Quality of Life

STEP's location in the Capital Region offers proximity to many other cutting-edge, high-tech education institutions and companies. Albany Nanotech is pushing the boundaries of nanotechnology, and is driving the region as a center for research and development in the nanotech industry. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute recently announced the launch of their Center for Future Energy Systems to push the research and development of alternate energy systems. Researchers and collaborators at the University at Albany, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and GE's Global Research Center facility are breaking new ground in many fields including biotechnology, neuroscience, and semiconductor/microchip manufacturing.

STEP is developing as a high-quality technology park where energy and the environment are more than attributes we seek in our firms. They are guidelines we use in designing the facilities. STEP will demonstrate a comprehensive array of sustainable design features, and ideally will be itself a "laboratory" for sustainability. Among the features that NYSERDA intends to incorporate into the STEP design are:

• Respect for the natural setting;
• Recognition of the Adirondack heritage;
• Green building technologies and LEED ratings;
• Creation of active and passive activity zones and recreation features;
• Establishment of common core facilities, including those for the energy sector (electric generation, chilled water, steam, fuel storage capacity) and those for the sanitary sector (potable water, gray water, treatment and recycling); and
• A "Knowledge Community Center" featuring shared common services and small-scale retail to serve the needs of the STEP tenants.

Sustainable design features used at STEP will provide both a marketing feature and long-term operational savings. Creation of a knowledge community will provide focus, momentum, and a sense of place. The design of STEP will help create a location where collaboration and shared resources will distinguish it from other potential locations.

For more information on the assets of living and working in Saratoga County, please visit:

Center for Economic Growth
New York's Tech Valley
Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce
Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau
U.S. Census Bureau (demographics)