Celebrate the completion of another successful green initiative by the Forest Preserve District
WHAT: A celebration of the installation of a solar power system on the Fleet Management building at Blackwell Forest Preserve in West Chicago, which will offset approximately 110% of the building’s existing electrical energy consumption
WHO: Forest Preserve District of DuPage County officials, including President Daniel Hebreard and commissioners; Friends of the Forest Preserve District; Friends’ green-energy endowment fund donors; and other invited guests
WHY: To commemorate the Forest Preserve District’s most ambitious solar project to date and mark another achievement toward the Forest Preserve District’s renewable energy goals
WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 4, at 10 a.m.
WHERE: Fleet Management building at Blackwell Forest Preserve, located at 29W222 Mack Road in West Chicago
BACKGROUND: The Forest Preserve District’s 2019 master plan prioritizes green initiatives Districtwide to reduce the District’s reliance on fossil fuels, energy costs, and carbon footprint. In 2020 the District hired a consultant to evaluate the feasibility of installing solar power at Blackwell’s Fleet Management and Facilities Management buildings. The study determined the Fleet Management building, constructed in 2018, with its east-to-west orientation, few obstructions, and 23,000 square feet of available roof offered an excellent opportunity for the installation of a 260.2 kW solar array.
The new system will save taxpayers an estimated $24,000 annually and reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 230 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year. It will also allow the District to sell back up to 10% of any excess energy from the prior year annually with ComEd’s net metering program.
The District plans to offset installation costs through multiple financial incentives for solar projects, including Solar Renewable Energy Credits, ComEd’s Distributed Generation Rebate, and private donations.
CONTACT: Before the event:
Beth Schirott, Community Relations
630-871-6401| bschirott@dupageforest.org
Beth Schirott, Community Relations
630-871-6401| bschirott@dupageforest.org
On site:
Anamari Dorgan, Director of Community Engagement Services
630-462-5654 | adorgan@dupageforest.org
Anamari Dorgan, Director of Community Engagement Services
630-462-5654 | adorgan@dupageforest.org
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has been connecting people to nature for more than 100 years. More than 6.2 million people visit its 60 forest preserves, 166 miles of trails, six education centers and scores of programs each year. For information, call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org, where you can also link to the District’s e-newsletter, blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok pages.
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