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Schneider Electric partners with Shedd to meet aquarium’s sustainability and energy efficiency goals
CHICAGO – Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management, and Shedd Aquarium, a recognized leader in sustainability, conservation and education, have unveiled a new solar installation - the largest of any Illinois cultural institution. Located on the roof of Shedd’s Oceanarium in Chicago, the installation is a key component of the first phase of the organization’s Master Energy Roadmap – an aggressive plan to cut energy consumption at the aquarium in half by 2020.
“This is an exciting project both for our organizations and the city of Chicago,” said Dean Meyer, Executive Vice President, Buildings Business, Schneider Electric. “As a local business, we’re proud to be building on our long-standing relationship with Shedd, helping them achieve their Master Energy Roadmap goals by providing our complete turnkey energy management solutions and services.”
The 265 kilowatt installation employs Schneider Electric’s end-to-end solar solution, complete with its photovoltaic inverters, combiner boxes and Klaud solar monitoring, which will improve solar system operations through real-time monitoring and statistics and key performance indicator (KPI) measurements. The 913 individual solar panels will help power life-support equipment to the aquarium’s Great Lakes Gallery and enhance the historic 83-year-old building’s energy reserve. The installation will also eventually be part of the larger energy management system at the facility, intended to help Shedd meet its long-term goal of saving 10 million kilowatts annually – enough to power 750 households.
Shedd’s Master Energy Roadmap was announced in January and put forth an innovative “smart building” prototype that includes a mix of innovative technologies and solutions that would help make the aquarium the first smart-powered cultural institution in the country. The solar installation is a key part of the Shedd’s smart building goal, and the latest in Schneider Electric’s support of Shedd’s energy management initiatives.
The partnership will continue to focus on employing Schneider Electric solutions to enhance Shedd’s efficiency. Future projects include continued building automation, advanced lighting controls, building analytics, demand response programs and predictive monitoring.
“Protecting and preserving the living world is at the heart of Shedd Aquarium and we understand that conservation and sustainability begin at home in the aquarium,” said Ted A. Beattie, Shedd President and CEO. “Collaborative relationships fuel the actions needed to move the needle literally in terms of energy consumption. We’re grateful for the generous support from Governor Pat Quinn as well as our public and private partners to help Shedd be among the first cultural institutions to adopt a comprehensive clean energy model.”
Shedd’s selection of Schneider Electric as its official energy management partner is based on the company’s expertise in end-to-end solar solutions, as well as its ability to integrate the solar offer and other future improvements into a complete, fully measurable energy management system. Shedd and Schneider Electric have previously collaborated on other sustainability projects, including applying Schneider Electric’s code engineering expertise to the Aquarium’s environmental control system, resulting in cost savings through reduced energy and water use.
“We look forward to continued growth in our partnership with Schneider Electric,” concluded Bob Wengel, Shedd Vice President of Facilities. “With more than 32,000 animal residents in our care requiring a diverse number of regulated environments, these types of initiatives are serious business. Schneider Electric is helping us be a leader in proving sustainable solutions that meet our unique needs as well as provide a clear return on investment.”
About Schneider Electric
As a global specialist in energy management with operations in more than 100 countries, Schneider Electric offers integrated solutions across multiple market segments, including leadership positions in Utilities & Infrastructure, Industries & Machines Manufacturers, Non-residential Building, Data Centers & Networks and in Residential. Focused on making energy safe, reliable, efficient, productive and green, the company's 140,000 plus employees achieved sales of 30.8 billion US dollars (24 billion euros) in 2012, through an active commitment to help individuals and organizations make the most of their energy.
www.schneider‑electric.com/us
About Shedd Aquarium
John G. Shedd Aquarium, the World’s Aquarium and global leader in aquatic science and conservation, is one of the world’s largest indoor aquariums. The facility houses more than 32,500 aquatic animals, representing some 1,500 species of fishes, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds and aquatic mammals from waters around the world. Since its opening in 1930, the aquarium’s mission has been to enhance public understanding of aquatic life and connect guests to the living world, inspiring them to protect and preserve the planet. Shedd Aquarium is a proud member of the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition.
