United States. Ferreira Construction's headquarters in Branchburg, NJ, is the first commercial building built in the United States that does not use electric power.In partnership with government and industry, Ferreira built a "smart" building of 3,900 m2, whose power generation, from a renewable source, is greater than its consumption. A solar energy system with 223 kwh photovoltaic cells covers practically the entire roof with solar panels. In addition to producing hot water for the entire construction, the system emits radiant heat, powers high-efficiency roof units, a boiler condensing plant, and integrated web-based controls.
The system can be viewed on the internet to encourage energy conservation and the use of renewable sources. The U.S. Green Building Council estimates that the building sector accounts for 65% of total electricity consumption, for nearly half of the country's greenhouse gas emissions.
