Lansing City Market powered up with iconic solar power carport

Earth Day launch event features installation of America's first municipality-owned isola™ solar powered EV charging station by renewz sustainable solutions

April 23rd,2013…Lansing, Michigan – renewz sustainable solutions inc. has collaborated with Eaton (ETN:NYSE) and the Lansing Board of Water & Light to construct a solar powered electric vehicle carport at the riverside Lansing City Market. The event was headlined by Mayor Virg Bernero, whose presence signified the importance of this initiative to the Lansing area. The solar charging car port system was developed by renewz and combines American-made electrical equipment from Eaton and structural components by Giulio Barbieri S.p.A. of Italy.


"Lansing is once again leading the way on cleaner, greener practices that conserve energy, reduce pollution and improve our environment," Mayor Bernero said. "With the help of our terrific partners, the Live Green Lansing program will translate these goals into action by showing residents, businesses and schools how they can adopt environmentally-friendly technologies in their everyday activities."

"Mid-Michigan residents, especially electric vehicle owners, can be proud that this project makes our community an even more attractive choice for shopping and doing business in the downtown area. All signs point to this being a successful endeavor and a huge step in the direction of sustainable energy use," said J. Peter Lark, General Manager, BWL.

The isola™ 5 kilowatt (kW) solar carport project was managed and developed by renewz® and features patent-pending Integrated Power Solutions and EV chargers from Eaton. The modular structure also includes SILFAB Americas solar panels, high-tech LED lighting and highly visible side and top ad banners. It is designed to be 100-percent waterproof and fully wind, snow and seismic code compliant.

"renewz® is committed to helping cities across America deliver on their citizens' dreams of a greener tomorrow," said Sass M. Peress, CEO of renewz. "Built right in the heart of the city which will soon assemble the Cadillac ELR hybrid electric vehicle, this solar canopy was constructed in just a few days without need for any foundation trenching thanks to its ballasted design. It clearly demonstrates how municipalities can power green fleets sustainably, while supporting local governments commitment to environmental leadership for our children and generations to come."

"We are proud to have partnered with renewz® to bring our Italian innovations to the American market", said Giulio Barbieri, founder of Giulio Barbieri SpA, Ferrara, Italy." As a result of this project and other successes in America in the past year, we have initiated plans that will soon see our structures assembled right on American soil. By combining the capacities of America's very capable workforce with our Italian design, we believe that this sound strategy will reduce our supply chain carbon footprint, speed up our ability to react to customer requirements, while supporting renewz® efforts to provide even better service to this growing market".

This innovative solar powered EV charging station is intended to generate enough clean, renewable energy to recharge BWL's Volt fleet or consumer electric vehicles for 25 years. It will reduce Lansing's greenhouse gas emissions by more than 115 tons and permit more than 300,000 miles of clean driving.

"The Solar Canopy project at Lansing is a great opportunity for Eaton to showcase our solar product offering in support of LBWL's sustainability message. It's exciting to see their forward-thinking leadership in the alternative energy arena", said Charles Tahara, Product Manager at Eaton.

About renewz sustainable solutions inc.
renewz sustainable solutions, Inc. develops and delivers unique solar carport projects based on careful matching of design and brand requirements of its clients. Through the delivery of recognizable, easy-to-implement, and effective solutions, we help clients discover ways to increase their environmental stewardship...from road to roof®. For more information, visit www.renewz.com, facebook.com/renewz or view our videos at youtube.com/renewzsolutions

About Eaton
Eaton is a diversified power management company providing energy-efficient solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power. With 2012 sales of $16.3 billion, Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical products, systems and services for power quality, distribution and control, power transmission, lighting and wiring products; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton acquired Cooper Industries plc in 2012. Eaton has approximately 103,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 175 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.

About Giulio Barbieri Giulio Barbieri is a leading Italian manufacturer of aluminum modular structures for residential and public application. According to the environmental policies that have been developed over the past several years, we are devoted to the promotion of renewable energies. Giulio Barbieri is a company with a worldwide reputation and experience in the design and manufacturing of highest quality, stylish and long lasting metallic constructions suitable to any covering needs, even in customized execution. Headquartered in Poggio Renatico (FERRARA) Italy, Giulio Barbieri exports its products all over the world. For more information, visit www.giuliobarbieri.it

About Live Green Lansing
Live Green Lansing is a community initiative that promotes and supports environmental and economic health for all who live, work and play in Michigan's capital city. In partnership with our community sponsors, the City of Lansing has launched Live Green Lansing as the next step in greening our city. Building on the foundation laid by the Go Green! Initiative, Live Green Lansing is a one-stop resource for the community to learn, engage and take action in promoting green living in the Lansing area. Visit us on the Internet at http://www.lansingmi.gov/livegreen.

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