The Town Of Elizabethtown Actively Embraces Green Building Practices In Their Planning and Construction
WILMINGTON, NC, October 28, 2011 – Cape Fear Solar Systems, LLC, Southeastern North Carolina’s leading provider of solar system design and installation services, has completed a commercial installation of a solar water heating system at the newly opened Cape Fear Farmer’s Market in Elizabethtown, NC.
The solar thermal system will enable this renovated building to benefit from the sun’s energy and offset the majority of the town’s monthly expenses related to hot water heating. “Using solar in new construction is a forward thinking approach to managing water heating costs as all new buildings have a water heater in the budgeted. With a slightly higher investment up front for a solar thermal system, property owners can profit from 25+ years of free hot water, courtesy of the sun,” states John Donoghue, President of the Wilmington based Cape Fear Solar Systems, LLC.
The renovation of the site is a fine example of The Town of Elizabethtown working with contractors and architects to embrace green practices and actively integrating them in their planning and construction. The Town of Elizabethtown was definitely thinking green in this project, building a place where locally grown fresh produce will be sold. The installed solar system not only instantly saves money on the building’s operating costs, it promotes good environmental stewardship by burning less fossil fuel while providing more energy independence for the future. All together, this solar system will have a positive impact on the environment and the entire Elizabethtown community.
Four US manufactured AET solar thermal collectors were installed on the roof and are visible from the parking lot. However, for those that would like to understand the functioning of the solar thermal system in more detail, a glass window has been placed in the wall of the storage room, where the solar hot water tank is located. “We simply wanted to display the tank and associated electronic measuring devices, which demonstrates to people what is going on so they can be aware of the system’s function and resulting benefits to the community,” states J. Terry Cox, Architect of the new Farmer’s Market building. A sign board with supporting graphics and a schematic installed next to the viewing window explains further ‘How It Works’.
Elizabethtown Farmers’ Market received funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to create an area for farmers to sell their locally grown produce. “This project, which supports USDA’s ‘Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food’ initiative, includes modifications to an existing grocery store to accommodate the farmers market, as well as the construction of a covered outdoor air market space and new parking layout,” states U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre on his web site. “The grocery store is a 60-year-old local landmark and the revitalization helps Elizabethtown retain its small town charm while enhancing economic opportunities, strengthening local food systems and creating a stronger link between local food production and local consumption,” the article closes.
