Comprehensive Program Also Will Include the Largest Urban Green Roof Installed on an Existing Building in PA, a New Crown Lights System and More PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PECO today unveiled the first phase of a five year major environmental initiative aimed to make the company more environmentally friendly through energy efficiency and other cutting edge efforts. The comprehensive program – totaling more than $15.3 million of work – includes the opening of PECO’s first ‘green building’ in West Chester, the installation of a green roof and a new Crown Lights system at the company’s Center City headquarters, work to secure Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for many company work sites, and environmental and energy efficiency community and customer support. This aggressive initiative was launched by the completion of a $2 million, 8 month project to open PECO’s first ‘green’ building at the company’s service site on South Bolmar Street in West Chester, Chester County. The newly completed building is expected to use about 20 percent less energy and 40 percent less water. Specific improvements included the use of reflective roofing materials; low flow water devices; recycled construction materials, furniture and fixtures; energy efficient lighting, HVAC design and energy monitoring equipment, indoor air quality measures; green cleaning material and more. Approximately 60 employees work in the new building supporting gas operations and electric construction and maintenance for Chester and Delaware counties. “We are proud to open PECO’s first green building and take major steps to demonstrate our corporate commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Denis O’Brien, president and CEO of PECO. “We all are responsible for the environment – as business leaders and as citizens. The work at West Chester shows how the changes we make impact the world around us. And I personally look forward to the many more exciting changes planned during the next twelve months.” Other elements of PECO’s environmental initiative include: The largest green roof ever installed on an existing building in an urban setting in Pennsylvania, scheduled to be opened later this year on the company’s north tower at 23rd and Market Streets. A landmark change to the City skyline with the replacement of PECO’s existing Crown Lights system to new, energy efficient LED lighting with color capability. Work is scheduled to begin in early 2009 with the new system unveiled later that year. An increased purchase of wind energy to supply the company’s Main Office Building in Center City. An investment in electricity generated through renewable resources for PECO customers. The increased use of hybrid and biodiesel vehicles. Extensive improvements at many sites, including PECO’s Warminster Service Building in Bucks County, and Phoenixville Service Building and Berwyn Complex in Chester County. Application for LEED certification for these sites is anticipated in 2009. Additional work to secure LEED certification for other sites including PECO’s Main Office Building, Christian Street and G & Luzerne service buildings in Philadelphia; Baldwin Service Building in Chester County; and Plymouth Service Building in Montgomery County, is planned through 2012. A corporate-wide partnership with ENERGY STAR and other energy education and saving products and programs to help customers protect the environment and manage costs by using energy as efficiently as possible. Increased public and corporate support for educational and community environmental initiatives. These environmental efforts contribute to and support Exelon 2020: A Low-Carbon Roadmap, the comprehensive environmental plan of PECO’s parent company. Exelon 2020 sets the goal of reducing, offsetting or displacing more than 15 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year by 2020. The corporation will do this by reducing or offsetting the company’s carbon footprint, helping customers reduce their greenhouse gas emission, and proving more low-carbon electricity in the marketplace.
