Stan Breakell - green job growth in the Star City

"This technology is emblematic of the integration of a variety of disciplines . . . chemical engineering, electrical engineering, Smart Grid technology, & solar" - Stan Breakell (4/04/2009)

Right now, on the corner of Campbell Avenue and First Street, Breakell, Inc., is holding a press conference to announce its new initiative to promote sustainable building practices in the Roanoke Valley.

I had an opportunity to talk with an excited Stan Breakell who was eager to explain the significance of the event.

We stood outside one of Breakell’s projects at the corner of First and Campbell–a LEED certified building in the heart of the West Campbell Arts District. Stan Breakell gave me his take on the need for increases in our region’s capacity to grow and retain green jobs.

“Green jobs present an educational opportunity . . . we need a multidisciplinary approach to the building trade.  We need to develop a new class of technicians–a whole need breed of designer with a different mind set to take advantage of future opportunities.  We hope to help Roanoke prepare itself to take advantage of funds for sustainable development in the new stimulus package.”

Breakell explained the significance of the VPT Energy System–”VPT Energy Systems’ (VPT-ES)  . . .  [address] the developing Smart Grid market by providing the controllable equipment necessary for widespread adoption of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) energy systems”–that was powering his car–of the Breakell’s new fleet of hybrids– which was plugged into a simple outdoor receptacle:

“This technology is emblematic of the integration of a variety of disciplines . . . chemical engineering, electrical engineering, Smart Grid technology, solar . . . you name it.”

Gone are the days of the simple 4 wire thermostat, said Breakell who was seconded by City Council member Rupert Cutler,also in attendance at the gathering.  “The new control systems require skilled technicians . . . that’s why I started our conversation by emphasizing the educational opportunities that sustainable building practices represent.”

Breakell says he charges his vehicles at night when electricity costs about 3 cents a kilowatt hour and there is less demand.  “Our future will require some slight modifications in our usual schedule . . . but it is a challenge that we can’t let pass us by.”

http://starcityharbinger.com/?p=4573

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