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Greening the Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Federal Green Challenge Award Goes to National Park Service for Renewable Energy Innovation

Golden Gate National Recreation Area is one of the largest national parks in an urban area with over 1,200 historic buildings and 80,000 acres surrounding the San Francisco Bay Area.

The park was recognized a 2016 Federal Green Challenge Award for making significant strides to reduce its carbon footprint with the goal of becoming a carbon neutral park. Highlights of their efforts include:
  • Purchasing 100% renewable energy for park buildings through Community Choice Aggregation programs
  • Installing solar panels on historic Fort Mason buildings and Alcatraz Island.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area Video - Greening Golden Gate Exit

Photo Gallery

Solare panels on the roof of one of the buildings at AlcatrazThe 959 solar panels at Alcatraz Island produce over 320,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity a year, reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 325 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) and displacing nearly 32,000 gallons of diesel fuel previously used by on-island generators. Photo: NPS
Banks of batteries inside of a roomThe 480 battery storage system is a key part to the solar panel project on the prison roof of Alcatraz Island. Photo: NREL
Aerial view of Alcatraz with solar panels on roof of main building clearyl visible, covering entire roof.Aerial view of Alcatraz Island with solar panels on roof | Click image to enlarge
Aerial view of Alcatraz with solar panels on roof of main building clearyl visible, covering entire roof.Aerial view of Alcatraz Island with solar panels on roof | Click image to enlarge
Aerial view of Alcatraz with solar panels on roof of main building clearyl visible, covering entire roof.The solar panels on this Fort Mason building were installed so they cannot be seen by park visitors to preserve the historic character of the building. Photo: NPS | Click image to enlarge
Solar panels on the roof of building at Fort MasonCloseup of solar panels on Fort Mason building. Photo: NPS | Click image to enlarge
Alcatraz Ferry Boat with solar panels and wind generatorsAlcatraz Cruise's hybrid ferry with solar photovoltaics and wind turbines on top. Photo: NPS | Click image to enlarge
Closeup of Alcatraz Ferry showing solar panels and wind generators on upper deck.Close-up of Alcatraz Cruise's hybrid ferry with solar photovoltaics and wind turbines on top. Photo: NPS | Click image to enlarge
Region 9 Acting Deputy Regional Administrator Deborah Jordan (right) talks to a reporter at the award eventRegion 9 Acting Deputy Regional Administrator Deborah Jordan (right) talks to a reporter at the award event | Click image to enlarge
Acting Deputy Regional Administrator Deborah Jordan presents Aaron Roth, Acting Superintendent, Golden Gate Natural Recreation Area, with the Federal Green Challenge Energy Award.Acting Deputy Regional Administrator Deborah Jordan presents Aaron Roth, Acting Superintendent, Golden Gate Natural Recreation Area, with the Federal Green Challenge Energy Award. | Click to enlarge