Last week Solar 1′s education team and park manager were lucky enough to take a tour of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Along our walk though the historic shipyard we saw solar panels and vertical wind turbines mounted to nearly every light post.
Our first stop was the IceStone factory where they make amazing counter top materials out of recycled glass. The company is committed to sustainability and prides itself on its dedication to a triple bottom line. The tour was really interesting and gave us exposure to a local manufacturer doing its part to reduce environmental impacts. Next we stopped by the Brooklyn Grange Farm in the Navy Yard. They have converted a 65,000 square foot rooftop space into a storm water retaining farmstead complete with a chicken coop and weekly farm stand. In addition to the local produce, eggs and honey the farm provides for nearby residents and restaurants, the farm also diverts an estimated 1,000,000 gallons of stormwater annually helping to prevent combined sewer overflows. Finally we stopped by BLDG 92, a building working towards a LEED Platinum certification. BLDG 92 is a public space that showcases the history and innovation of The Brooklyn Navy Yard – from the Revolutionary War to the revolution in jobs and industry happening in New York City right now.
