By: Marilyn Cleary—
Cornerstone Center for the Arts will begin its journey into the modern age starting in January of 2016. Cornerstone, a pillar in the community for almost a century, will receive an update to its electrical and mechanical systems, helping to propel the historic building into the 21st century. Currently in construction, the building is getting an update to the electrical system by adding a 150 kilowatt roof-mounted solar array which will not detract from the buildings original beautiful design and stature. As part of building’s Green Initiative, a majority of its lighting is being updated to more eco-friendly LED lights. This will not only increase the visibility within the building, but will also dramatically decrease the overall electrical consumption of the building. In addition to the electrical measures, Cornerstone is also improving the patron and tenant experience by adding capacity and precision to the existing HVAC system. This update will add 40 tons of cooling to the building as well as an energy efficient building automation system. The system will allow Cornerstone’s staff greater control of the buildings airflow increasing the overall comfort for those that visit the building.
New solar equipment being installed on the roof of Cornerstone is pictured. Photo provided.
These measures will allow the organization to see an approximate reduction in electrical consumption of almost 75% and a reduced operating cost that produce savings, on average of $38,000 per year. The project is being funded through a private investment group through a Solar Power Purchase Agreement (SPPA). This partnership will allow the investment group to leverage the utility and federal incentives and offer Cornerstone a project with no upfront capital investment. The project was brought about by the efforts of Joe Stevens with National Energy Control and Matt Rabourn with OJS Building Services. National Energy Control is a turnkey energy management company that offers a broad portfolio of energy savings technologies including Solar PV arrays and LED lighting, designed to reduce energy costs and increase operational efficiency. OJS Building Services specializes in energy management measures through building automation, energy efficient HVAC equipment, and retrofit service improvements.
The project will push Cornerstone’s Green Initiative by reducing the buildings overall carbon footprint. The improvements will equal 64 acres of trees planted, 57 cars removed from the road, 28,893 gallons of gas, and 688 barrels of oil. The solar array will produce clean, sustainable energy for the next 30 years, and will allow Cornerstone to hedge against rising utility rates and stabilize the operating budget for the next 20 years. If you have any questions or would like to donate to Cornerstone for the project please contact Marilyn Cleary, Cornerstone’s Executive Director, at 765-281-9503, ext. 16 or at mcleary@cornerstonearts.org.
Marilyn Cleary is Executive Director of Cornerstone Center for the Arts
