This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Politics & Government

GSA Gives Ziggurat a Spring Greening

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds put solar power to work at the Chet Holifield building—just in time for Earth Day.

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.

Find out what's happening in Laguna Niguel-Dana Pointwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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.

Find out what's happening in Laguna Niguel-Dana Pointwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?