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6/2/08 City LEEDs the Way Towards Green
On Friday, May 23, 2008, the city unveiled an environmentally and
innovative energy system at two St. Petersburg sites. The test stations
located at USF St. Petersburg and Albert Whitted Park will serve as
research hubs for a unique renewable energy technology.
The system, called Sustainable Electrical Energy Delivery
Systems (SEEDS), could become the energy storage system of tomorrow’s
“Smart Grid” power system. SEEDS is a renewable energy
initiative made possible through a public-private partnership by the City
of St. Petersburg, University of South Florida, Progress Energy Florida and the Florida High-Tech Corridor.
The project termed “Sunlit City Parks” is the
latest effort by the city to reduce its carbon footprint. The SEEDS system
uses photovoltaic panels on the roof of the park’s restroom building
and an advanced battery system to supply energy to the park and lighting
system. Stored sunlight energy reserves will contribute power to Progress
Energy’s main power grid as renewable energy utilized during periods
of peak power demand.
The City of
St. Petersburg, a Tree City USA for 20-years and the state’s first
designated “Green City” recently issued a new executive order
committing the city to six additional green standards of operation and is
welcoming the first Dunkin’ Donuts LEED building in the world. Each
of these endeavors demonstrate the city’s continuing efforts toward
sustainability and business operating standards.
To learn
more about leading the way towards green, visit the city’s website.
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