Thursday, July 24, 2008

New approach enhances Sundance Square’s eco-friendly appeal

By David Alvey

Maybe it’s the suspiciously quiet electric car roaming the square, or perhaps it’s the containers labeled with those three distinct triangular arrows, but something big is happening in Sundance Square. One of the nation’s largest mixed-use office, residential, and retail developments is setting a new green standard for downtowns across the country.

“As one of the nation’s most unique office, residential, and retail partnerships, Sundance Square is in a position to drive a successful effort toward a greener future,” said Johnny Campbell, president and CEO of Sundance Square.

How green is Sundance? In May, the development began recycling plastic bottles, aluminum cans, copy paper, cardboard boxes, newspaper, and more. In one month, they have seen more than 23 tons recycled that would have otherwise gone to the landfill. Sundance Square expects that number to total a half-million tons a year or more as the area, and the program, continue to grow.

“Our 35-block development, dense with offices, retail, residences, and restaurants currently produces more than 23 tons a month of recyclable items,” said Campbell. “By implementing some very strategic measures, we have already made a huge impact in our community and expect this to grow even more.”

Clean, renewable energy keeps it moving

Additionally, Sundance Square has committed to purchase cleaner, renewable energy from Green Mountain to offset 10 percent of its yearly energy needs through 2012. According to the US EPA, this purchase designates Sundance Square as the largest real estate green power purchaser in Texas.

To make use of that green energy, Sundance Square recently purchased a Gem e4 Global Electric Motorcar, from the Chrysler Company, an electric car for use of parking services personnel. It can be seen zipping about Sundance Square, using only electricity to power this four-seater. The quiet nature of the vehicle doesn’t disturb the atmosphere, and the car emits no harmful pollutants. The car is street-legal, can run up to 26 MPH, and has a range of about 30 miles on a “tank,” before needing a recharge. Since 10 percent of the energy that powers Sundance Square comes from renewable sources, even the electricity that powers the zero-emissions car is “green.”

Sporting logos from Green Mountain Energy Company, EPA and Sundance Square, the Gem e4 is being used by Parking Services to help customers find their cars when they are lost, run supplies and employees to lots or garages, and enforce parking regulations.

“Our partnership with Green Mountain Energy goes beyond a business relationship,” said Campbell. “Our Gem e4 is using power that is 10 percent renewable. Our customers appreciate the efforts we are making to go green in all areas of Sundance Square. The Gem e4 is very visible and makes a big statement about green initiatives in Sundance Square.”

“Green Mountain applauds Sundance Square’s commitment to being good environmental stewards, as well as its creativity in finding innovative ways to make a difference and help spread the word,” said Paul Markovich, senior vice president of Residential Sales for Green Mountain. “We are thrilled to help power the Gem e4 electric car with energy from renewable sources. It is another way we are changing the way power is made.”

Without Recycling, There Would Be No Sundance

Sundance Square’s own “rebirth” started as a revitalization project in Fort Worth’s old downtown, and has blossomed into an economic engine that both draws people to downtown during the work-day, as well as provides luxury housing and entertainment options that also keeps the area filled in the evenings and weekends.

“The very nature of what Sundance is, speaks to our desire to be good stewards of our environmental resources,” said Campbell. “This vicinity could have easily been bulldozed years ago to make way for new development; instead, Fort Worth chose to reuse and revitalize the area.”

This story was submitted by a member of the Pegasus News community.

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