The U.S. General Services Administration continues to make the federal government greener.
In celebration of Earth Day 2011, GSA hosted a ribbon-cutting Wednesday, April 20, at the
The GSA invested $2.6 million, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, to tune up and re-commission the 35-year old federal facility, making it more energy efficient. The project included the installation of a ballast-mounted photovoltaic array (3,808 solar panels) on the roof.
The solar project installation will generate enough electrical energy to power 150 standard homes for one year. Additionally, GSA will be installing and operating a solar hot water system that will provide hot water to the building's child care center, cafeteria and fitness center.
The building tune-up includes small-cost, high-impact changes to motors, sensors and equipment that affect energy consumption. The overall goal is to reduce energy demand, reduce operation and maintenance costs, and improve building system control and occupant comfort. The project also includes water conservation measures.
