PGW Breaks Ground on New North Operations Center Featuring Innovative Green Technology
Posted on:Nov 17, 2021
PHILADELPHIA, PA (November 17, 2021) – Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) held a ceremonial groundbreaking today for its North Operations Center in Northeast Philadelphia. The new building will feature the latest in energy-efficient technology and state-of-the-art training facilities to enhance service for PGW’s residential and business customers.
By consolidating eight buildings into the operations center, PGW could save up to $100 million over 25 years, directly benefiting PGW customers. Additionally, the North Operations Center reduces the carbon footprint of the eight buildings it replaces by 50 percent.
Located at 5000 Summerdale Avenue near Route 1 (Roosevelt Boulevard) with access to local roads, PGW technicians can travel easily from the operations center to service calls without encountering typical traffic delays on major highways.
The North Operations Center will hold two large training rooms equipped with home appliances, piping systems, and valves where PGW field crews can simulate repairs in customers’ homes and businesses.
Among the many energy saving elements of the new building are:
- An Energy Recovery Ventilation Unit (ERVU), which uses building exhaust to heat and cool areas of the operations center.
- Thermal stratification fans for energy-efficient heating.
- Future installation of electric vehicle charging stations infrastructure.
- High efficiency, water-saving plumbing fixtures.
- Multiple new retention basins and underground drainage systems for stormwater management.
- LED interior and exterior lighting fixtures that use less electricity and also improve safety for surrounding properties.
“When the North Operations Center is complete, we look forward to offering improved customer service, increased energy efficiency, and significant cost savings that will positively impact our customers,” said Seth Shapiro, Chief Operating Officer at PGW. “PGW has an ambitious vision of how we’ll deliver safe, reliable natural gas service and be leaders in a clean energy future. Block by block, PGW is building a cleaner and greener Philadelphia.”
When completed in spring 2023, the North Operations Center will house approximately 40 percent of PGW’s employees.
PGW is leasing the Summerdale Avenue property from NorthPoint Development of Riverside, Mo. PGW and NorthPoint collaborated on finding a location for the North Operations Center and NorthPoint is overseeing the construction.
“NorthPoint is proud to partner with PGW on their North Operations Center project,” said RJ Agee, Director of Development for NorthPoint Development. “The team at PGW has been extremely thorough and professional and has approached every decision with operational efficiency and their customers in mind. We look forward to the longevity and growth of this partnership.”
(PHOTO COURTESY OF Daniel Fugaciu) Ceremonial groundbreaking: (L-R): RJ Agee, VP of Development, NorthPoint Development; Daniel Cassidy, VP of Technical Operations, PGW; Seth Shapiro, President & CEO, PGW; Leigh Whitaker, Chair, Philadelphia Facilities Management Corp. and Director of City Relations for the University of Pennsylvania; Derek Green, Councilmember At-Large, and Chair of the Philadelphia Gas Commission; Heather Pierce, Chief of Staff to Councilmember Cherelle Parker. )
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