Renewable, Distributed, Electrical Generation
Alternative Energy Production
U.S. General Services Administration, 2000
GSA’s New England Region negotiated an MOU with Boston Edison to develop a benchmark solar project; a building integrated solar array, which is actually part of the roof and integrated with the building/utility electric grid. The J.F. Williams Federal Building in Boston, MA, which had been one of the region’s highest cost per square foot buildings, became the recipient of a U.S. Department of Energy “Million Solar Roofs” grant for $150,000. The opportunity to retrofit the building occurred when the building’s dilapidated roof was scheduled for replacement. In order to provide public information on the project, a kiosk was placed in the lobby. It provides energy, weather, historical data, and solar energy information. The kiosk provides a valuable educational resource, as numerous web sites are linked.
Not only has the solar array been able to provide roughly one-third of the electricity demand charges at the site; additionally, the amount of air born pollutants has been reduced. GSA demonstrated a leadership role by showing that renewable energy can be incorporated into an existing structure during routine maintenance replacement or repairs. The project was recognized as a winner in both the Fourth Annual GSA Environmental Awards Program and the Department of Energy’s program, and was submitted for consideration as a finalist for the prestigious White House “Closing the Circle” awards.
For more information, contact Roman Piaskoski at (617) 565-4693 or via e-mail at roman.piaskoski@gsa.gov.
