In spite of mixed signals in our current political climate, California is one place that’s moving full steam ahead with its efforts to increase the use of alternative and green energy.
Hello brothers and sisters. One great example of lowering our carbon footprint is a project that has just been completed at Local 332 in San Jose. The union hall looks like many others from the street, but on the roof, it’s an entirely different matter.
600 new state of the art solar panels are providing all of the power to the hall, making it a net zero energy building. It was part of a $3.2 million upgrade that also includes a new high-tech LED lighting system.
The beauty of it is…with the energy savings being realized, the system will pay for itself in short order and demonstrates Local 332’s concern for our environment.
And there’s more. The building will serve as a showcase for “ECAP”, NECA’s energy conservation and performance platform. It’s part of a new venture that will allow a NECA contractor to approach building owners about the benefits of going solar. Under the turn-key program, project development, insurance, and financing are all presented as a one-stop shop through the contractor, allowing owners an attractive avenue to upgrade their building, while the savings on energy pay down the note.
All the while, of course, IBEW brothers and sisters do the work.
Local 332’s building will serve as a showcase…”Exhibit A”, in the sales presentation and the hope is that NECA contractors will use this as a model to get more work opportunities, not just in California, but across the country.
Finally, there’s one last benefit that’s going to be hard to miss. When planes are in their final approach landing at the San Jose International Airport…This is what everyone on the left side of the aircraft is going to see.
Congratulations to everyone involved in the project, and let’s hope it is the first of many!
That’s it for now. See you again soon. Thanks for the click and remember every hour counts.
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