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Danbury Fair Goes Green By Adding Fuel Cell To Power The Mall

DANBURY, Conn. -- Danbury Fair will go a bit more green as it becomes the first Bloom Energy-powered shopping mall with the installation of a fuel cell to power to the 1.3 million-square-foot building.

The entrance to the Danbury Fair Mall evokes an old-time carousel.

The entrance to the Danbury Fair Mall evokes an old-time carousel.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Bloom Energy, along with mall owner Macerich and WGL, through its subsidiary, Washington Gas Energy Systems, made the announcement. 

The 750kW fuel cell project will provide the mall with clean, reliable energy while reducing the carbon emissions of the facility by nearly 3 million pounds each year.

On Friday, Oct. 24, Danbury Fair will host an event with business leaders and community officials to celebrate the milestone.

"Danbury Fair is committed to creating long-term value by improving our natural resource efficiency, and operating and developing the center in a sustainable and environmentally sound manner,” said Maura Ruby, senior property manager at Danbury Fair Mall. “Installing clean energy technology at Danbury Fair also aligns with our commitments to our retailers, our partners, the community, and the sustainable plan that Macerich is implementing across the vast portfolio.”

Established in 2008, Macerich’s sustainability program focuses on energy efficiency, water conservation, sustainable real estate development and redevelopment, waste management and green operational practices and procurement.

“Macerich has a comprehensive sustainability plan which focuses on efficient and environmentally friendly operating practices throughout our company,” said Jeff Bedell, vice president of sustainability at Macerich. “Our success to date has shown that environmental and financial goals are not mutually exclusive and this project will enhance the reliability of our operations, improve cost predictability, and contribute to a healthy environment for our employees, retailers, guests and communities.”

Bloom Energy’s solid oxide fuel cell technology generates electricity through a highly efficient electrochemical process and provides clean, onsite energy. The project was financed in partnership with Washington Gas Energy Services and the Connecticut LREC (Low-emission Renewable Energy Certificate) Program.

“A key strategy for Washington Gas Energy Systems is the continued investment in clean energy throughout Connecticut, and the Danbury Fair is the latest project in which we have played an important role,” said Sanjiv Mahan, vice president of business development for Washington Gas Energy Systems. 

For many years, Danbury Fair has been committed to conducting business in ways that minimize the impact on the environment. The shopping center recently installed new energy efficient exterior LED lighting and a thermoplastic white reflective roof. The mall is on the way to earning a Gold standard for quality recycling as a result of tenant recycling programs. In 2015, Danbury Fair will be adding more than 400 solar panels to the central roof areas.

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