CANTON — At SUNY Canton, sustainability is more tangible than a classroom concept — it exists in the university’s policies, the faculty and staff’s behavior and the buildings they occupy.

Take, for example, the Roos House, a 140,000-square-foot athletics building that opened in 2011.

NYSERDA provided $383,000 in incentives for an energy-efficiency project at the Roos House, which reduced natural gas and electricity use and led to a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design silver certification.

“We appreciate the support from NYSERDA and applaud the governor’s office for committing to principles of environmentally sustainable building design for all new construction and renovations,” said Carli S. Schiffner, interim SUNY Canton president. “Savings from energy-efficient buildings are realized both at the local and state level. It is also particularly apt that we at SUNY Canton follow these guidelines as we teach LEED practices in our alternative and renewable energy systems program.”

NYSERDA’s contribution, funded through its new construction program, helped cover the costs of energy improvements, which include two green roofs and a gray water reuse system to flush toilets.

“Our colleges and universities can greatly assist the state in achieving its energy goals through measures such as those that SUNY Canton has invested in through this project,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., NYSERDA president and CEO. “Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, the state continues to expand its energy-efficiency efforts that will in turn stimulate economic development and create jobs in the local communities where these institutions are located.”

The $45 million athletics facility features a fitness center with new equipment; a lap pool; a field house that includes basketball, volleyball and tennis courts as well as a track; an ice arena; locker room facilities; athletics department office space and a new eatery.

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