Brooklyn College Breaks New Ground—Literally—in Statewide Push for Clean Energy

BROOKLYN, N.Y. - June 11, 2025 - PRLog -- Drilling began last week at Brooklyn College on a geothermal test well that marks the college's and CUNY's bold leap toward a fossil fuel-free future.

In partnership with the New York Power Authority (NYPA) under the Decarbonization Leadership Program (https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-decarbonization-leadership-program-reduce-carbon-emissions-state) (DLP), a 500-foot-deep test borehole was drilled to assess the college's geothermal potential. The program directs NYPA to develop energy and emissions profiles and decarbonization action plans for the State's largest carbon-emitting facilities. This test well drilling paves the way for a comprehensive, low-carbon energy system on campus.

Brooklyn College is the first CUNY campus to undergo this specific testing. Other CUNY institutions developing decarbonization action plans under the DLP include Hunter College and City College.

The timing of this groundbreaking couldn't be more fitting, as it coincided with World Environment Day on June 5, reinforcing Brooklyn College's reputation as one of the greenest (https://www.brooklyn.edu/bc-brief/brooklyn-college-recogn...) campuses in the nation. This project shows that clean, affordable geothermal energy can replace fossil fuels in public buildings, even in dense urban settings, cutting emissions, lowering energy bills, and helping New York meet its bold climate goals.

At the heart of Brooklyn College's project is its West End Building (WEB), one of the campus's busiest academic and student life centers. Thanks to a $10 million award from the New York State Bond Act (https://environmentalbondact.ny.gov/), the building will be fully converted to a geothermal heating and cooling system—a clean, renewable alternative that offers 100% carbon-free climate control.

Already outfitted with hydronic infrastructure, the WEB is an ideal candidate for geothermal integration. Once operational, the system will enhance indoor comfort and energy efficiency while eliminating reliance on traditional fossil fuels.

Spanning over 20,000 square feet, the WEB houses a 10,000-square-foot open-use computer lab, the Undergraduate Film Department, multimedia classrooms, 16 student clubs, and the Student Testing Center—making it a high-impact site for sustainable innovation.

To learn more, go here: https://www.brooklyn.edu/bc-news/brooklyn-college-breaks-new-ground-literally-in-statewide-push-for-clean-energy/