Northern Nevada’s Newest “Urban Turbine” Celebrated

On Thursday, January 29th, a progressive collaboration of local companies will begin energy production from the first urban wind turbine in downtown Reno, Nevada.

The Renewable Energy Accelerator at 250 Bell (REA250) is a collaborative union of Nevada based companies, founded by Cathexes Architecture, Dynamic Competence, Great Basin Wind, and the Clean Energy Center. New affiliates include Bombard Renewable Energy, Proteros Development, Renewable Nevada, Sierra Club, Education Design Group, Bootleg Courier, The Universe Is Breathing Web Design, the Reno Bike Project, and Smartbrand…with the list expanding every day.

REA250 co-founder and principle of Cathexes, Don Clark, states “we invested downtown because urban infill is the first effective action you can take in sustainable design and living.”

“This allows us to lead by example; we bring our ideas and industries into healthy collaboration,” states project coordinator, Eric Pfaff, of the Clean Energy Center. “It’s been a joy to be able to walk your talk when all of the involved parties are doing so as well.”

“Our success in raising this turbine is the result of forward-looking political leadership on both the state and local levels. Our nation needs more leaders like those we have here in Nevada,” notes Rich Hamilton of Great Basin Wind and co-founder of the REA250.  Great Basin Wind is coordinating with the Clean Energy Center in installing the turbine. “With time, the wind known as the Washoe Zephyr will not only meet much of Nevada’s energy needs, it will be an inexhaustible source of energy for export.  We will be mining megawatts to build the new energy economy.”

Chris Brooks of Bombard Renewable Energy adds, “This project is a perfect example of a successful partnership between NV Energy, Nevada Labor, and forward-thinking local business owners.” Bombard Renewable Energy provided the electrical expertise required for the turbine’s installation and operation.

While other small wind turbines have been installed in the region, REA250’s efforts are unique because of the location – directly in the heart of the urban business district.  One of the group’s efforts is focused on retrofitting urban centers for renewable power generation.

“The raising of our wind turbine is an important step for REA250 to engage the public in planning renewable energy for Nevada. We look forward to more educational and outreach programs associated with renewable energy,” says Susan Clark of Dynamic Competence and co-founder of REA250.

Reno Mayor Bob Cashell will activate the wind turbine on Thursday, January 29th at 2:30pm to officially begin sustainable energy production provided by the wind turbine.  Several other local officials and dignitaries are also scheduled to attend.

The media is invited to meet and interview participants and attendees of the event immediately following the ceremonies.

Northern Nevada Welcomes The Clean Energy Center

Rich Hamilton has a vision—to help Northern Nevadan’s conserve energy,
reduce carbon emissions, lower their energy bills and build a cleaner
energy future. To bring his vision to life, Rich has created the Clean Energy Center in Reno.

“The Clean Energy Center is more than a place to come for the latest clean energy products and services,” said Rich. “It’s an information center as well. We encourage people to visit us and learn about the latest technologies and the newest and most effective ways to conserve energy.”

The Clean Energy Center is a one-stop-energy shop. Everything is offered from energy auditing
services to wind turbines and solar photovoltaic systems and everything in between. “At the Center we take a solution approach to energy,” explains Rich, “we start by identifying your energy challenges, then together we develop a set of goals and objectives, and finally we match you with the products and services that will meet those goals.”

In order to provide the most holistic solutions possible, the Clean Energy Center partners with leading technology suppliers, licensed contractors and architects. For existing homes or buildings the solution typically starts with an energy audit or rating. From there an individualized energy saving strategy is developed. Strategies can include basic behavioral changes, switching to compact florescent light bulbs, or adding insulation to solar hot water and solar thermal systems to solar photovoltaic and wind generation systems.

New projects typically start with the decision to build to a higher energy efficiency standard. “The most important thing when considering a new project, residential or commercial, is getting over the fear of going in a new direction,” emphasizes architect Don Clark of Cathexes. “There is a myth that sustainable design, beautiful design, and
cost-efficient design cannot coexist and it is simply not true. Making the decision to design with all of these aspects is achievable; you just need to make critical decisions early for the most benefit.” Using this as inspiration, when consulted on a new project, the Clean Energy Center collaborates with individuals like Don Clark to match beautiful design with the Center’s extensive knowledge of energy conservation standards and energy generation systems.

The Clean Energy Center strives to be a “walk your talk” company, whose values are just as sustainable and socially responsible as the products and services it provides. Empowering individuals who work at the Center to be self-directed and essential team members is a fundamental notion; it is this philosophy as well as their own concern for a cleaner future that motivated Perry Smith and Monica Milldrum to join Rich in furthering his goals. The three are now the driving force behind the Clean Energy Center. For Rich, ‘“walking your talk” begins with employee relations yet it quickly extends outward to customers, vendors, and into the community at large.”

The same applies to sustainability said Rich: “If we at the Clean Energy Center act locally to conserve energy and build a cleaner energy infrastructure, our community will begin to do its part by reducing global carbon emissions. Additionally, we will encourage independence from foreign energy sources and enhance our global economic and
political security. The Clean Energy Center is Northern Nevada’s first step in that direction.”