Hinesburg, VT-- NRG Systems, Inc., a global leader in the wind energy industry, has opened its new manufacturing facility in Vermont, which has received its state's highest architectural award. William Maclay Architects and Planners, the architectural firm that designed NRG's facility, received the Honor Award for Excellence in Architecture from the Vermont Chapter of the American Institute of Architects' (AIA). NRG's 46,000 square foot building, one of four to be recognized for excellence in architecture, was selected from a field of 44 projects.

“It's such an honor for our building to be among the top projects in this state,” said Jan Blittersdorf, president and CEO of NRG Systems, Inc. “Bill Maclay and his firm helped turn our dreams of building a healthy, functional and beautiful building into reality and it is wonderful to see his firm recognized for this.”

According to AIA jury members who reviewed the projects, the NRG building “…breaks out from the model of the typical metal industrial box…so few industrial buildings reach this level of sophistication.”

The $8 million building, located in Hinesburg, is powered primarily by renewable energy and uses just a third of the energy that conventional buildings use. Two-thirds of NRG's building electricity is supplied by a 67-kilowatt solar photovoltaic installation-the largest of its kind in Vermont. NRG is installing a 10-kilowatt wind turbine on the hillside behind its building to supplement the solar PV system. The building uses another renewable resource-wood pellets made from lumber milling waste-for its heating needs.

According to NRG Systems, the cost of building to green standards was $13.81 per square foot or 8.21% more. NRG expects these additional costs to be paid for in five years.

The building features dozens of skylights and operable windows designed to take advantage of natural light, allow for natural ventilation and provide employees with views of the outdoors. Laptop computers and Energy Star-rated office equipment were selected to reduce electricity usage and heat gain. Earth- and human-friendly materials were used throughout the building, including low- or no-VOC stains, paints and adhesives, stained concrete flooring, certified wood and recycled glass bathroom tiles. The building features a first floor commons area that includes a cafe, double kitchen and 3-story stone fireplace; the third floor features an endless swimming pool and fitness area for employees.

The architectural firm of William Maclay Architects and Planners specializes in environmental design and has received numerous awards for excellence in design and environmental innovation. The Waitsfield firm has served the New England area since 1981. The Vermont AIA, an organization of architectural design professionals, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of the built environment.

NRG Systems, owned by David and Jan Blittersdorf, has grown steadily since its formation in 1982. The company has 43 employees and expects to more than double its sales within five years. NRG wind assessment systems and products can be found in 106 countries, serving electric utilities, wind farm developers, research institutes, universities, government agencies and homeowners. For more information, visit www.nrgsystems.com.