NORWALK-For i.park Norwalk, going green starts at the top.
The former Perkin Elmer site straddling the Norwalk-Wilton line on Route 7 will feature solar roofs and also green roofs, all part of a $50 million renovation of the 400,000 square foot building.
Several tenants, including Norwalk Hospital, Soundview Medical Associates, Source Marketing and LA Fitness have already committed to space there.
"Solar electricity fits our goal of having class A energy efficient office space that's a commercial role model for conservation," said Lynne M. Ward, vice president of leasing at National Re/Sources, which owns the building. "i.park is attracting diverse tenant base because of its value, pleasant environment, amenities and prime location.
Mercury Solar Systems of Greenwich installed a 54-panel photovoltaic system on a section of the building that has a new roof. Solar panel's collect the sun's energy and convert it to direct current electricity. Solar electricity is a major cost savings, helps to reduce congestion to the electrical grid, and reduces fossil fuel consumption.
"The conversion to solar electricity is a viable option for all businesses in the Northeast and in Fairfield County where the electricity rates are among the highest in the country," said Jared Haines, president of Mercury Solar Systems. "The combination of federal tax credits, cash incentives offered by the state of Connecticut, and the savings of electricity costs outweigh the investment. In the case of i.park Norwalk, this is important from an environmental standpoint."
The building, in fact, is called i.park because of its intelligent renovation in design and infrastructure that complies with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards developed by the U.S. Green Building Council.
As an added environmental bonus, the building will house a two story atrium with natural lighting and bamboo trees to provide a tranquil setting along with a fitness center and indoor pool to help promote wellness.
i.park will also feature low E Energy Star windows and energy efficient HVAC systems to achieve LEED certification.
Founded in 1996, NRE has acquired and redeveloped more than $1billion of formerly industrial sites.
