Binghamton University breaks ground on $70M Smart Energy facility

Binghamton University has begun construction of a $70-million Smart Energy Research and Development Facility. The 114,000-square-foot facility will house Harpur College of Arts and Sciences' physics and chemistry departments, according to the Press & Sun Bulletin.

Research conducted in the new building will focus on energy-efficient technologies, including making solar power economically competitive and energy transmission technology.

The Smart Energy project will support more than 500 local jobs, including about 200 construction jobs, and the facility will have a direct economic impact of $78.5 million on Broome and Tioga counties during its construction phase, according to BU's Office of Institutional Research & Assessment.

The facility will be a brick, metal and steel two-story building and builders will follow LEED Platinum standards throughout construction, according to BU.