CHICAGO – Governor Pat Quinn and Shedd Aquarium today kicked-off the first phase of the institution’s clean-energy initiative with the installation of 913 photovoltaic solar panels on top of the aquarium’s world-class marine mammal pavilion. In an event held on the roof of the Abbott Oceanarium, the Governor, along with Shedd leadership and Illinois sustainability champions, unveiled the 265-kilowatt project that is the biggest solar panel installation in any cultural institution in the state of Illinois funded through a public and private partnership.
The Shedd Aquarium is a recognized leader in sustainability, conservation and education and today’s event is part of Governor Quinn’s agenda to protect our natural resources and ensure a clean and healthy environment for future generations.
“Shedd’s green energy efforts demonstrate how Illinois is paving the way in advancing next-generation clean technology and sustainable energy,” Governor Quinn said. “The solar panel project at the aquarium is the start of many progressive changes to our energy economy, serving as a model to integrate sustainability into operations for organizations around the country.”
“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.” . . .
http://www3.illinois.gov/PressReleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=2&RecNum=11651
