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Heifer presents improvements to its main campus, including 100 new solar panels
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Oct. 3, 2011) – Heifer International today unveiled a new 25-kilowatt solar panel array that will provide supplemental electric power to Heifer’s headquarters building and the Murphy Keller Education Building (Heifer Village). The installation reduces Heifer’s reliance on fossil fuels and demonstrates the development organization’s ongoing commitment to caring for the Earth.
The 100-panel array is one of the largest such systems in Little Rock. The system will not power 100 percent of the energy needs at Heifer headquarters, but it will complement existing energy conservation features at the Heifer headquarters building, which is LEED-certified at the highest level: Platinum.
“Heifer is delighted to bring such advanced technology to its headquarters site and to further minimize its carbon footprint in downtown Little Rock.” said Bob Bloom, Chief Financial Officer of Heifer International. “This solar array demonstrates that alternative energy sources really are feasible if the commitment to the environment is there.”
The $190,000 cost was offset in part by rebates from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, provided through the Arkansas Energy Office.
“We are thrilled that Heifer was one of the largest projects to participate in our successful Renewable Technology Rebate Program, which has grown the state’s solar and wind generation capacity more than 300 percent since early 2010,” said Scott Hamilton, director of the Arkansas Energy Office.
The solar system, installed by Stellar Sun and Little Rock Electric, will be able to charge to full power even on cloudy days. It is capable of providing 25 percent of the power needed to cool the headquarters and Heifer Village buildings during peak demand. It can also, in the event of a power outage on the main grid, power emergency lights, water and computer servers to allow Heifer to maintain its business functions.
Heifer International’s mission is to eliminate hunger and poverty while also caring for the Earth. Protecting the natural environment is not just a principle Heifer imparts to participants in its programs, but also a value the organization demonstrates in its own operations. This project furthers Heifer's Healthy Hoofprint commitment to reducing carbon impact.
Heifer has also conducted other improvements to the campus, including the Butler Memorial Trail, which meanders along the entrance to the facility and features native Arkansas plants. The trail honors Richard C. Butler, a staunch supporter of Heifer International. Heifer is also renovating a warehouse, which is the only structure remaining from before the site was razed and environmentally mitigated. The structure will house Heifer’s records and critical computer servers in a tornado-safe facility.
About Heifer International
Heifer’s mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. Since 1944, Heifer International has provided livestock and environmentally sound agricultural training to improve the lives of those who struggle daily for reliable sources of food and income. Heifer is currently working in 50 countries, including the United States, to help families and communities become more self-reliant. For more information, visit www.heifer.org or call 1-800-696-1918.
