at the Empire State Plaza has included electrifying one of the Plaza’s five steam-driven chillers, installing energy-efficient LED indoor and outdoor lighting systems, and replacing existing emergency generators at the Sheridan Avenue Steam Plant with efficient, low-emission, and low-noise units. These investments have reduced the emissions associated with operating the Plaza. As a continuation of this work, the ESP Energy Infrastructure Master Plan charts the way forward to the decarbonization of the Empire State Plaza.
Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) said, “I’ve long been a proud supporter of decarbonization efforts here in New York State and across our nation — and today’s announcement demonstrates a bold commitment to advancing climate action, energy efficiency, and public health. The full funding of Phase One of the Empire State Plaza Decarbonization plan represents a major step forward in transforming one of our state’s largest and highest-emitting campuses into a model of clean energy innovation. Together, we are moving toward a cleaner, greener future for all.”
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, “I sincerely thank OGS, NYPA, NYSERDA and DEC for collaborating on this important project, Governor Kathy Hochul and the NYS Legislature for committing funding, and our residents who participated in the process on this critical project. The decarbonization of the Empire State Plaza is a labor of partnerships and the truest example of the government delivering for its citizens. Not only does it strive towards meeting our climate goals but it demonstrates a plan that addresses the concerns of the local community. When completed, this project will be a shining example for efficient and renewable energy and the strengths of such projects.”
NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “NYPA is proud to collaborate with OGS to modernize the energy infrastructure of the Empire State Plaza, one of New York’s most iconic landmarks. The Plaza houses more than 12 million square feet of commercial and office spaces and necessitates robust heating and cooling systems. The bold energy efficiency and electrification projects supported by this funding show what we can accomplish when we work together, and highlights New York’s commitment to sustainability and clean energy solutions.”
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “New York’s $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act is a critical tool in advancing large-scale decarbonization projects like the Empire State Plaza, which will help improve air quality and energy efficiency in Sheridan Hollow and other disadvantaged communities across the state that are vulnerable to pollution’s impacts. DEC is proud to support Governor Hochul’s wide-ranging sustainability initiatives and looks forward to working with OGS and other agency and authority partners to reduce the environmental impact of operations, increase energy efficiency, and advance environmental justice.”
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “The decarbonization journey of the Empire State Plaza demonstrates how to achieve large-scale transformative change that is realistic and practical to implement. NYSERDA is proud to work OGS and other agency partners to incorporate modern, energy efficient technology at one of New York’s most significant landmarks, which will ultimately lower operating costs and reaffirms the State’s commitment to pursuing a clean energy future."
State Senator Patricia Fahy said, “For too long, residents in Albany's Sheridan Hollow neighborhood have endured the effects of the Sheridan Avenue Steam Plant. As we strive to transition to cleaner energy sources, we can save ratepayers money while ensuring cleaner air and tackling environmental injustices within our communities. Initial investments in decarbonization we've secured are already saving New York $3.4 million each year and is cutting over 9,000 metric tons of CO₂ annually, or the equivalent of taking nearly 2,000 cars off the road. With Phase One fully funded, emissions at the Empire State Plaza are projected to drop approximately 22% from 2018 levels. When we invest in our clean energy future, we must also ensure we invest first in our frontline communities who have borne the brunt of the climate crisis, like Sheridan Hollow.”
Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh said, "I have worked on the state-led effort to decarbonize for a number of years as an Assemblymember. I first carried a bill that sought to achieve the goal of decarbonizing Empire State Plaza and this year voted for Phase One implementation funding in the NYS budget. Thank you to my legislative partners, Commissioner Moy, and Governor Hochul for the collaboration on this effort. I have always said that New York State has to lead by example and this effort emphasizes New York's commitment to sustainability."
Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero said, "I’m so proud to see the fully funding of Phase One of the Empire State Plaza decarbonization plan come to fruition. Phase one will reduce carbon emissions at the Empire State Plaza by 20%, which is a major win for Albany and for New York’s climate future. This investment will deliver cleaner air, modern energy systems, and good-paying jobs to the region, while prioritizing the health of surrounding communities and advancing long-overdue environmental justice in the 109th Assembly District."
Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said, “The Empire State Plaza is one of the most recognizable landmarks in New York, and it’s time we bring it into the future. This effort to modernize the energy infrastructure of the plaza to reduce emissions is a smart move that sets the right example for the rest of the state. I would like to thank Governor Hochul for her forward-thinking approach to addressing climate change. Projects like these will lead to a healthier, more sustainable city for generations to come. I’m proud to stand behind this effort and eager to see it move forward.”
President of the New York State Building and Construction Trades Council, Gary LaBarbera said, “Decarbonizing Empire State Plaza shows how we can make real, impactful changes as we work to achieve the standard-setting climate goals set out by the CLCPA while also creating family-sustaining union careers in the Capital Region,” said Gary LaBarbera, President of the New York State Building Trades. “The funding of the first phase of this transition to clean energy is crucial to the future of our state, as they lay a proper foundation for our green economy, effectively reduce harmful carbon emissions, and provide hardworking New Yorkers accessible paths to the middle class. We applaud Governor Hochul, The Office of General Services, and NYPA for this investment that will play a role in improving our environment for generations to come.”
New York League of Conservation Voters President Julie Tighe said, “Decarbonizing just 15 of New York’s highest polluting facilities would cut fossil fuel use in state buildings by 40%. It’s an opportunity that is ripe for state leadership and Governor Hochul and Commissioner Moy are demonstrating exactly what that looks like with the Energy Infrastructure Master Plan for the Empire State Plaza. This project will not only help us meet our CLCPA obligations, it will transform one of New York’s most iconic landmarks into a shining example of our clean energy future.”
Building Decarbonization Coalition New York Director Lisa Dix said, “The Building Decarbonization Coalition celebrates this exciting milestone marking the full funding of phase one of the decarbonization of the Empire State Plaza. In addition to reducing emissions locally, this project will show the power of large-scale clean heating and cooling upgrades to make a healthier, more energy efficient New York while creating union jobs. BDC looks forward to continuing to work with the Governor, the Office of General Services, and NYPA on further phases of this project including a thermal energy network, as well as decarbonization plans for other high-emitting state facilities. In decarbonizing the Empire State Plaza, New York is leading by example in showcasing the benefits of building decarbonization.”
ALIGN Climate Director, Jenille Scott, said, “Buildings are among the largest emitters of greenhouse gases in New York state, so any efforts to tackle the climate crisis must center building decarbonization. Our halls of government should be models of sustainability, and decarbonizing Empire State Plaza is a great step forward as we work to reduce emissions and meet our ambitious climate mandates. We thank Governor Hochul for investing in good green jobs and a safe and healthy Capitol for workers, lawmakers, and advocates.”
The Empire State Plaza sits on 98 acres of land in Albany, New York, consists of 14 core buildings, and comprises approximately 12 million square feet of government office space, event space, and public space. The Empire State Plaza is heated by the Sheridan Avenue Steam Plant and receives cooling from the Central Air Conditioning Plant.
Although commissioned before the adoption of the NYPA-administered Decarbonization Leadership Program (DLP), the Empire State Plaza Energy Infrastructure Master Plan lays the groundwork for the Empire State Plaza’s DLP decarbonization action plan. These plans, similar to the newly released ESP Energy Infrastructure Master Plan, guide state agencies on facility improvements that will reduce carbon emissions in support of the State’s bold nation-leading climate goals.
Read the full Empire State Plaza Energy Infrastructure Master Plan.
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