The greening of the old school
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From left to right, Solar Energy Systems officials John Salmon and Chris Patak, Mike Flynn of M&T Bank and Jonathan Whitney, president of the Tuxedo Park School Board of Trustees, hold one of the 218 solar panels that will provide 30 percent of the school’s energy.
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State-of-art solar system will provide nearly 30 percent of Tuxedo Park School’s energy
TUXEDO PARK - The Tuxedo Park School, one of the oldest pre-secondary schools in the country, is now ranked among the top schools nationwide for energy efficiency.
The school, which received the EPA’s Energy Star rating in 2008, recently took yet another step in its quest for “green” with the installation of a solar panel system designed to provide nearly 30 percent of the school’s energy.
“The solar panel installation not only reduces our reliance on energy produced by fossil fuels,” Headmaster James Burger said in a press release announcing the installation, “it also shows our students, their families and our neighbors that sustainable practices are affordable, can be consistent with historic homes, and provide a small but important step toward a greener planet for the next generation.”
Operational since July, 218 shiny metal panels, known as a ”photo voltaic system,” are housed on the roof of a wing adjacent to the main building, Blairhame, which was constructed by John Insley Blair back in 1915.
In its first two months of operation, the system has generated 15 megawatts of electricity and reduced carbon emissions by 22,650 lbs.
“This was an exceptionally unique project for Solar Energy Systems to install a state-of-the art photo voltaic system on a building of such historical and architectural import,” said Chris Patak, head of project development for Brooklyn-based Solar Energy Systems, a leading integrator of solar electric systems in the Northeastern United States.
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| Jonathan Whitney, President, Tuxedo Park School Board of Trustees; Mike Flynn, M&T Bank; students Faith Loehr, New Windsor, Darrien Pulos, Harriman; Santino Stropoli, Cornwall; Perrin Clark, Ridgewood, N.J., Chris Bell, Campbell Hall; Morris Pulver, Highland Mills; Nick Shaw, Tuxedo Park; Emma Zahren-Newman, Florida; John Salmon and Chris Patak, Solar Energy Systems, and Headmaster James Burger. Photo provided by Lynn La Sala |
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Patak added that the 50 kilowatt system will offset about one-third of overall energy use.
The project was funded in part by a grant awarded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. Through authority’s partnership with M&T Bank, prime financing for the completion of the project was secured.
Tuxedo Park School has engaged students in a widespread concerted “green” effort. Energy conservation strategies include the newly installed solar panels, the practice of unplugging coffee pots, turning off light switches and computers and installing energy efficient windows. In addition, an organic garden produces vegetables for the school’s lunch menu.
Future plans include a rainwater retention system for the front of the Middle chool.
“Our hope is that all of us, especially the children who will benefit most, will work toward and demand, a greener and sustainable future through improved technology and solutions like the solar arrays we have utilized here,” said Burger.
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