Nova Southeastern University and John U. Lloyd Beach State Park, located in Dania Beach, have completed a project that provides a state-of-the-art Oceanographic Center for NSU students, while catapulting John U. Lloyd Beach State Park into the world of alternative energy systems.
The Sustainable Energy Project, a plan that combines energy efficient and renewable technologies, has been completed with NSU’s funding. The $40 million project has helped the park install various technologies that allow it to become a “zero energy” consumer. In return, NSU has acquired the lease of 2.3 acres of state-owned land next to the Center of Excellence for Coral Reef Ecosystems Science Research Facility to create the largest coral reef research center in America.
Bill Gallo, the project’s architect and chairman, said the benefits of the project are two-fold.
“The planet benefits from less CO2 emissions, less barrels of oil consumed, and fewer trees felled. And the state benefits by generating its own energy for consumption,” he said.
The new coral reef center will be an 86,000 square foot facility. It will create 22 new academic jobs and 300 construction jobs, and will employ 50 graduate students. Scheduled completion of the project is expected for May 2012.
With the completion of The Sustainable Energy Project, John. U Lloyd Beach State Park is now considered a model facility for the rest of the state.
Air conditioning and lighting were upgraded to high efficiency equipment, which will reduce the park’s energy by as much as 30 percent. Solar electric systems were also installed. The park entrance, administration, maintenance buildings and concessions stands are all equipped with solar panels that allow the park to generate enough energy to use year round. Also, solar domestic hot water systems will provide hot water for the rangers who reside at the park.
Anna Kravitz, a guest of the park, said, “It is great to see Florida taking an initiative to make its parks greener.”
Cid Leve, manager of the park and an employee since 1985, said, “Park entry fees won’t be reduced or removed, but our operation and maintenance budget will be a little easier to budget.”
Gallo believes that this project can help Florida become a world leader in alternative energy systems for public facilities. He said the new system has a 25 year plus life expectancy.
