flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

California cuts its carbon footprint with solar

Sponsored Content Energy Efficiency

California cuts its carbon footprint with solar

Over the life of the combined systems, more than 580,000 tons of carbon dioxide will be eliminated.


By Panasonic | March 16, 2015
California Cuts its Carbon Footprint with Solar

Photo courtesy of Panasonic

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

Green | Feb 4, 2015

Illinois leads top 10 states for LEED green building

Collectively, 1,662 commercial and institutional projects became LEED certified within the top 10 states in 2014, representing 251.7 million sf of real estate. 

Sponsored | Metals | Jan 30, 2015

Want greater energy savings? The answer is right above you

A recent study finds that metal roofs can cut energy costs.

Energy Efficiency | Jan 28, 2015

An urban wind and solar energy system that may actually work

The system was designed to take advantage of a building's air flow and generate energy even if its in the middle of a city.

| Jan 21, 2015

Tesla Motors starts construction on $5 billion battery plant in Nevada

Tesla Motors’ “gigafactory,” a $5 billion project on 980 acres in Sparks, Nev., could annually produce enough power for 500,000 electric cars.

| Jan 14, 2015

Winners of the 2014 Architecture at Zero competition announced

The competition challenged design teams to create zero-net-energy buildings for the Jack London Gateway project site in Oakland, Calif. 

| Jan 7, 2015

Department of Energy seeks public input on definition for zero-energy buildings

A broadly accepted market definition of zero-energy buildings is foundational to efforts by governments, utilities, or private entities to recognize or incentivize zero energy buildings. 

Smart Buildings | Jan 7, 2015

NIBS report: Small commercial buildings offer huge energy efficiency retrofit opportunities

The report identifies several barriers to investment in such retrofits, such as the costs and complexity associated with relatively small loan sizes, and issues many small-building owners have in understanding and trusting predicted retrofit outcomes.

| Dec 28, 2014

Using energy modeling to increase project value [AIA course]

This course, worth 1.0 AIA LU/HSW, explores how to increase project value through energy modeling, as well as how to conduct quick payback and net present value studies to identify which energy strategies are most viable for the project.

| Dec 19, 2014

Zaha Hadid unveils dune-shaped HQ for Emirati environmental management company

Zaha Hadid Architects released designs for the new headquarters of Emirati environmental management company Bee’ah, revealing a structure that references the shape and motion of a sand dune.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category


Sustainable Design and Construction

Northglenn, a Denver suburb, opens a net zero, all-electric city hall with a mass timber structure

Northglenn, Colo., a Denver suburb, has opened the new Northglenn City Hall—a net zero, fully electric building with a mass timber structure. The 32,600-sf, $33.7 million building houses 60 city staffers. Designed by Anderson Mason Dale Architects, Northglenn City Hall is set to become the first municipal building in Colorado, and one of the first in the country, to achieve the Core certification: a green building rating system overseen by the International Living Future Institute.



halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021