New York Construction Report staff writer
The Department of Citywide Administrative Services, Brooklyn Museum and New York Power Authority announced a $48 million energy efficiency project aimed at modernizing the museum’s building systems and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The comprehensive upgrades include installation of a solar array over an existing parking area, an advanced building management system, HVAC improvements and electrification of the museum’s humidification system. The project also calls for converting the museum’s aging steam heating plant into a high-efficiency hot water system designed to reduce fuel consumption.
Officials said the initiative will transform the century-old cultural institution at 200 Eastern Parkway into a more sustainable facility while preserving its historic structure and improving operational efficiency.
“This administration is putting every square inch of this city to work in our green transition,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson. “The $48 million energy efficiency project at Brooklyn Museum will transform a century-old building into a modern example of our sustainable future.”
The project is fully funded by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services and delivered in partnership with the New York Power Authority’s energy services program. Completion is expected in mid-2027.
Officials estimate the upgrades will reduce emissions by about 3,300 metric tons of greenhouse gases, equivalent to removing roughly 725 vehicles from the road.
Brooklyn Museum Director Anne Pasternak said the project advances the institution’s long-term sustainability goals while preserving its role as a public cultural space.
The scope also includes a new solar carport system that will generate renewable electricity year-round and provide shaded parking. The system will enable real-time energy monitoring to support efficiency tracking and reporting.
Additional improvements include an electrified heat recovery chiller and high-efficiency condensing boilers designed to reuse waste heat from cooling systems, lowering overall energy demand. A new electric humidification system will help stabilize gallery conditions to protect artwork and collections.
Officials said the project is intended to serve as a model for modernizing historic public buildings while reducing environmental impact.
New York City Chief Climate Officer Louise Yeung said the effort demonstrates how cultural institutions can play a role in broader climate goals through infrastructure investment and energy modernization.
