Harnessing the Sun: Selby Gardens’ Leap in Sustainable Design

On June 27, 2024, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Downtown Sarasota celebrated a groundbreaking achievement by becoming the world’s first net positive energy botanical garden complex. This 15-acre bayfront sanctuary, also home to the world’s first net positive energy restaurant, marked the milestone by powering up its extensive solar panel network.

The activation of 2,158 state-of-the-art solar panels is a key development in the $52 million, three-phase master plan designed by renowned landscape architects and designers. This milestone, powered by generous support from foundations, signifies Selby Gardens' commitment to sustainability and innovation. Jennifer Rominiecki, President & CEO, highlighted this achievement as a pivotal moment in ecological stewardship.

The solar arrays at Selby Gardens are not just about energy production; they represent a paradigm shift in sustainable, regenerative architecture. Experts emphasized that the facility sets a new benchmark for botanical gardens globally. The project includes a 50,000 square foot solar network on a landscaped parking structure, the Morganroth Family Living Energy Access Facility (LEAF), and a 7,000 square foot solar array atop the Steinwachs Family Plant Research Center. Together, these installations provide 57,000 square feet of solar capacity, ensuring the gardens produce more power than they consume.

The new solar infrastructure is expected to generate 1.27 million kilowatt-hours of power annually, enough to power 175 average American homes. This output will exceed the facility's energy needs by 10%, saving Selby Gardens over $100,000 each year and offsetting 975 tons of CO2. This reduction in carbon emissions is equivalent to removing 211 cars from the road or the carbon sequestered by 1,000 acres of US forest.

Patrick Attwater, a key project contributor, expressed pride in contributing to this internationally recognized institution. The solar arrays not only cut energy costs but also significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, demonstrating the potential of sustainable design to drive both economic and environmental benefits.