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
| Mar 8, 2011
Building, energy performance rating site launched
The Institute for Market Transformation and the Natural Resources Defense Council announced the launch of BuildingRating.org, the world’s first comprehensive resource on energy performance rating and disclosure policies for commercial buildings and homes.
| Mar 2, 2011
New ASHRAE standard may be too broad for the Canadian market
New Standard 189.1 from the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), which goes beyond energy efficiency to include provisions that affect construction, post-occupancy monitoring, and site control, may be too much for the Canadian market—at least for now.
| Mar 1, 2011
Honeywell to implement China’s first smart grid project for managing energy use in commercial buildings
Honeywell announced it was selected to develop and implement China’s first smart grid pilot project and feasibility study for managing energy use in commercial buildings, also known as demand-side management. The project is part of a grant agreement signed today between the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and State Grid Electric Power Research Institute (SGEPRI), sponsor of the project and a subsidiary of State Grid Corp. of China.
| Feb 22, 2011
Military tests show copper increases HVAC efficiency, reduces odors
Recent testing, which is being funded by the Department of Defense, is taking place in military barracks at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Side-by-side comparisons demonstrate that air conditioning units made with copper suppress the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew that cause odors and reduce system energy efficiency.
| Feb 10, 2011
Zero Energy Buildings: When Do They Pay Off in a Hot and Humid Climate?
There’s lots of talk about zero energy as the next big milestone in green building. Realistically, how close are we to this ambitious goal? At this point, the strategies required to get to zero energy are relatively expensive. Only a few buildings, most of them 6,000 sf or less, mostly located in California and similar moderate climates, have hit the mark. What about larger buildings, commercial buildings, more problematic climates? Given the constraints of current technology and the comfort demands of building users, is zero energy a worthwhile investment for buildings in, for example, a warm, humid climate?
