Reps. Davis and Hall Learn About “Net Zero” Buildings

EAST WINDSOR – State Representatives Christopher Davis (R-57) and Carol Hall (R-59) recently toured the Blake Equipment warehouse facility which was recently certified as the state’s first “net zero” commercial building. Net zero buildings produce as much energy on-site as they consume.

Founded in 1927, the Blake Group specializes in water and thermal energy systems offering products for commercial, residential and institutional buildings.

“It was a very interesting and informative tour,” said Rep. Hall. “I was very impressed with how Blake Equipment made use of this facility to test equipment and installation techniques to improve the services they offer to their customers.”

The 17,000 square foot facility, which is used for manufacturing, repairs and distribution, was completed in late 2017.  The building been certified by the New Buildings Institute as a “net zero” facility, the first in Connecticut to receive such recognition. In order to reach the “net zero” threshold, the building was designed with geothermal heating and cooling, efficient lighting and high performance windows to reduce energy consumption. The result is that the rooftop photovoltaic solar array produces more energy than is consumed on-site.

Rep. Davis commented, “As a member of the Energy and Technology Committee, I was excited to see real-life examples of energy saving technologies in action. It was helpful to learn more about the challenges of properly installing geothermal and solar thermal heating and cooling systems and the costs involved.”

According to a press release from Eversource, “The building began full operations in August 2017 and since then the sustainable energy produced (geothermal, solar thermal, and photovoltaic) have offset 35 tons of carbon, the equivalent to taking 8 cars off the road for a year.”

For more information about Blake Equipment and their case studies, visit their website at www.BlakeEquip.com.