Advisory: PECO Green Roof Preview Tuesday, Sept. 2, 3 p.m.

What’s more than 45,000 square feet, can reduce the summertime temperature of a dark roof by 60 to 80 degrees, saves on heating and cooling costs, and grows without conventional soil?

Simple, PECO’s soon-to-be planted green roof.

At 3 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 2, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and PECO President & CEO Denis O’Brien will “plant the seed” that will become the largest green roof on an existing urban building in Pennsylvania.

PECO will preview its green roof project with architectural renderings. Attendees will be able to view the rooftop site, weather permitting.  Sturdy, flat shoes are required. O’Brien also will present a $50,000 donation to the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation for its own green roof project (architectural renderings also will be available). Jane Pepper will discuss the energy savings and environmental benefits of green roofs.

WHO:

The Honorable Michael Nutter, Mayor of the City of Philadelphia

Denis O’Brien, PECO president and CEO

Jane Pepper, president, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

Bill Sasso, chairman, Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation board of directors

WHEN: 3 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008

WHERE: PECO headquarters, 23rd and Market Streets, Philadelphia

BACKGROUND:  The green roof development at PECO is part of the company’s recently-announced comprehensive environmental initiative with a range of programs over the next several years.  With anticipated investment of $15.3 million, the initiative also includes the opening of PECO’s first ‘green building’ in West Chester, replacement of the landmark Crown Lights messaging system atop the company’s Center City headquarters, energy efficiency upgrades at many of the company’s offices and service centers across the region to comply with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, as well as community and customer support for energy efficiency and environmental benefits.