Stantec bringing solar and wind energy to a new 89,000 s/f building in the Brooklyn Navy Yard

According to Stantec, a new, 89,000 s/f building is under construction at the Brooklyn Navy Yard that will feature energy-saving solar and wind-generated power as part of a renewable energy pilot program. The building, expected to be completed this summer, will be occupied by SurroundArt, a fine arts services firm that will make the building a part of its new Museum Resource Campus. In partnership with National Grid Energy Services, the Perry Ave. building will test photovoltaic, or PV, solar energy production. PV technology uses solar cells or panels to convert sun energy into electricity. The energy captured by the PV panels will serve the general electric pool of the building, working in parallel with the grid to reduce the building's use of conventional fossil fuel sources of electricity.  Wind turbines on the roof will also contribute to the building's base electrical supply and are tied to the main electrical switchgear. Combined, the alternative energy sources are expected to decrease reliance on traditional energy sources by as much as 5%. High-efficiency designs for the building shell and building  systems will reduce energy consumption further. Designed by Stantec architects, the Perry Ave. building is designed to meet the standards for Gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. To achieve this rating, the building also incorporates such features as the use of recycled rain water in toilets, reflective roofing and pavement to reduce surface temperatures, recycled building materials, high-efficiency lighting fixtures, natural ventilation systems, and special accommodation for bicyclists and low-emission vehicles. "The Perry Ave. building will stand as a proud example of green construction and design in an industrial setting," said Joseph Donovan, architect and principal at Stantec. "We are committed to sustainability and applaud the efforts of SurroundArt and the Brooklyn Navy Yard for embracing the cause." The three-building SurroundArt Museum Resource campus includes the new Perry Ave. building, another 71,000 s/f in building three at the Navy Yard and the adaptive re-use of the historic, century-old Paymaster Building. Stantec's role is as architect of the exterior of the Perry Ave. building, while Steven Kratchman Architect has been selected for interior and campus design.  Stantec is involved in hundreds of renewable energy projects across the U.S. and Canada, including studies, design and environmental work for a number of large-scale wind projects. The firm is also helping to develop a new process to convert waste fats, oils and greases into useful energy, and has designed scores of LEED-certified buildings. "Stantec brings tremendous experience and know-how in green building design to the Perry Ave. project and we could not be in better hands," said SurroundArt CEO Michael Murray. "We are extremely proud and excited to move into what will be the nation's first multi-story, multi-tenanted LEED Gold Industrial Building."