The $16 million-dollar, 45,000 SF Northbrook Activity Center includes a state-of-the-art fitness center, a new gymnasium, multi-use rooms, office space, and a daycare. It also offers a 2nd story running track with views of the entire facility! This high-efficiency building utilizes efficient HVAC systems, building envelopes, and a 312kW roof mounted photovoltaic system to achieve a Net Zero accreditation. Net Zero Energy buildings offset their own energy consumption by generating required energy on-site from renewable resources.
The Northbrook Park District is receiving a $1.78 million grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, which will fund construction and materials to achieve the Net Zero Energy building status. The Net Zero Energy Building Program awards grants to nonprofit, government, and higher education organizations for exemplary buildings that maximize energy efficiency. Over a one-year period, projects must achieve a Net Zero Energy building performance (or better).
To qualify for the grant, the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation requires that the building receive a third-party certification ensuring the building is aggressively efficient in its energy use. This building is slated to receive two certifications, PHIUS+ and Source Zero Certifications, both from the Passive House Institute US.
In addition to the roof mounted solar array, this facility has a 80kW natural gas emergency standby generator, new audio visual sound systems and displays, telecommunications, security card access system, LED lighting, and wireless lighting controls. Fitzgerald’s Electrical Contracting, Inc. is the primary electrical contractor on this incredible project.
Groundbreaking was held in the summer of 2019 and expected completion date is Winter 2020.
Client: Northbrook Park District
Construction Manager: Corporate Construction Services
Architect: Wight & Company
Project Size: 45,000 SF
Total PV Modules: (833) LG375Q1C-V5
Inverters: (9) Sunny Tripower Core1 33-US Free-standing PV inverters
