As a society, we’re more aware than ever of the difference we can make purchasing smart, sustainable products and the role we can play shifting to cleaner, greener solutions like renewable energy. As we strive to make our own decisions with environmental responsibility in mind, we expect the companies we know and love to do the same.
Universities, shopping centers, sports arenas, charitable foundations, utilities, and beyond are working with Panasonic to develop bold solar solutions. Why? For many, installing solar is the go-to option for meeting sustainability goals, enhancing reputation in social responsibility, and reducing operating costs.
In fact, the Solar Energy Industries Association recently reported that between 2010 and 2014, residential, non-residential, and utility PV market segments grew significantly year over year. At present, there are more than 15,900 MW of cumulative solar electric capacity operating in the U.S. That’s a dramatic amount of renewable sun power and a monumental step forward on the path to cleaner, greener energy.
Sustainability Savings
Last spring, Panasonic completed a 16.2 megawatt portfolio of California Renewable Energy Small Tariff (CREST) projects. Spanning four locations in Central Valley, the systems pack a lot of power and are prime examples of the real-life benefits of going solar. Over the life of the combined systems, more than 580,000 tons of carbon dioxide will be eliminated. Here’s a peak at what that looks like in…
Waste. Unfortunately, waste is an everyday reality, but what we do with it can make a world of difference. Recycling programs across the nation have helped our communities become more sustainable. While these programs play a crucial part in the “greening” of our society, to reach the level of CO2 eliminated by the Central Valley portfolio it would take recycling 1,836,513 tons of waste.
Trees. Trees purify our air, absorbing CO2 through the process of photosynthesis. The amount of CO2 eliminated by the Central Valley solar systems rival the work of more than 13,541,378 trees. That’s a lot of green.
Households. Unfortunately, the safe haven where we rest our feet and sit down to an evening meal is actually a leading producer of CO2 due to its high consumption of electricity. To reach the level of emissions reduced by Panasonic’s solar installations, you’d have to displace CO2 from the annual electric use of 65,893 homes.
Gasoline. We all know that cars are a leading producer of CO2. Day in and day out, we pay a pretty penny at the pump, but so does our planet. How much CO2 could be eliminated if we were to avoid using 59,279,850 gallons of gasoline? You guessed it, right around 580,000 tons.
Producing both economic and environmental benefits, the savings generated by solar are clear. From stadiums to retail facilities, universities to airports, professionals managing all types of buildings are partnering with Panasonic to develop comprehensive solar solutions. Working together, installing solar becomes more efficient and cost-effective than ever before.
Related Stories
Mass Timber | May 23, 2023
Luxury farm resort uses CLT framing and geothermal system to boost sustainability
Construction was recently completed on a 325-acre luxury farm resort in Franklin, Tenn., that is dedicated to agricultural innovation and sustainable, productive land use. With sustainability a key goal, The Inn and Spa at Southall was built with cross-laminated and heavy timber, and a geothermal variant refrigerant flow (VRF) heating and cooling system.
Office Buildings | May 15, 2023
Sixteen-story office tower will use 40% less energy than an average NYC office building
This month marks the completion of a new 16-story office tower that is being promoted as New York City’s most sustainable office structure. That boast is backed by an innovative HVAC system that features geothermal wells, dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) units, radiant heating and cooling, and a sophisticated control system to ensure that the elements work optimally together.
Headquarters | May 9, 2023
New Wells Fargo development in Texas will be bank’s first net-positive campus
A new Wells Fargo development in the Dallas metroplex will be the national bank’s first net-positive campus, expected to generate more energy than it uses. The 850,000-sf project on 22 acres will generate power from solar panels and provide electric vehicle charging stations.
University Buildings | May 5, 2023
New health sciences center at St. John’s University will feature geothermal heating, cooling
The recently topped off St. Vincent Health Sciences Center at St. John’s University in New York City will feature impressive green features including geothermal heating and cooling along with an array of rooftop solar panels. The geothermal field consists of 66 wells drilled 499 feet below ground which will help to heat and cool the 70,000 sf structure.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 17, 2023
World's largest multifamily building pursuing ILFI Zero Carbon certification under construction in Washington, D.C.
The Douglass, in Washington, D.C.’s Ward 8, is currently the largest multifamily housing project to pursue Zero Carbon Certification from the International Living Future Institute (ILFI).
Energy Efficiency | Apr 7, 2023
Department of Energy makes $1 billion available for states, local governments to upgrade building codes
The U.S. Department of Energy is offering funding to help state and local governments upgrade their building codes to boost energy efficiency. The funding will support improved building codes that reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency, according to DOE.
Cladding and Facade Systems | Apr 5, 2023
Façade innovation: University of Stuttgart tests a ‘saturated building skin’ for lessening heat islands
HydroSKIN is a façade made with textiles that stores rainwater and uses it later to cool hot building exteriors. The façade innovation consists of an external, multilayered 3D textile that acts as a water collector and evaporator.
Government Buildings | Mar 24, 2023
19 federal buildings named GSA Design Awards winners
After a six-year hiatus, the U.S. General Services Administration late last year resumed its esteemed GSA Design Awards program. In all, 19 federal building projects nationwide were honored with 2022 GSA Design Awards, eight with Honor Awards and 11 with Citations.
Geothermal Technology | Mar 22, 2023
Lendlease secures grants for New York’s largest geothermal residential building
Lendlease and joint venture partner Aware Super, one of Australia’s largest superannuation funds, have acquired $4 million in support from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to build a geoexchange system at 1 Java Street in Brooklyn. Once completed, the all-electric property will be the largest residential project in New York State to use a geothermal heat exchange system.
Green Renovation | Mar 5, 2023
Dept. of Energy offers $22 million for energy efficiency and building electrification upgrades
The Buildings Upgrade Prize (Buildings UP) sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy is offering more than $22 million in cash prizes and technical assistance to teams across America. Prize recipients will be selected based on their ideas to accelerate widespread, equitable energy efficiency and building electrification upgrades.