By Yasmeen Khan
On October 28, 2024, the CUNY Building Performance Lab (BPL) hosted its Student Project Showcase at City College, spotlighting student-led initiatives in the evolving fields of building science and sustainability. This event offered students a platform to present projects focused on real-world challenges with realistic solutions, as well as presentations sparking engaging discussions among attendees from academia, industry, and the community.
Event Highlights
The event began with remarks from Yasmeen Khan, Director of the Energy and Carbon Management Training (E-CMT) program, followed by Elaine Mahoney from NY State Homes and Community Renewal, the collaborating state organization with E-CMT. Neil Padukone of the NY Climate Exchange shared insights on urban sustainability, and Cristina Garcia from Con Edison delivered a keynote on her career and the impact CCNY and CUNYBPL have had on her career in New York.
Student Presentations
The showcase featured two sessions of student projects:
Session 1:
1. Benchmarking and Local Laws – Presented by Arifa Sultana, Cassandra Johnston, and Mashrat Ahmed, showcasing the NYC Sustainability Help Center’s role in guiding building owners through energy regulations and their expansive free training opportunities.
2. Empowering Building Owners – Artem created a guide and website to help building owners understand best energy efficiency practices and how to access government funded programs.
3. West Harlem Energy Proposal & Retrofit Lab – Arrif Asavaviriyakul shared a retrofit plan that blends Local Law 97 compliance with community engagement. Through technologies like EnerPHit and DERMS integration, buildings in West Harlem were retrofitted in an attempt to meet Local Law 97 requirements.
4. Retrofitting Subdivisions in Merida, Mexico – Mariel Jaquez explored sustainable urban design through community-oriented retrofits. By widening a 600m long median along a busy avenue, various micro-spaces such as community gardens and pocket parks would be added to create third spaces for pedestrians.
Session 2:
1. Hazard Mitigation in Western Queens – – Mitaly Chakraborty focused on building resilience with local partnerships. By partnering with New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) and local community organizations, students will empower residents to develop effective strategies that address urban planning challenges and promote resilience.
2. Rockaways Hazard Mitigation Plan – Genesis Reyes discussed disaster preparedness efforts for coastal neighborhoods. In partnership with NYC Emergency Management and the Far Rockaway Arverne Nonprofit Coalition, her team worked to develop a hyperlocal Hazard Mitigation Plan for the Rockaways.
3. REV Campus Challenge – Mamadou Salihou Bah tracked energy efficiency measures at CCNY NAC campus buildings by tracking which variable air volumes terminals were served by which air handling units in one of CCNY’s buildings.
4. Solar Thermal and Heat Pumps – Divyaprabha Chandrasekar analyzed renewable technologies’ impact on energy savings in order to understand the financial incentives and rebates of NY to give building owners a practical investment.
Panel Discussion and Networking
During the break between Sessions 1 and 2 of the student presentations, attendees participated in a game of Green Bingo, collecting signatures from others who could answer sustainability-related questions. Later, the panel discussion on Building Science & Urban Sustainability featured experts from Solar One, JobsFirstNYC, WE ACT, and The HOPE Program. They explored career trends in the green economy, strategies for career growth, their own unique career journeys, and practical advice for students entering the field. The event rounded off with attendees engaged in discussions during the
poster walkaround session.
Looking Ahead
In closing, Yasmeen Khan thanked students and participants, illustrating the role of the E-CMT program in preparing the next generation of the weatherization workforce.
This event demonstrated how BPL students are applying their skills to tackle sustainability challenges with real-life impacts, setting the stage for future collaboration and learning as we continue through the energy transition.
Make sure to check out our Student Project Showcase Brochure attached below, and stay connected with us at CUNY BPL for more updates. Thank you to all who joined us!