Solar Panels will Bring Sustainability to Bronx Community and Environment
Clarion Partners (Clarion), a specialist investment manager and subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc., and Taconic Partners (Taconic) celebrated the completion of a noteworthy solar power project at their flagship Quality Communities property, Eastchester Heights, in the Bronx.
Eastchester Heights is a 1,416 unit residential apartment complex which spans five city blocks and 114 individual buildings. Built in 1935 and situated on 14.84 acres, it is among the largest residential communities in the Bronx, and in greater New York City.
By adding solar, Taconic and Clarion are improving an existing property and reducing its emissions. The solar installation will produce over 1.1 million kilowatt hours of clean electricity, equivalent to removing 165 cars from the road for a year or the carbon sequestered by over 12,800 tree seedlings grown over 10 years.
“We’re very proud of this project and the positive impact it will not only have on the environment, but also the Bronx community,” said Taconic’s Andrew Schwartz, Vice President of Residential Asset Management. “We are committed to being a part of a solution to fight climate change and look forward to exploring solar and other sustainable technologies for more of our properties.”
Taconic and Clarion contracted Bright Power, an energy and water management consulting and construction company, to design and install 917 kilowatts of solar photovoltaic panels at their Quality Communities property.
“Bright Power applauds Taconic and Clarion’s commitment to clean, renewable energy. A solar installation of this magnitude sets an example for other real estate owners,” said Jeff Perlman, CEO and founder of Bright Power. “Taconic and Clarion are making the Bronx more sustainable while they preserve high-quality affordable workforce housing. It’s a win for the Bronx, Eastchester Heights residents, and the environment.”
With new legislation in New York City aimed to reduce emissions from existing buildings, Taconic and Clarion will be one step ahead in helping the city meet its goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. The solar panels at the Quality Communities property will help New York State reach its goal of 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040 and decrease emissions in an area that has the highest asthma rates in the country.
“Clarion Partners is proud of the investment Eastchester Heights is making in clean energy,” said Katie Vaz, Managing Director, Clarion. “We are excited to include Eastchester Heights as a contributor to our ever-growing portfolio of properties which collectively produce over 30 megawatts of solar power annually.”
For more information on Eastchester Heights, please visit https://www.eastchesterheights.com.