Episcopal Retirement Communities (ERC) is inviting the community to a ribbon-cutting ceremony and solar energy workshop at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7.
The event marks the completion of the roof replacement and solar installation at the Colonial Residence at Stillwater Estates, which reduces operating costs and generates clean electricity, a news release from ERC stated.
Colonial Residence is located at 2700 Colonial Drive, Centralia.
This ceremony and workshop are opportunities to learn more about the benefits of solar power, meet the individuals and organizations that have made this project a reality, and celebrate ERC’s commitment to caring for people and the planet, the news release stated.
The solar project is projected to reduce the building’s annual energy burden by $11,500 within the first year. That would save Colonial Residence over $540,000 across the next 25 years, money that can instead be reinvested into the community, according to the release.
The installation is projected to produce 148,388 kWhs per year of renewable electricity. According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s greenhouse gas equivalencies, it will offset 237,048 pounds of CO2 emissions annually. That is equivalent to the amount of carbon captured by 108 acres of U.S. forest land every year, or 30.6 homes’ electricity use for one year.
The investment strengthens the long-term financial and environmental sustainability of Colonial Residence, according to the news release. Reduced operating costs allows ERC to reinvest savings into resident programs, facility maintenance and affordable rent stability.
The project serves as a visible example of responsible stewardship, educating residents and the broader community about renewable energy and sustainability practices, the news release stated.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, project partners will provide a presentation featuring information about the project, how solar power works, and how people interested in solar can learn more. Refreshments will be provided.
The project is funded from a grant from the Washington Department of Commerce Clean Energy Community Grants program, which is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs and improving public health, the news release stated. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.
