- Tags:
- Conservation Center,
- Climate
Visitors to the Forest Society’s Conservation Center in Concord may notice a little extra activity around campus this fall as work moves forward on a significant energy upgrade.
The Forest Society is installing a new solar array at the far end of the Conservation Center visitor parking lot, part of a larger project designed to improve the building’s energy efficiency and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.
Site preparation began last week. Crews have since completed trenching and conduit installation across the parking lot, and work will continue throughout October with site preparation, foundation installation and delivery of materials.
Construction and installation of the solar array is expected to take place throughout much of November.
The project also includes electrical service upgrades and the installation of energy-efficient mini-split air-source heat pumps throughout the Conservation Center, providing air conditioning as well as additional heating capacity.
Once the project is complete, the Conservation Center is expected to achieve net-zero electricity use, with the new solar array generating the electricity needed to power the building, including its new cooling system.
The Forest Society will continue to use its existing wood biomass heating system, which relies on locally produced wood chips from New Hampshire and provides a lower-carbon alternative to fossil-fuel heating.
The Conservation Center remains open, but visitors may encounter construction equipment, temporary changes to parking and occasional access restrictions as work progresses. Please use caution around active work areas and follow any posted signage.
We appreciate your patience as we complete these improvements and invest in a more energy-efficient Conservation Center for the future.