Danbury Fair Mall to be powered by fuel cell
California-based Bloom Energy will power Macerich”™s Danbury Fair Mall via fuel cell technology. Solar power on the roof will enter the equation next year.
The 750-kilowatt Bloom Energy fuel cell project “will provide the 1.3 million-square-foot mall with clean, reliable energy while reducing the carbon emissions of the facility by nearly 3 million pounds each year,” Macerich, a real estate investment trust, reported.
“Danbury Fair is committed to creating long-term value by improving our natural resource efficiency, and operating and developing the center in a sustainable and environmentally sound manner,” said Maura Ruby, senior property manager of the mall. “Installing clean energy technology at Danbury Fair also aligns with our commitments to our retailers, our partners, the community and the sustainable plan that Macerich is implementing across the vast portfolio.”
An ongoing 2008 Macerich sustainability program focuses on energy efficiency, water conservation, sustainable real estate development and redevelopment, waste management and green operational practices and procurement.
“Our success to date has shown that environmental and financial goals are not mutually exclusive, and this project will enhance the reliability of our operations, improve cost predictability, and contribute to a healthy environment for our employees, retailers, guests and communities,” said Jeff Bedell, vice president of sustainability at Macerich.
Bloom Energy”™s solid oxide fuel cell technology generates electricity through an electrochemical process and provides clean, on-site energy. The project was financed in partnership with Washington Gas Energy Services and the Connecticut Low-emission Renewable Energy Certificate program.
Danbury Fair also recently installed energy-efficient exterior LED lighting and a thermoplastic white reflective roof. Next year the mall will add 400 solar panels to its roof.
Macerich owns 57 million square feet of real estate consisting primarily of interests in 53 regional shopping centers.