The University of California-Davis wants to start the construction of United States’ largest zero-net energy community. According to the officials, the UC Davis West Village will be equipped with a 4-megawatt, high efficiency SunPower solar power system and with a great number of innovative energy-efficient technologies.
For the beginning, the project that will be completed by the end of this year, will have an education center for Los Rios Community College, recreation and study facilities, apartment housing for 2,000 students, a village square and neighborhood retail.
“Our guiding principles include environmental sustainability and quality of place. West Village will include housing, recreation and retail options, providing a convenient and eco-friendly lifestyle for students, faculty and staff,” said Nolan Zail, senior vice president for Carmel Partners, in a press release.
Another important thing we must know is that the buildings will provide electricity for their appliances by using solar panels. The community is designed in such a way so that the residents to don’t need automobiles.
The 4 megawatt solar power system created by SunPower includes solar canopies in the parking areas and rooftop solar power installations.
According to estimates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the system will be able to generate enough electricity to avoid more than 2,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
[via Reuters]
