Cushing Terrell Joins the Renewable Energy Conversation at Greenbuild 2021

Upgrading our energy infrastructure to utilize renewable energy sources is a key step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing resilience.

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Cushing Terrell

Oct 13, 2021, 11:42 ET

SEATTLE, Oct. 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hurricanes, wildfires, and severe winter storms have demonstrated the precarious nature of our energy infrastructure and the critical need to rethink our energy sources and delivery methods. Knowing the need for fast-tracked solutions, members of Cushing Terrell's Infrastructure Group, Alan and Nathan Bronec, father and son electrical engineers, brought their expertise on microgrids and renewable energy integration to this year's Greenbuild conference which took place last month. Their presentation, "Don't Be Left in the Dark: How Microgrids Make Reliable, Onsite Renewable Energy Possible," will be part of the on-demand series of presentations available for attendees.

Lamar Buffalo Ranch is a remote site in Yellowstone National Park that is 100% off-grid. Cushing Terrell designed a micro-hydroelectric turbine and configured the electrical integration that house this first-of-its-kind, off-grid power system.

When it comes to resilience in the face of natural disasters, microgrid systems offer benefits that include onsite energy generation and storage, the use of renewable energy sources, and the option to connect and disconnect from primary utility grids. Microgrids aren't a new concept, but they're fast gaining traction in the effort to identify reliable, climate-friendly alternatives to our current infrastructure.

"Participating in Greenbuild this year, as both attendees and presenters, was an incredible opportunity to gain as much insight as possible from leaders in green building and to share some of our own expertise," says Ashleigh Powell, Director of Sustainability at Cushing Terrell. "It's an all-hands-on-deck moment for our industry as we collectively work to promote resilience, equity, health, and well-being while dramatically reducing greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade in order to limit warming to 1.5°C. The inspiration and insight we gained from our colleagues and friends at Greenbuild was invaluable at this pivotal time."

As our nation moves toward zero net emissions in our buildings and infrastructure, the use of onsite renewable energy will play a key role. Now is time for local and state governments, utilities, designers, urban planners, developers, and construction contractors to come together and help drive the sustainability conversation and practice forward, sharing expertise and lessons learned from across disciplines and industries.

In addition to the Bronecs' microgrid presentation, the Cushing Terrell team has developed a Solar Integration Design Guide that provides a high-level overview of the return on investment of onsite solar, design considerations, and insights. Download the design guide here.

About Cushing Terrell
Cushing Terrell was founded in 1938 on the belief that integrating architecture, engineering, and design opens doors for deepened relationships and enhanced creativity. This foundation continues to define the firm and its multidisciplinary team today. Driven by empathy, the team works to design systems and spaces that help people live their best lives and enjoy healthy, sustainable built environments. With more than 375 team members and expertise in over 30 disciplines, the firm supports the commercial, education, government, healthcare, infrastructure, residential, and retail markets. For more information about Cushing Terrell, visit cushingterrell.com.

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