Case Study: The Whitehouse goes Solar

America's most famous residence now gets some of its energy directly from the sun. In late 2002, the White House installed its first-ever solar electric system, including putting 167 solar electric panels on the roof of the main maintenance building, which feed electricity into the White House grounds' power supply.

Two solar thermal systems were also installed, to heat the pool and spa and provide domestic hot water.

Case Study: New England Regional Laboratory

One of these model facilities is the New England Regional Laboratory in Chelmsford, Massachusetts - one of EPA’s ten regional laboratories. It was built with a goal to use the best available materials and technologies to minimize energy and resource consumption and maximize use of natural, recycled and non-toxic materials.

The building was designed to be completely energy efficient. 100% green wind-powered electricity is used inside the building. Natural shading and the installation of photovoltaic awnings reduces the need for cooling by shading the office on the outside while reducing glare and heat on the inside.

Windmills such as these help generate power for the EPA New England Laboratory, which runs on 100% green power.

Devices such as electronic sensors, waterless urinals and low-flow sinks were installed in restrooms to help reduce water wastage. This has brought the building to 20% below the EPA standard for water consumption.

More than 50% of all waste produced during construction was recycled. Furniture and appliances from the old EPA Laboratory were also transferred and reused in the new building. In addition, any furniture that wasn’t needed in the new building was donated to local schools and post offices.

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