Earthplace is a mixed-use facility (nature center, preschool facility, water quality testing laboratory) located on 50 acres in Westport, Connecticut.  MHR provided project planning and implementation services including solar PV installations, heat destratification, water conservation, and other measures. 

These clean energy improvements at Earthplace reduce long-term operating expenses while creating a healthier and more comfortable environment for building occupants.  To advance their long-term commitment to sustainability (moving towards Net Zero energy), Earthplace completed an ambitious energy retrofit to address deferred maintenance, creation of new laboratory space, along with various mechanical, LED lighting, and building envelope improvements.  The project also included a second roof-top solar system.  Collectively, these energy infrastructure upgrades will reduce the facility’s consumption of grid-supplied electricity by over 50%.

This multi-measure energy upgrade has received awards from the Connecticut Green Bank and 2030 Districts.  The project leveraged several funding sources, including Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing from the Connecticut Green Bank, incentives from Eversource Energy and Renewable Energy Credits (ZRECs), and a solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

This was one of the first C-PACE financed projects in the town of Westport: a multi-measure retrofit utilizing “technology agnostic” financing.  The project has received various awards, such as the Pacesetter Award from the Connecticut Green Bank and the 2030 District Gold Award.

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As part of a second phase, MHR installed an advanced, building-wide clean air system to combat the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  Additional measures included a new air-source heat pump and energy recovery ventilation system.