Over time, physical changes to the building’s layout and use has changed the solar resource incident on the building from a cost-saving benefit to an expensive liability. This ‘solar liability’ has resulted in building vacancy in over half of the building for over ten years and the decrepit appearance of the building at the foot of the renovations on North Street. The picture below shows the building when it was purchased in October, 2004.
This building was purchased by AJ and Kathy Rossman through the generous support of previous owner who financed the project when banks turned the Rossman’s loan requests for purchasing down. AJ had the vision and put in the time, effort and engineering expertise to create Vermont Green Offices – a redevelopment project involving a passive solar building located on lower North Street. He has guided the restoration of an energy intensive building in need of maintenance to an energy-efficient and otherwise eco-friendly office space. While being efficient and having a PV array generate all of the second floor electrical energy, the building still consumes fossil fuels. This project is out to demonstrate kicking that habit.
Since 2004, Vermont Green Offices has housed several emerging green businesses and helped them grow through a variety of means including tenant collaboration and a productive work environment. These companies include Draker Laboratories (current tenant), Tamarack Media, Geotech Environmental, Inc, Juliet Landler – Architect, DC Innovations (solar/wind installer), and the Vermont office for Solar Power Partners. The building also houses several non-profit organizations including the Vermont People of Color Alliance and the Hicks Foundation.
The Vermont Smart Resource Institute (VSRI) now occupies the entire second floor (22 North) of the building. The second floor atrium has been confined as a thermal break and acts as a solar laboratory for VSRI to conduct long-term testing of a wide range of equipment in harsh conditions representative of typical field installations. The internal staircase has been opened between the first and second floor and many green improvements have been implemented (see Green Features).
