Maritime Aquarium unveils new energy system to cut emissions, costs

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk (10 N Water St, Norwalk, CT 06854) marked a major sustainability milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony unveiling a new Combined Heat and Power system designed to significantly reduce carbon emissions and operating costs.

Aquarium President and CEO Jason Patlis was joined at the ceremony by Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling and Ayana Melvan, senior director of conservation action for the Aquarium Conservation Partnership. The group highlighted the project as a model for environmental leadership and community impact before guests toured the facility’s mechanical space where the system is housed.

“While our typical ribbon-cutting is for a new exhibit our guests can enjoy, this celebrates an initiative that will have a greater impact on their future and our community,” Patlis said. He noted the system will operate year-round, lowering the aquarium’s carbon footprint while reducing utility costs.

The $1.6 million project, completed over 18 months, uses natural gas to generate electricity while capturing and reusing waste heat. Paired with an absorption chiller, the system provides heating in winter and cooling in summer.

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According to the aquarium, the system will eliminate 324 tons of carbon dioxide annually — an 18% reduction in emissions — and produce 30% lower carbon output compared with conventional energy sources. Utility savings are projected at 20% to 25%, or about $200,000 per year.

The project aligns with the aquarium’s 10-year strategic plan and builds on earlier sustainability efforts, including the launch of the nation’s first battery-powered, hybrid-electric research vessel in 2014 and expanded use of solar energy.

In September, the aquarium received the Green Award for Innovation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which accredits about 250 institutions nationwide. The new system also advances the aquarium’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2035, part of a climate pledge signed by 24 aquariums nationwide on Earth Day in 2022.

Project partners included MHR Development, Controlled Air, Westview Group, South Norwalk Electric and Water, and Eversource. Funding support was provided by Chubb, M&T Bank and Clay Fowler, chair of the aquarium’s board of trustees.

For more details on the Aquarium’s sustainability initiatives, visit www.maritimeaquarium.org.

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December events at Fairfield Theatre Company

Fairfield Theatre Company is ringing in the holiday season with a lively lineup of performances throughout December. Highlights include multiple performances of A Christmas Carol: The Musical on Dec. 12, 13, and 14, a holiday-themed Holiday In The Warehouse show on Dec. 10, and concerts from artists like Bob Schneider and Steve Poltz on Dec. 9, TAB Benoit on Dec. 13, Built to Spill on Dec. 16, and Caravan of Thieves on Dec. 20. Music fans can also catch Yacht Lobsters, The Alpaca Gnomes, The Weight Band, The Crystal Pyramid Band, and CTGB Night, while educational programming features Teachrock on Dec. 17. The schedule promises a mix of festive cheer, rock, and blues to close out the year.

Learn to cook this winter with AMG Catering

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December events at PeoplesBank Arena

12/31 – Bridgeport Islanders vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets

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Maritime Aquarium unveils new energy system to cut emissions, costs