March 4, 2021 at 9:51am
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A nearly $25,000 grant from ComEd will assist the Northbrook Park District in reaching sustainability goals for the new Techny Prairie Activity Center—TPAC.
The District’s Parks and Planning Division received $24,812.21 from the ComEd Energy Efficiency Program for the construction of TPAC, which opened its doors January 1. The grant was awarded in recognition of the fact that the building is 50% more efficient than ComEd’s baseline requirements. These energy savings were made possible due to the thoughtful construction of the building that includes Polyisocyanurate insulation with high R-values for greater thermal resistance, high-performance, triple-paned windows that are purposefully placed throughout the building and a high-efficiency HVAC system. In addition, TPAC is designed to be a Net Zero Energy building, with 833 photovoltaic (solar) panels installed on the roof to generate energy that is greater than or equal to the amount of energy used.
Ed Dalton, Director of Parks and Planning, said the grant shows the District is on the right track in meeting goals outlined in the sustainability plan created in 2013 with the Village of Northbrook. That plan calls for reducing energy at Village and District facilities by 20% in 20 years.
“We’re extremely proud to receive this recognition for our efforts to provide facilities that not only meet the recreation needs of patrons but reduce the impact on the environment through consistent, sustainable measures,” Dalton said. “TPAC is a clear example of the Northbrook Park District’s commitment to building and maintaining facilities that align with our mission of enhancing the community through environmental stewardship.”