Energy Updates

The Robert J. Dole U.S. Courthouse in Kansas City, Kan., is paying more attention to the sun with a $1.6 million green roof project that includes 200 solar panels.

The energy-efficient improvements, which include a “cool roof” reflective membrane, are part of what is anticipated to be a $4.6 million enhancement project at the 16-year-old courthouse at 500 State Ave. Funding came from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“This solar roof is one of the first of its kind in the Kansas City area,” Mary Ruwwe, a regional commissioner for the federal General Services Administration, said in a statement.

“It’s a prime example of how we are driving the development of new, green jobs. Many of the roofers employed on the project learned new skills in advanced-technology solar panel installation.”

The solar panels will generate electricity for the building, and the reflective membrane will deflect sunshine to help keep the building cool during hot weather.

The project also will be used as demonstration tool. A display is planned for the courthouse lobby that will include a monitor showing how much power is being generated.