The Innovative Technologies Complex will soon be installing massive water tanks to harvest rainwater. Our Carmen Perez explains how this green technology works and what it will mean for the university.

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BROOME COUNTY, N.Y. -- In an effort to go green and save money, the ITC complex at Binghamton University will soon be harvesting its own rain water.

"In upstate New York, this is the largest rain water harvesting," said Bill Hall, a university architect.

What is exactly is rain water harvesting? As the name suggests, it is the concept of using what you have, in this case, water. The university will install four massive water tanks that will collect rain water and run-off from buildings at the complex and then reuse it.

"It is also used for flushing toilets in the building, anything we don't actually consume we can use that water for," said Hall.

Once the project is complete the 50,000 gallon tanks will be sitting in this hole behind me. And because the ITC complex will basically be reusing its own water, this is going to amount to significant savings each month on their water bill.

"On a hot summer week, like we have had in the past couple weeks, we are talking about 100,000 gallons of usage per week that usage we don't take it from municipal we actually take it from the tanks," said Hall.

Using their own water will help the complex become more energy efficient, which officials say sets a good example.

Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo said, "By building a facility that is going to be as green as this, it really does send out a strong message throughout the community and throughout the state."

The tanks are part of the construction at the Center of Excellence building and a next step in the university's goal of becoming a leading research institution.

The Center of Excellence at Binghamton University focuses on small scale systems packaging. It is one of six high technology research facilities in the state.