In 2009, the decision was made to add green features to the Mid-County Facility, including the use of solar panels. DART itself implements sustainable features such as ultra-low sulfur-fueled buses and hybrid electric buses; single stream recycling programs at stations and facilities; motion sensors for lighting in administration offices; and solar-lit bus shelters. Completed in 2011, the purpose of the multiphase project was to improve DART/ Delaware Transit Corporation’s operations in New Castle County. With more maintenance space, parking, offices and bus bays, the organization has met that goal. With the addition of solar panels, DART also was able to further its commitment to greening the transportation industry.
The building’s roof underwent a retrofit featuring ATAS International Inc.’s ATA-Solar Panels. The system contains 7,000 square feet of its 24-gauge Dutch Seam (MRD194) steel roof panels in Rawhide with PV laminates applied to the metal panels in the factory. The ATAS roof was paired with a metal-over-metal retrofit system called Roof Hugger made by Roof Hugger Inc., which creates thermal break air space. The facility also features 0.032-aluminum gutters and downspouts from ATAS in Classic Bronze.
General contractor: Commonwealth Construction, Wilmington, Del.
Distributor: Eastern Metals, Newark, Del.
Retrofit roof system: Roof Hugger Inc., Lutz, Fla., www.roofhugger.com
Solar panels, gutters and downspouts: ATAS International Inc., Allentown, Pa., www.atas.com
