The Renewable Energy/STEM Center at Suffolk County Community College’s Michael J. Grant Campus has received the prestigious Gold Award for Sustainable Architecture at the 2024 Global Future Design Awards. Designed by AECOM, the building stands as the first net-zero energy STEM facility for both Suffolk County Community College and Long Island, highlighting the institution’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainable design.

The 24,000-square-foot facility serves as a beacon of sustainability, embodying the three pillars of the sustainability triangle—economic, environmental, and social. Designed to maximize natural light and reduce energy consumption, the center features photovoltaic panels, insulating berms, geothermal wells, and a central demonstration garden, all of which enhance its role as a teaching facility for renewable energy systems.

In line with Passivhaus standards, the center boasts high thermal performance with R-40 insulation, U-0.15 glazing, solar shades, and daylight sensors to limit the need for artificial lighting. Additionally, its Variable Refrigerant Flow HVAC system, integrated with a Ground Source Heat Pump, ensures efficient ventilation throughout the building.

Aiming for LEED Gold certification, the center exemplifies both passive and active building systems, focusing on indoor environmental quality. As a “living laboratory,” it prepares students for future academic and career paths in sustainability, making the Renewable Energy/STEM Center an innovative and valuable resource for the community and beyond.