Page Springs Cellars Become First Arizona Winery to Convert to Solar Energy

In July, Page Springs Cellars announced its intentions to become Arizona’s first solar winery and vineyard. In partnership with Harmon Solar, Page Springs plans to install nearly 400 solar panels that will satisfy up to 85 percent of Page Springs’ energy consumption needs. Energy will be stored on a utility grid, allowing the winery to maintain its current operations. The partnership between Page Springs and Harmon Solar is the first of its kind, and will result in a projected 10 percent return on investment for the winery within the first year of implementation. This innovative winery was the first in Arizona to receive a 90-point score by Wine Spectator in 2013.
pagespringscellars.com, harmonsolar.com

Arizonans Flock to Denver to Show Their Support for EPA’s Clean Power Plan

A number of Arizona residents traveled to Downtown Denver and voiced support for the EPA’s Clean Power Plan through public comment and rallies. Among the supporters was Brandon Cheshire, an Arizona native and founder of SunHarvest Solar & Electrical, a solar company located in Phoenix. Cheshire testified on behalf of the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign stating, “There are more than enough free, clean energy resources available to meet our energy needs many times over without poisoning the air and water around us.” Many of the Arizonan attendees shared Cheshire’s sentiment that we must face this challenge for what it is — an opportunity to redesign, reinvent and transition our methods in which we power our daily lives.
sunharvest-us.com

Phoenix Hires Chief Sustainability Officer From Vancouver, British Columbia

Phoenix City Manager Ed Zuercher recently announced that Mark Hartman would become the new chief sustainability officer for the city of Phoenix. Prior to this position, Hartman was the sustainability and green building manager in Vancouver, with a budget of $4 million. According to Mayor Greg Stanton, “Phoenix has set ambitious goals to be a more sustainable city, and we need the right team to help us get there. I’m confident that with Mark leading our efforts, we will see real progress.” The position of chief sustainability officer was created by the Council in 2013, and Hartman’s salary will not cost the city any new money because it will come from two vacant positions not being filled.