In 2016. the Arboretum launched a major initiative to reduce emissions and cut energy costs with the installation of two solar arrays to help power the Hunnewell Building and Dana Greenhouses. In 2019, the Arboretum broke ground on the Weld Hill Solar Project, which contains 1,297 solar panels, generates more than 25% of the energy required annually to support research and education at the Weld Hill Research Building, contains a unique battery storage array to reduce peak demand on the local electrical grid, and keeps the equivalent of 401 metric tons of carbon out of the atmosphere each year.
To support local insect biodiversity in the face of global insect decline, the project design incorporates a native-focused pollinator meadow beneath the panel arrays, with wild-collected plant material sourced and propagated by the Arboretum staff. Together, the Weld Hill solar/battery array and pollinator meadow will serve ongoing education programs focused on climate change, renewable energy, and sustainable design.
Help power world-class research, and be a part of the Arnold Arboretum’s legacy of environmental stewardship. Sponsor a panel for $1,000. For more information, email Janetta Stringfellow, Director of Development, at 617-384-5043, or email her at janetta_stringfellow@harvard.edu.
