New York, NY – NYC Mayor Bloomberg and HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan were on hand Monday, June 18th, for the grand opening of Via Verde – a 222-unit green affordablehousing complex in the Bronx developed by Jonathan Rose Companies and Phipps Houses, and designed by Dattner Architects and Grimshaw. Bright Power’s energy-saving innovations – including a building-integrated solar electric system, and high-efficiency heating, ventilation and lighting systems – are featured at the complex.
Mayor Bloomberg hailed Via Verde as “one of the most innovative, exciting, environmentally sustainable affordable housing developments in the nation – if not the world.”
“Via Verde is the epitome of green development,” said HDC President Marc Jahr. “In making green part of our ethos, we require energy efficiency, water conservation and healthy air quality indoors and outdoors. And just as important—we hold the bottom line steady—lower operating costs mean lower overhead which translates into more sustainable affordability.”
Winner of the 2006 New Housing New York competition, this urban infill project includes a green roof, community vegetable gardens, green interior finishes, and rainwater harvesting. The 66-kW building-integrated photovoltaic system is a signature feature. “With nearly 300 SunPower 230-Watt panels, the system is expected to produce over 66,000 kWh annually, cutting common area electricity costs by $13,000 annually,” says Andrew McNamara, Bright Power’s Vice President of New Construction and Renewables. “The combination of solar with energy-efficient features trims the property’s energy bills by 30% and contributes towards the anticipated LEED Gold rating.”
Bright Power provided energy efficiency services to the development team on the solar design, requirements for Enterprise Green Communities, LEED and ASHRAE, and savings analysis. Additionally, Bright Power contributed to developing a successful LEED Innovation in Design (ID) credit: Design for Health Through Increased Physical Activity.
View live data from the building and solar PV system
Feature in Domus Magazine
Visit the Via Verde website
Bright Power – a leading provider of renewable energy, energy efficiency and green building solutions for multifamily, commercial and industrial buildings – is a recognized leader in NYC solar installations. Bright Power is currently in the installation phase of what will be the largest residential solar PV system in New York State (210 kW, Brooklyn). The solar team specializes in designing elegant, safe, cost-effective systems that respond to the most aggressive bid and construction schedules.
Contact: Andrew McNamara, amcnamara@brightpower.com, 212-803-5868 ext. 2002
Photo credit: Ruggero Vanni and Phipps, Rose, Dattner & Grimshaw