Mayor David Cicilline, along with state economic development officials said that Alteris Renewables, Inc., one of the largest renewable energy systems installers in the northeast, has opened new offices. The company's finance department, a call center and regional staff will be located at 28 Wolcott St., an award-winning net-zero building in the city's growing Green Corridor. The office spaces are Rhode Island's first and only net-zero office environment, including heating and electricity provided by the sun via Alteris Renewables solar systems on the roof. (The Alteris wind business headquarters will remain in Bristol).
"Alteris has been recognized as one of the leading renewable energy systems developers in the country and brings the potential for new jobs in this growing sector," said mayor Cicilline. "Their decision to expand in Providence underscores our reputation as a prime location for green industry and jobs. The company had been actively exploring expansion in other states but my Administration and the Rhode Island Economic Development Corp. (RIEDC) staff worked hard as a team to keep them here, bringing new offices to Providence."
The mayor anticipates that in the coming years Alteris will continue to grow its workforce, adding new jobs at this office, as it expands its profile within America's renewable energy market. "We are delighted to have them join a number of other green businesses along our Promenade and in this important, emerging economy."
In recent years, new and expanding "green" business has been occurring along the Woonasquatucket River Corridor, in the Valley and Olneyville neighborhoods. This are is commonly known as the Promenade Green Corridor. Projects there involve: remediation and restoration of historic mill buildings, retrofitting of existing buildings for energy savings, green businesses in areas such as design and architecture, land reclamation projects and purveyors organic foods. Examples include the 50,000 s/f commercial office building, the United Natural Foods headquarters at the Alco site, the Steelyard non-profit and for-profit businesses along Sims St., the 39 artist live-work spaces at Monohasset Mills and the Wolcott St. Eco-Office where Alteris will be housed.
"We're thrilled to be part of the city's emerging Promenade Green Corridor," said Mark Nelson, vice president of business development at Alteris Renewables. "Providence's ability to lure leading companies such as Alteris underscores the city's effort to green its economy. Between its progressive constituency, motivated leadership and collaborative entrepreneurial spirit, we expect to see Providence emerge as a model city in our nation's migration toward a new energy economy."
He said, "Alteris is continuing our collaboration with the RIEDC to develop a sustainable renewable energy program that will help Rhode Island accelerate its drive to achieve its renewable energy goal of 16% by 2019."
"The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation is committed to expanding Rhode Island's renewable energy capabilities and helping companies such as Alteris expand and remain in Rhode Island," said Michael Saul, interim executive director of RIEDC. "Working closely with state and local leadership to make this happen solidifies Rhode Island's commitment to creating jobs in the green sector. We look forward to Alteris' continued growth and expansion in Rhode Island."
"Our city has taken the lead on energy conservation and building a new green economy. The affordability and high efficiency of Alteris' installations enable residents and businesses to reduce their carbon footprint while contributing to a healthier world. We could not think of a finer fit for Providence," said Cicilline.
The Wolcott Eco-Office, as it has been dubbed, is the state's first net-zero commercial building. It is an 8,000 s/f mixed use building which generates all its own energy needs from renewable sources. The totally self sustaining building features an insulated building envelope engineered with solar-thermal and photovoltaic panels, which heat, cool and power the building. This year, the building's developer, JTJ Investments, LLC, was the recipient of the John H. Chafee Conservation Leadership Award.
Alteris Renewables is the largest design-build renewable energy company in the Northeast, with more than 2,250 completed installations over the past 30 years and a dozen offices across 6 states. Alteris provides turn-key PV (photovoltaic, solar electric), solar thermal, and wind energy solutions for commercial, residential, educational, municipal and institutional clients. The company has industry-leading expertise in engineering, design, project management, performance analysis, project financing and renewable energy credit programs.