Raza Development Fund Partners with Arizona-based Oculus Studio to Install a Renewable Energy Source to Power its Headquarters
©2024 oculus studio
Phoenix, AZ, — Raza Development Fund (RDF) partners with Arizona-based Oculus Studio to install an Active Shade® solar canopy system in its parking lot. This 176-solar module project nearing completion will generate clean renewable energy to power RDF’s headquarters, located at 410 E. Southern Avenue, Phoenix, reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.
“At Raza Development Fund, we are committed to doing our part to combat the effects of climate change, especially its effect on our community’s health. This Active Shade® is a critical component of that work,” said Annie Donovan, RDF’s President & CEO. “We encourage others to join us as we strive to transition to a clean sustainable economy.”
By producing more than 131 megawatt hours (MWh) of renewable energy, this installation’s environmental benefit is equal to the amount of carbon sequestered by 83 acres of U.S. forests per year. When complete, RDF’s visitors and staff will be able to enjoy 27 covered spaces of shade, a limited resource in the Sonoran Desert climate, fulfilling Oculus Studio’s Active Shade® byline –“Shade that Works™”. The project also includes two level 2 Electric Vehicle charging stations.
The Active Shade® Arizona-based project team includes Oculus Studio as the architect and Floor Associates as the landscape architect with engineering provided by Caruso Turley Scott and TRC. The project construction team includes Resolute Performance Iron, Inc., K2 Electric Newco, LLC, and Onsite Landscape. The dedication, perseverance, and positive attitude of the project team members is making the difference, resulting in a timely and professional installation.
©2024 oculus studio
©2024 oculus studio
©2024 oculus studio
©2024 oculus studio
©2024 oculus studio
About Raza Development Fund
Raza Development Fund (RDF) is the largest national, Latino-focused nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Driven by a mission to close wealth and opportunity gaps in Latino and other under-resourced communities across the United States, RDF provides responsible and attainable financial solutions to community-based organizations focused on health, education, affordable housing, climate resilience, homeownership, and entrepreneurship. RDF was founded in 1999 as a support organization to UnidosUS, the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy nonprofit, formerly known as the National Council of La Raza. As a testament to its exceptional financial strength and impact, RDF stands out as one of the few CDFIs with a prestigious AA- S&P rating. Since its inception, RDF has invested more than $1.3 billion across 38 states, leveraging over $6 billion in additional capital.
CONTACT:
Monica Ballesteros
Chief Communications Officer
About Oculus Studio
Oculus Studio is a Phoenix-based architecture and engineering company specializing in energy efficient and high-performance building design. Oculus Studio created Active Shade®, “Shade that Works™” to offer our clients the ability to install a tangible asset that converts their parking lots into welcoming places for people and community, while also generating clean renewable energy. To learn more visit our website: www.oculus-studio.com
About Active Shade®
Active Shade® is a patented design concept which elegantly integrates electrical and structural engineering into modular pre-fabricated shade canopies that support solar PV. Active Shade® focuses the value proposition on creating people-friendly shaded outdoor spaces that allow organizations to pursue their growth goals and bottom line by reducing their operational cost with the generation of clean renewable energy. To learn more visit our webpage: www.active-shade.com