By focusing on its roof, the Associated Builders and Contractors Keystone Chapter (ABC Keystone) is working to go green. The chapter installed a rooftop solar array on its 31,000-square-foot training facility at 135 Shellyland Road, Manheim, in December. The solar panels will provide ABC Keystone with 60% to 65% of its electrical energy and represent a trend for efficiency throughout the building, said G. David Sload, chapter president-CEO.

"It is always our goal to be good stewards of our resources and energy consumption, and we strive to do our part for the environment," he said. When the training facility was built in 2015, it was not initially cost-effective to install solar panels, he noted, but advances in technology have now made it possible. At the time of construction, builders planned ahead and constructed a roof with a slope and direction to maximize sun exposure as well as materials to bear the additional weight of the array.

In addition to the solar array, the training facility features LED fixtures throughout the building as well as motion sensor-controlled room lights and large windows to allow shop and classroom spaces to be used without lights. The facility's HVAC equipment was also designed to be energy efficient.

"We are confident that by now utilizing solar energy as well, we are keeping our carbon footprint to a minimum," Sload said.

The training facility hosts students in apprenticeship programs across nine trades in the construction industry. The solar panels are not only allowing the facility to be greener but are also providing a unique learning experience for students, Sload noted.

"Part of the electrical curriculum is about solar (power)," he explained. "This will give us a great opportunity to have access to an actual real-life array instead of just learning through a book. We'll actually be able to take students onto the roof to see how everything operates and have a hands-on experience."

As systems age throughout the building, Sload said he expects more energy-efficient solutions to be installed.

"Our goal will always be to replace outdated systems with modern technology," he stated. "We are committed to using green energy sources."