Schneider Electric, the pioneer in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, together with Citizens Energy Corporation, a Boston-based non-profit energy company, announces they have been honored with the prestigious Project of the Year Award in the Environment + Energy Leader Awards program.
This accolade recognizes their joint development of a one-of-a-kind microgrid for the Daughters of Mary of Immaculate Conception Campus in New Britain, Connecticut. It is an example in energy or environmental management and honors the exemplary work of both organizations to transform the 137-acre campus into a groundbreaking renewable energy hub.
Essential backup power
The community was increasingly challenged to deliver much-needed social services and senior care through emergencies that threaten the local electric grid. The groundbreaking project uses clean energy sources to provide essential backup power, while reducing the community’s environmental footprint.
The community was increasingly challenged to deliver much-needed social services
“To be recognized by Environment + Energy Leader for this incredible project with Citizens Energy Corporation is a significant achievement that demonstrates resiliency as a pillar of sustainability,” said Don Wingate, Vice President of Microgrids at Schneider Electric. “Working together to develop innovative solutions that help critical institutions provide much-needed services in emergency situations is something we will continue to invest in, time and time again.”
Standalone critical facilities
The microgrid, which was built without any up-front costs for Daughters of Mary, improves resiliency at their facilities during emergencies. It serves four standalone critical facilities on the Daughters of Mary campus and ensures reliable, efficient, renewable power is continuously available.
The four systems can operate collectively or individually, also known as ‘island mode’, allowing operations near normal capacity separate from the electric grid for extended periods during power outages. The project is the state of Connecticut's first microgrid capable of operating on 100% renewable energy around the clock in island mode.
Viable environmental issue
Our critical facilities are 100% resilient and are not only helping the environment"
“We are proud to celebrate this massive feat for renewables,” said Joseph P. Kennedy III, President of Citizens Energy Corporation. “This company was founded to be a change maker. Not only are we making life’s basic necessities more affordable, but we are building the clean energy projects that others only talk about. This may be the first of its kind, but it won’t be the last.”
“We, the Daughters of Mary, are so honored and pleased to play a role in such an important and viable environmental issue,” said Mother Mary Janice Zdunczyk. “Our critical facilities are 100% resilient and are not only helping the environment, but they are providing our organization cost savings. A true win-win scenario.”
Playing instrumental roles
Two local Connecticut companies, Ecosolar Installations and Associated Real Estate Services, played instrumental roles throughout the development cycle. Ecosolar also served as the primary construction lead. Both companies continue to support the project.
This affirms the exceptional impact and excellence of the Daughters of Mary microgrid project
The outstanding qualities and remarkable achievements of the Daughters of Mary microgrid project captivated the attention of the program's distinguished panel of judges. One judge remarked, "This is a wonderful example of an environment project that clearly meets the 3 legs of sustainability – people, profit, planet.” This affirms the exceptional impact and excellence of the Daughters of Mary microgrid project in driving sustainability and energy efficiency.
Delivering significant energy
Environment + Energy Leader Awards commend excellence in products and projects that deliver significant energy and environmental benefits.
Sarah Roberts, Co-President of E+E Leader, emphasized the rigorous selection process, stating, "This year’s entrants had to surpass an exceptionally high bar to qualify for an award, thanks to a seasoned and discerning judging panel as well as stringent judging criteria."
