The ambitious goal of achieving net zero energy status and LEED Platinum certification is becoming a reality for Tree Pittsburgh’s new campus thanks in large part to a $134,800 solar and sustainability grant from the Green Mountain Energy Sun Club.

As a nonprofit dedicated to restoring and protecting the city’s urban forest, Tree Pittsburgh is committed to serving as a leader in sustainability.

The donation from the Sun Club, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing sustainability, will help establish them as the only agricultural organization in Pennsylvania powered by 100 percent solar energy.

“Tree Pittsburgh enriches the local community by connecting people to nature and educating them on the many environmental, social, economic and health benefits trees provide,” said Mark Parsons, president of Green Mountain Energy Sun Club. “Supporting organizations like Tree Pittsburgh is why the Sun Club was founded, and we’re proud to help them achieve net zero and LEED Platinum certification.”

Tree Pittsburgh’s sustainability project includes:

-- 57-kilowatt solar array on the roof of Tree Pittsburgh’s new office building;

-- Battery system for solar energy storage;

-- Rainwater capture system to collect 100 percent of rooftop runoff for landscape irrigation; and

-- Tree planting along the campus’ riverfront to restore critical riparian zone.

“We are so thankful for the Sun Club's generosity,” said Danielle Crumrine, executive director of Tree Pittsburgh. “Their donation of solar equipment for our new campus along the Allegheny River allows our building to be more sustainable and will benefit our organization and the environment for years to come.”

Arbor Aid Music Festival

The public is invited to attend Tree Pittsburgh’s annual Arbor Aid music festival, which benefits the urban forest, and Pittsburgh’s first-ever Pawpaw Fest on September 23, 2017, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Carrie Furnaces National Historic Landmark.

The family-friendly music event will include 10+ bands and artists, kids’ activities, food trucks, local beer and all things pawpaw.

The Sun Club, along with city officials, will dedicate the sustainability project before performer Melinda takes the stage at 4:30 p.m. The Sun Club will also have solar powered popcorn and a community art piece involving solar panels.

To date, the Sun Club has donated more than $6.5 million to support nearly 100 nonprofits in the Northeast and Texas through solar and sustainability projects like the one at Tree Pittsburgh.

To learn more about the Sun Club and how to nominate a worthy nonprofit for a sustainability grant, visit the Green Mountain Energy Sun Club website.

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[Posted: Sept. 22, 2017]

9/25/2017