CENTRIA Receives Federal Funding For Sustainability Efforts

Moon Township, PA - Congressman Tim Murphy (PA-18) presented the employees of CENTRIA with $300,000 in federal funds during a ceremonial check presentation. The funds, which help further CENTRIA’s commitment to sustainability and green building practices, will assist in the development of integrated solar building panels.

Pennsylvania Congressman Tim Murphy (left, above) with Mark Sherwin, President of CENTRIA. Below are CENTRIA's Rick Mowrey (left) and Mark Thimons, who is holding a sample of the BIPV system known as EnergyPeak™, which integrates thin-film solar laminate with standing seam roofing.

“We’re very pleased that Congressman Murphy and others in government not only recognize the importance of sustainable design, but also that CENTRIA is an industry leader in this effort,” said Rick Mowrey, director of marketing and business development. “These funds will help us complete research and development, engineering standards and commercialization of BIPV (Building-Integrated Photovoltaics) for Standing Seam Metal Roofs. These standards will be available for all Metal Roof Manufacturers and Contractors which will speed adoption of Solar Power as an alternative energy."

BIPV Solar Energy Systems combine lightweight, flexible and durable solar panels into one single roofing product that can be used to replace existing roofs or for new construction. It will be used as a national model in providing high-performance, energy-efficient buildings created with the power of the sun. As the designer of the system, CENTRIA is helping to lead the industry in the development of environmentally friendly alternative energy sources.

“As the nation searches for new, alternative sources of energy, Southwestern Pennsylvania will continue to be a leader in developing the technology,” said Congressman Murphy, a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. “We have a dedicated workforce, a strong base of technology and energy firms, and universities to train scientists and engineers. The Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Solar Energy System which these funds will help create is one of the many advanced energy projects being developed in the region.”

Congressman Murphy obtained the funds as part of the 2008 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act which passed the House of Representatives in July of 2007 and was later included in the omnibus spending bill which became law this past December.

Based in Pittsburgh, (Moon Township, Pa.) CENTRIA is an international company and the nation’s premier supplier of architectural metal wall and roofing systems used in commercial/industrial products. Since 1906, CENTRIA professionals have provided quality products and services for architectural and construction firms worldwide. For more information about CENTRIA, go to www.centria.com.