AVONDALE, PA — Green Mountain Energy and the Stroud Water Research Center have unveiled a new 55-kilowatt rooftop solar array, marking an important step in sustainability for the environmental research organization. Made possible by a $141,000 sustainability grant from the Green Mountain Energy Sun Club, the project includes a ceremonial “Flip the Switch” event on Wednesday, April 23, to celebrate Earth Month.
The solar array, which offsets 23% of the center’s energy use, is expected to eliminate nearly 80,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions annually and produce over $125,000 in lifetime energy savings. The financial boost will enable the Stroud Center to expand its free educational programs, benefiting 5,675 additional low-income students from Pennsylvania public schools during the system’s operational life.
“We are incredibly grateful for this partnership and $141,000 sustainability grant from Green Mountain Energy Sun Club,” said David Arscott, Ph.D., executive director of the Stroud Center. “The energy savings from the solar array will empower us to continually integrate sustainability into our operations every day.”
Green Mountain Energy has been advancing sustainability through its Sun Club since 2002, funding more than $16 million in projects across Texas and the Northeast. “We are honored to collaborate with the Stroud Center to expand their educational outreach,” said Johnny Richardson, program manager of Green Mountain Energy Sun Club. “Empowering communities with sustainable principles ensures future generations will remain committed to nurturing our planet.”
The celebration also includes a volunteer event where 20 Green Mountain Energy employees will plant trees along streams and maintain forested buffers as part of the center’s mission to promote healthy waterways.
This initiative highlights the growing intersection of clean energy and environmental education, emphasizing long-term benefits for both the planet and local communities.
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