Faith Technologies Begins Work on Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve Environmental Center and Event Center
Building to be Powered by First-Of-Its-Kind, Eco-Friendly Technology
Menasha, Wis. (June 27, 2017) – Faith Technologies, a leading electrical planning, engineering, design and installation contractor, has partnered with the Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve to build a new environmental center, which will blend the most advanced methods of energy conservation with a nature-focused community events venue.
Faith Technologies, in partnership with The Boldt Company and Schneider Electric, broke ground on Bubolz’s new 18,000-square-foot environmental center last month.
“We want to make a strong impact in the Fox Cities by helping build a state-of-the-art facility that will focus on conservation, education, health and wellness,” Mike Jansen, CEO of Faith Technologies, said. “Our goal is to lead the movement in the Fox Cities to connect all children, families and individuals to nature, resulting in a healthier, stronger, and more sustainable future.”
As part of its contribution, Faith Technologies is installing a microgrid to provide clean energy that will power the new environmental center. The microgrid is the first of its kind in Wisconsin and will serve as a prototype and learning opportunity for students and businesses throughout the state. Using renewable energy, like solar, wind and natural gas, the microgrid can operate independently of the traditional energy grid.
Microgrids use low-cost clean fuel sources to avoid the significant expense and interruptions of a power outage. Since this type of technology is more efficient and reliable, other areas of the country are starting to integrate microgrids to create a distributed energy system.
The center’s operating costs will be minimized with the renewable energy system and eco-friendly building materials. More than double in size to the former facility, the new building will allow more educational programs, exhibit areas and revenue-generating opportunities. This will all lead to less dependence on fundraising and a more robust business plan.
In addition to funding the cost of the microgrid, Faith Technologies has pledged a 10-year commitment of financial and volunteer support to the project, and they are challenging the community to join them in supporting this self-sustaining business model.
The capital campaign will continue during construction, for the estimated $5 million project, and has raised more than $1 million thus far. Construction on the building is expected to be completed by the end of 2017 and reservations are now being taken for 2018 events in the 250-seat banquet space.
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About Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve
Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve is a 725-acre non-profit environmental preserve whose mission is to develop a sound environmental ethic in persons of all ages through education, recreation and conservation, while promoting a strong sense of overall wellness and appreciation of nature. For more information, go to http://www.bubolzpreserve.org/.