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Creating a Shining example of green architecture
‧Provides a real-world example of renewable energy solutions
‧30% decrease in peak energy costs without sacrificing aesthetics
‧Reduces fossil fuel emissions by 39 tons per year
‧Gives Centerbrook Architects a competitive advantage over other sustainable design firms
Centerbrook Architects has been a leading firm in the practice of innovative “green”
and sustainable design Since the 1970s and believes these characteristics to be
Essential components of all of its projects.
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The Customer’s Challenge
Centerbrook’s office was originally a nineteenth-century mill building that Centerbrook has adapted to meet the needs of a twenty-first century architect’s office. The firm uses the building as a laboratory for green architecture. This allows Centerbrook to demonstrate sustainable technologies to its clients and the public but requires careful consideration when applying new technology to the historic building. Having already installed a micro-hydro plants to offset their Electricity, the firm was looking to utilize solar energy to not only further reduce their electricity demand but also demonstrate to Their clients the many benefits of solar energy.
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The Gloria Solar Solution
Gloria Solar designed a system that completely covers the south facing roof with a 16.5 kW array. It blends into the architecture so well that most people passing by the office don’t realize photovoltaic modules sit atop the building. Gloria Solar also installed a 26.4 kW system along Centerbrook’s back roof. The two systems together produce approximately 20% of their energy and as much as 30% of
their peal load – offsetting over 39 tons of CO2 emissions per year.
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Conclusions
Continuing down a path of sustainability, Centerbrook has taken one more step to reducing their office’s environmental impact while demonstrating the benefits of solar energy. For Centerbrook, the solar arrays are good for the environment and a good investment – generating strong interest from their clients.
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