Village of Honeoye Falls
County: Monroe County
Population: Less than 5,000
Village Hall: (585) 624-1711

The Village of Honeoye Falls Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) and system had an Inflow/Infiltration problem that caused unpolluted stormwater to enter the system during wet weather, which resulted in surcharging of the system, sewer backups, and over capacity limits. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, which permits and regulates the WWTP, strongly suggested that the Village start correcting this problem in order to meet permitted levels of designed flow.

City of Saratoga Springs
County: Saratoga County
Population: 10,001 to 50,000
City Hall: (518) 587-3550

The City of Saratoga Springs entered into an energy performance contract with Johnson Controls in October 2007 to implement facility improvements that would save energy and create a comfortable environment for the City's citizens. Facility improvements were made in 12 City owned buildings. Improvements implemented included updates to old heating and cooling systems, the replacement outdated and unreliable chillers and boilers, energy efficient lighting, weatherization, and the installation of renewable energy sources. Despite the City's limited capital budget, necessary improvements were made to the buildings, and the resulting savings were guaranteed over a 15 year term. The project has generated environmental benefits and during the construction period the project was responsible for a total reduction of greenhouse gases emitted of 812 tons. The renovations done in Saratoga Springs are an example to surrounding cities on how to promote efficient and sustainable practices.

Village of Colonie (Winner)
County: Albany County
Population: 5,000 to 10,000
Village Hall: (518) 869-7562

This project consisted of the demolition of the original Village of Colonie's Department of Public Works garage built in the early 1950's and the construction of a new expanded garage in its place. The original block building which housed the DPW offices and break room was crumbling and the roof was poor. The four DPW supervisory personnel shared an area smaller than some residential closets, and the break room, shared by 20 employees, was very cramped and outdated as well. The shell of the building was advertised for bid and a contract was awarded. The only construction done by the contractor was the footings, four walls, roof and floor. All other parts of this project were completed by on-staff DPW personnel, including the site work rough grading, underground plumbing, all interior framing, electrical, plumbing, sheetrock, drop ceilings, doors, molding, paint and all the finish work. DPW personnel also completely disassembled and demolished the old building. Everything that was reusable was stored and re-used in the new building, including the HVAC rooftop unit.

City of Ogdensburg
County: St. Lawrence County
Population: 10,001 to 50,000
Village Hall: (315) 393-1130

The city of Ogdensburg installed a membrane gas holder several years ago for storing biogas, a byproduct of the anaerobic digesters. The purpose of storing the biogas is to maintain a supply that can be used as fuel for the boiler which is used to heat the digester.  Utilizing the biogas as a fuel source for the boiler minimizes and can eliminate the need for utilizing natural gas to power the generator which provides a substantial cost savings. The project combined all necessary processes to maximize efficient use of the anaerobic digester biogas, which maximizes use of this natural resource, therefore maximizing cost savings to the City. Installing the digester gas conditioning system was an important step in the process to produce the highest quantity of usable biogas available, as well as to remove the troublesome particulate including siloxanes from the biogas extending the life of the boiler and substantially minimizing maintenance on the boiler.

Village of Owego (Winner)
County: Tioga County
Population: Less than 5,000
Village Hall: (607) 687-2282

The Village of Owego undertook a sewer rehabilitation project that will reduce the inflow/infiltration into the collection system and assist the Village in meeting the reduction in nitrogen and phosphorus required by the Chesapeake Bay Tributary Program. The project uses trenchless technology which eliminates pipe joints within the trunk line, thereby improving the flow and reducing friction loss. This decreases the chances of blockage within the lines, which affects service connections to Village residents.

City of Ithaca (Winner)
County: Tompkins County
Population: 10,001 to 50,000
City Hall: (607) 274-6501

The City of Ithaca entered into an energy performance contract with Johnson Controls, Inc. (JCI) to implement infrastructure improvements totaling $4.68 million that will generate approximately $6.1 million in savings over a 15 year period.  The project, which was implemented to help overcome limited capital available for facility improvements, enhance energy efficiency in City-owned facilities, and meet greenhouse gas reduction goals – included lighting, computerized energy management systems, upgrades to heating and cooling systems, replacements of roofs, windows and water meters, and the installation of automated meter reading and leak detection systems. Unique to the performance contract is a web-based learning program, Sustainable Energy Education & Communications (SEEC), that City employees are required to take and for which the City received an award.

Village of Sackets Harbor (Winner)
County: Jefferson County
Population: Less than 5,000
Village Hall: (315) 782-8130

This initiative was the redevelopment of the historic Madison Barracks from an abandoned army barracks into a mixed-use development of residential, commercial and recreational uses. This redevelopment effort included obligations to upgrade the water and sewer systems as well as other infrastructure. The public/private reconstruction of the sewer system has allowed for growth and development opportunities in an otherwise abandoned critical property in the Village of Sackets Harbor.

Village of Tivoli (Winner)
County: Dutchess County
Population: Less than 5,000
Village Hall: (845) 757-2021

The disposal and storage of sewage treatment plant sludge can represent a significant expense for municipalities. The Village of Tivoli was spending over $25,000 annually to bring their sludge to an out of town incineration facility. This expense, coupled with other environmental concerns, persuaded the Village to seek an alternative solution. With the help of local professionals and a NYSERDA grant, the Reed Bed Project was developed.