Brooklyn Pizza Company & Sky Bar

Brooklyn Pizza Company and Sky Bar are leading the way as the first restaurant and bar in Tucson to implement solar technology with a commercial retrofit through TEP's Sun Share Program. Located on Tucson's historic 4th Avenue, the shared renewable energy system is generating over 148,000 kWh of electricity per year, reducing annual greenhouse gas emissions by over 166 tons and reducing annual water use related to electricity generation by over 74,000 gallons.  The solar energy system is part of a larger effort by Brooklyn Pizza and Sky Bar to reduce their carbon footprint which includes a Smart Car and a 100% Electric Car for pizza deliveries.  As of Febrary, 2011 Brooklyn will be the 3rd 100% Solar Pizza Place in the United States!  Sky Bar is the first 100% solar bar in the US! “The sun is the most powerful entity in our solar system, shining down on the deserts of the Southwest practically every day; going solar is the logical, natural, intelligent and responsible thing to do. We hope our efforts help invigorate the alternative energy movement.” -owner Anthony Vaccaro

Downtown Tucson wrote an article about the 4th Ave Solar Businesses.  Read what they have to say about Brooklyn Pizza Company, Sky Bar  and TFS!

Vista Del Rio Cultural Resource Park

The City of Tucson chose to set an example for other municipalities by using a solar panel with a battery to provide lighting for a park ramada at night.  The system was designed to use an LED light in order to maximize the light output for the power being produced. Neighbors appreciate the fact that because of the motion sensor trigger for the light they know when people are approaching the ramada.

Canyon Ranch

Canyon Ranch is leading the way by example in installing a 34 kW system. Not only does the ranch enhance the lives of its clientele by the services offered, but it enhance the life of the community by reducing it's ecological footprint.

Drumdial

This business has made the decision to install a photovoltaic system on their building. The decision fits with the company mindset of reducing their dependence on other countries for energy.

Reid Park Zoo Conservation Learning Center

The 14 kW system installed at the Reid Park Zoo Conservation Learning Center shows how the City of Tucson is leading by example and incorporating solar energy into new construction projects. The Conservation Learning Center exemplifies healthy building concepts and energy conservation. Features include a solar electric system to provide green power for the building, highly efficient heating and cooling systems, recycled and sustainable construction materials and water harvesting. Classes held at the center will integrate these aspects of environmental awareness into the program curriculum.

Eighty-one 175 W solar panels were mounted in multiple rows on the roof with one row doubling as an awning over the entryway. The solar panels are among the many ways that the Conservation Learning Center at the Reid Park Zoo reflects the organization's mission: "to encourage a commitment to the conservation of biological diversity," in this case "by demonstrating the highest standards of sustainable building practices."

Body Sculpting Center

This cosmetic surgery facility in Scottsdale chose to offset its power consumption by installing a solar array and taking advantage of the various financial incentives available to businesses.

U of A Visitor's Center

The U of A Visitor Center houses this 6 kW system.  The system was installed thanks to the vision and perseverance of the student organization "ECOalition", and participation from several UA and Tucson groups and volunteers, including UA Facilities Management, UA Campus and Facilities Planning, Libby Davison from the Campus Arboretum, Professor Jim Riley from the Department of Soil Water and Environmental Sciences, the UA Water Resources Research Center, the Office of Community Relations, Kevin Koch from Technicians for Sustainability, Betsy Bolding from Tucson Electric Power and residents of the West University neighborhood. The Visitor Center's eco-friendly features include 36 solar panels, two 2,000-gallon cisterns and native vegetation. "This is an example of how we’re using technology to secure the future and connect with the past," said UA President Robert N. Shelton of the Visitor Center project. "The center’s new sustainable features demonstrate the UA’s longstanding commitment to the environment and help the University take the lead in the 'greening of America,'" he said.

For more information on the University of Arizona Visitor's Center sustainability program see: http://www.sustainability.arizona.edu/greeningthecampus/energymanagement/

Thornydale Reclaimed Water Reservoir #3

Part of the largest municipally-owned PV system in Arizona, this 31 kW photovoltaic system for the City of Tucson provides power to the reclaimed water reservoir in Marana. It will save over 4,000 lbs. of coal per month on behalf of Tucson residents. "The City of Tucson is proud to dedicate this new solar array," stated Mayor Walkup upon the completion of the solar array. "This represents Tucson's continuing commitment to solar power as a renewable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional energy sources."

Center for Biological Diversity

The nonprofit Center for Biological Diversity successfully completed its first step towards energy independence at its national headquarters in Tucson by installing this 7.5 kW solar array, which will provide 50 percent of its office energy needs. The conservation group is raising money to reach its goal of being 100-percent solar powered. The final step will be to produce enough solar energy to use in charging plug-in hybrid cars.

“Everyone in Tucson and Arizona should go solar,” says Michael Finkelstein, the Center’s executive director. “This is a renewable energy source with big tax incentives for individuals and businesses to boot.”

“Federal, state and local governments should provide additional help to those that require financial assistance,” adds Finkelstein. “We have subsidized oil companies and other industries that fuel global warming for far too long. It’s time to reward renewable energy producers, especially solar.”

Earlier in 2007 the Center went climate-neutral, reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and offsetting those that cannot be eliminated.

The Center has embarked on a program to explicitly track and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, starting by reducing energy use — for example by ensuring that lighting is provided by the most efficient fluorescent or compact fluorescent bulbs, turning off computers when not in use, and switching to more fuel-efficient forms of travel whenever possible.

“As individuals, the most important change we can make in our global warming behavior is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” advises Shane Jimerfield, climate scientist with the Center. “We have chosen to take the Center’s commitment even further, by eliminating our carbon footprint since our inception in 1989.”

www.biologicaldiversity.org

Doolen Middle School

This TUSD middle school benefits from clean energy production as well as the educational opportunities presented by their photovoltaic system.  

Davidson Elementary School

This 9.6 kW system was installed at Tucson Unified School District's Davidson Elementary School, which has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Empire High School

This 7.5 kW photovoltaic system is part of the science curriculum at Empire High School.

Project MORE

Project MORE, a local high school, is home to a 15 kW solar electric system installed by Technicians For Sustainability.