June 29th, 2011, By Dana Haugh
This Thursday June 30, United Realty of Hauppauge, Long Island is making their big reveal—a 33,000 square foot, completely self-financed “green” plaza off exit 55 on the LIE. The Motor Parkway Plaza will be home to both commercial and retail office space, acovered courtyard, restaurants and a lower-level parking garage. The complex was created using entirely environmentally friendly techniques, with 85% of the materials reused from the old parkway and buildings. Interior materials have low to no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which have created quite an interest for potential leasers. But one of the most impressive features in this complex is its solar array—406 Solyndra photo voltaic units power the building, providing 25% of the “required electrical needs for the interior and common areas in the offices.” Quite an impressive figure considering the building also uses a Carlisle SynTec roof (much like the cool roofs I talked about here).
The roof will reflect 88% of solar rays, significantly dropping the level of absorbed heat and decreasing the need for excessive air
conditioning. It is expected that payback in savings for the solar panels will be reached in about 5 years, but the step toward less oil consumption far outweighs theinitial expense. Gary Schacker, principal of United Realty, remarks, “Everything that we do to cut back on oil reliance is something that is going to leave an impact.”
In attendance for the ceremonial unveiling will, of course, be the USGBC (United States Green Building Council) who are responsible for handing out LEED certifications, as well as LIPA, who will no doubt celebrate the complex’s exceptional efforts in producing an energy-efficient building.
The complex is expected to receive a LEED Silver certification from the USGBC.
All information gathered from GlobeSt