Best of the Best, CDG Wins Energy Efficiency Award

Michael Perpall, Architect, Cushman Design Group (pictured, left, with Matt Sharpe of Efficiency Vermont, right), along with our client and project owner (not pictured), AllEarth Renewables, received an Efficiency Vermont Best of the Best Award in the Large Commercial New Construction category for a new office and manufacturing space for AllEarth Renewables in Bristol, Vermont.

From www.efficiencyvermont.com:
“The annual Efficiency Vermont Best of the Best Awards recognize innovative and integrated design approaches for energy efficiency, health, and affordability in Vermont’s commercial and residential buildings, as well as partners around the state who make these projects happen.”

Michael accepted the award at the annual Better Business by Design Conference.

 

The new offices and manufacturing space of AllEarth Renewables, located in a new business district next to a recently completed affordable housing project, is a great exemplar for the Vermont-based solar power company.

The 24,615-square-foot building was built at 50% of the cost per square foot of other like buildings and is heated entirely with electric heat pumps using air-to-water heat pumps for its radiant floors.  The building features tight construction (0.08 CFM75/SFBE-6 sided). Insulated panels provide continuous insulation around the steel structure. Its high-efficiency energy recovery ventilator system ensures high indoor air quality while minimizing energy loss. 

One hundred percent of the building's power needs and ~100,000 kWh excess available to the grid will be provided by the 142 kw solar panels installed on-site. All internet is provided by two Starlinks - no fiber or cable! Phones are on cellular/Wi-Fi and DialPad. There is no Ethernet wiring as all business systems are on wireless Wi-Fi.

The project also fills a need in the Addison County, Vermont, town. It brings a larger manufacturing facility to an area that was perceived as accommodating only modestly sized local businesses, and it could deliver 40-50 clean energy jobs to the area, according to the Addison Independent newspaper.