I.park Norwalk is energy efficient June 25, 2007
By Kathryn Moschella
Mercury Solar Systems installs Solar Electric System In Former PerkinElmer Property
Greenwich, CT, June 25, 2007 – The former PerkinElmer building on the Norwalk-Wilton line, now called i.park Norwalk, is undergoing a major renovation that includes the installation of a solar electric system to meet energy efficient standards that are part of a $50 million renovation project. Mercury Solar Systems of Greenwich is installing an array of solar panels to generate solar electricity in the middle of what will become a green roof on the 400,000 square foot building.
The building, at the intersection of the Merritt Parkway and Route 7 was acquired by Greenwich-based National RE/Sources. The structure will become a corporate campus and half the office space will house medical offices and staff affiliated with Norwalk Hospital. It is called the “ipark” 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.
Mercury Solar Systems is placing a 54-panel photovoltaic system sized at 11kW on a section of the building that has a new roof which has been resurfaced and will be visible from the main conference room. Solar panels collect the sun’s energy and convert it into direct current electricity. Solar electricity is a major cost savings, helps to relieve congestion in the electrical grid, and reduces fossil fuel consumption that contributes to global warming.
“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,” states 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 extremely important from an environmental standpoint.”
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 fully-equipped fitness center and indoor pool which will help promote wellness.
“Solar electricity fits our goal of having class A energy efficient office space that’s a commercial role model for conservation,” comments Lynne M. Ward, vice president of leasing at National RE/Sources. “ipark is attracting a diverse tenant base because of its value, pleasant environment, amenities and prime location.”
Mercury Solar Systems provides turn-key solar electric power systems for commercial and select residential customers in the New York Metropolitan area. The company has offices in New Rochelle, New York and Greenwich, Connecticut. Mercury Solar Systems educates, engineers, designs, and installs electric and hot water solar power systems to enable clients to produce clean electricity and hot water and reduce their energy costs significantly.
As a pioneer in sustainable development and the cleanup of formerly industrial sites, National Re/Sources has spent 15 years focusing on real estate projects that have revitalized the environment. Founded in 1996, NRE has acquired and redeveloped over $1 billion of formerly industrial sites. The i.park program has transitioned these properties from their industrial heritage to modern high-tech facilities to meet the needs of today’s corporate and technology users. Information about National Re/Sources is available at www.nationalresources.com/NRE/.
