March 28, 2024
Global Renewable News

Amazing Space to highlight solar powered sustainability
Indian Creek Nature Center and Alliant Energy partner to demonstrate renewable energy

January 15, 2015

Education about sustainability and renewable energy will be the highlight of a partnership between Alliant Energy's Iowa utility and Indian Creek Nature Center. Alliant Energy will install a cutting-edge solar power system as part of the Nature Center's Amazing Space campaign to build a new learning center in Cedar Rapids.

Solar energy is key in making the building sustainable and educational. An online reference portal will provide the public with real-time information on how much energy the solar panels are generating, and how that generation interacts with the needs of the Nature Center and the energy grid. This portal will be hosted on Alliant Energy's and Indian Creek Nature Center's websites.

"We are excited to take this next step in a long history of partnership with Indian Creek Nature Center," said Doug Kopp, president of Alliant Energy's Iowa utility. "This effort will provide our customers with a new way to learn what it takes to become sustainable and how solar energy can help."

The Nature Center's current building features a 3.6 kilowatt (kW) solar system that they developed with Alliant Energy in 2003. The solar energy system at the new building will be sized to match the energy needs of the entire structure, which is expected to be between 70 and 100 kW.

"By producing all of the energy needed for the building on site, we will be one of very few buildings in America to be NetZero," said John Myers, Indian Creek Nature Center executive director. "Becoming NetZero energy is a key component to achieving the Living Building Challenge. Our long-term partner, Alliant Energy, will help us demonstrate renewable technologies and educate the public on responsible energy use."

A certified Living Building is self-sufficient for energy and water for at least 12 continuous months. It must also meet rigorous standards for green materials and indoor environmental quality.

"We are proud that Alliant Energy is a lead partner in our Amazing Space campaign," said Myers. "As our community comes together, we are creating knowledge and respect to power our future."

This project is part of a 15-year educational partnership, and represents Alliant Energy's first utility-owned solar energy generation site. Construction is expected to finish in 2016.

For more information

Alliant Energy Corporation
4902 N Biltmore Ln
Madison Wisconsin
United States 53707-1007
www.alliantenergy.com


Justin Foss, Media Contact
Alliant Energy Corporation
(319) 786-4788

Susan Gille, Investor Relations Contact
Alliant Energy Corporation
SusanGille@alliantenergy.com
(608) 458-3956


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