Solar 2, New York, USA
The Solar 2 “Green Energy, Arts and Education Center” is an environmental learning center that will be New York City’s first carbon neutral, net-zero energy use building.
The building will serve as a public demonstration of energy efficiency and renewable power technologies by incorporating technologies such as: photovoltaic array, a geo-exchange system, waste water treatment, passive solar design, and a Vertically Integrated Greenhouse.
BrightFarm Systems, patented Vertically Integrated Greenhouse (VIG) system has been incorporated into the designs for Solar 2 and will be located on the east facing façade of the new center. The VIG will enable visitors to enjoy fresh, carbon-neutral vegetables that are grown onsite for consumption in the café.
The BrightFarm Systems’ Vertically Integrated Greenhouse (VIG) is a highly productive, lightweight, modular, climatically responsive vertical system designed for growing vegetables behind a glass curtain wall, or within a double-skin facade. Crops are cultivated on an array of horizontal trays suspended on vertical cables. In addition to producing food, the installed plants, in effect, reduce building maintenance costs by providing shade, air treatment, and cooling to building occupants.
