Two hundred eleven solar electric panels lined up neatly on the roof of America’s first zero-impact “living building” will provide all of the electricity that the highly energy efficient Center will need.  In addition to the solar electric system, the building’s other “living” features include a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment system, a green roof, and reused and local construction materials.      

“The Center for Sustainable Living demonstrates that the technology for a renewed economy and environment is here and available right now,” said Ron French, President of Alteris Renewables’ Solar Business, “Together, Omega and Alteris are exemplifying what the future of our electric power supply can and should be.” 

The OSCL solar electric array will prevent over one million pounds of Carbon Dioxide from entering the atmosphere over the lifetime of the system.  These carbon savings are equivalent to the planting of about 5,000 trees or eliminating 1.2 million miles of driving. Skip Backus, Executive Director of the Omega Institute, said,  “Our Center is geared toward the idea that we – all of us – can make different, better choices about how we go about living on earth – we can be more aware of the how our daily decisions impact the greater communities of which we are a part.  Concrete steps, like using solar power for the Center’s electricity needs, help us translate this idea into built reality.”  

About Omega Institute and Center for Sustainable Living:
The Omega Center for Sustainable Living (OCSL) is a state-of-the art education center and natural wastewater treatment facility. A model of sustainable architecture, the OCSL is a pioneering project in the Living Building Challenge and is expected to be the first building in the United States to receive the Living Building designation in addition to receiving LEED Platinum certification.

About Alteris Renewables:
Alteris  Renewables is the largest design-build renewable energy company in the Northeast, with more than 2250 completed installations over the past 30 years and offices across New York and New England. Alteris provides turn-key PV (photovoltaic, solar electric), solar thermal, and wind energy solutions for commercial, residential, education, municipal and institutional clients.  The company has industry-leading expertise in engineering, design, project management, performance analysis, project financing and renewable energy credit programs.  For more information, please visit http://www.AlterisInc.com.