What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Chicago TREND and TREND Community Development Corporation have completed a solar panel installation at Butterfield Plaza Shopping Center in Olympia Fields, Illinois. The 15 kW system, supported by a State of Illinois incentive program, aims to reduce operating expenses for tenants by lowering Common Area Maintenance charges. The project, which took 10 days to install, is part of a broader initiative to make climate-positive improvements across multiple shopping centers co-owned by TREND and community investors.
Why It's Important?
The solar installation at Butterfield Plaza Shopping Center demonstrates the potential for small commercial projects to benefit from state incentives, reducing costs for local businesses. This initiative aligns with TREND's mission to strengthen neighborhoods and promote positive investment returns. By lowering operating expenses, the project supports small businesses and encourages further climate-positive investments, such as energy-efficient systems and EV charging stations.
What's Next?
TREND plans to explore additional solar installations at Butterfield Plaza, including larger rooftop arrays and carports, as funding allows. The organization is actively seeking grants and subsidies to support further improvements. This project serves as a model for similar initiatives at other shopping centers, promoting sustainable practices and community investment in renewable energy.
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