Around here, there’s a popular joke: if the sun stops shining tomorrow, we all have bigger problems than whether or not we’re still producing solar energy.
It’s a lighthearted reminder of the fact that the sun is the source of all energy. Plants need it for photosynthesis. Even fossil fuels – named so because of their origin as fossilized plant carbon – can trace their packed energy all the way back to the sun.
So it was fitting that at an event celebrating Norwood Hills Country Club’s solar-energy installation, board members and Mayor Sutphin of Jennings, MO alike raised their glasses for a toast to the sun.
“NHCC is rich in tradition and history, and in the past year, the club is making new history in becoming a club that stands out not only in our St. Louis community, but in the nation,” said Club President John Murphy.
Norwood Hills Country Club President John Murphy celebrates going solar
We worked with NHCC to install two 25-kilowatt solar-energy systems. Together they’re estimated to produce 64,582 kilowatt hours of clean electricity each year.
How much solar energy is that? What does that mean?
It’s enough to power 123 60-watt light bulbs 24-hours-a-day, 365 days-of-the-year.
The solar energy provided by these systems will provide approximately $500 in electricity to Norwood Hills each month – for free.
Summer Solstice attendees took tours of Norwood Hills’ solar array on their club roof.
Back to photosynthesis – we know that trees also absorb carbon dioxide from the air during that process as they create food. Every year, the energy NHCC is producing from the sun – versus getting it from burning coal – provides the same amount of clean air benefits as planting 1,168 tree seedlings would.
Norwood Hills is the first area country club to go solar. In addition to using solar energy, Norwood Hills has adopted other green practices that have significantly impacted the club’s energy usage, which has impacted the environment around the club in a positive way:
- Norwood has introduced biodegradable Styrofoam cups that will decompose in 5 years, as opposed to 500 years
- They are using plates made from pressed palm leaves at the pool that are both compostable and biodegradable
- The club is upgrading their old light bulbs to energy-efficient LED lights to reduce the amount of energy used in all areas of the club
- The club is charging their golf carts during off-peak hours
- They also source the fish served in the club dining rooms from sustainable farms
NHCC has a Sustainability Committee whose members, including chairman Joe Weinbauer and member Annie Seal, have been an influential force behind the green practices of the club.
Mayor Sutphin of Jennings, Missouri commends Norwood Hills for their sustainable practices
As Mayor Sutphin said, “Norwood Hills is a strong advocate for protecting the environment.”