New York's first 'net-zero' energy firehouse opens in upstate

NEW PALTZ, N.Y. – Ulster County is now home to something new — New York’s first completely energy efficient firehouse.

The New Paltz Fire Department’s new building will have net-zero energy consumption, thanks, in large part, to solar panels lining the building’s roof.

The firehouse also has other sustainable energy features, including radiant floor heating, smart systems for lighting and air circulation and energy-efficient heat pumps.

County Executive Jen Metzger said this is part of Ulster County’s commitment to green solutions.

“They’re good for the environment, but they also, they’re just practical from a cost perspective,” she said. “Long-term from a public health and community perspective, as well. So, there are just so many reasons to make these investments in clean energy.”

She also hopes New Paltz’s firehouse will be a model for more like it throughout New York. 

“It’s especially important for emergency facilities to be highly resilient to climate change, in addition to just being energy efficient and the rest,” Metzger said. 

Funding for the solar panels was made possible through clean energy community grants provided by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.