Currently, the project is in the final design stages that call for five gasoline and alternative fuel dispensers and six diesel dispensers. The final fuel mix is still in development, but potential options include E85, as well as soy- or animal fat-based biodiesel, compressed natural gas, liquid hydrogen fuels and plug-in charging stations for electric or hybrid vehicles.
"Destiny's E-Station will introduce solar, renewable energy and new sustainable practices into the lives of residents of Osceola County while also educating consumers on how clean technology and carbon reduction can be implemented," said Randy Johnson, chief operating officer for Destiny. "The E-Station will be a proving ground for technologies and practices of the future and is a testament to our commitment to create a truly eco-sustainable community in the state."
Mid-State Energy Inc. of Lake Wales, Fla., had plans to build a traditional convenience station at the former site of Key Stop, a station and eatery, which was purchased several years ago. The company was moving forward with these plans until it was approached by the Destiny team on the vision of building Florida's first green energy station. Days away from construction, Mid-State Energy changed its original development plans to move forward with Destiny's proposal.
Mid-State Energy, founded in 1957, is a privately held corporation and family-run business that owns or supplies services and fuels to more than 100 convenience stores and fueling stations across the state of Florida.
"We are thrilled to be at the forefront of the creation of one of the country's first E-stations and are excited to work with Destiny to turn their vision into reality," said Ken Allen Jr., president of Mid-State Energy. "We believe the E-Station offers a remarkable opportunity to be part of the transition of change from fossil to alternative fuels and a platform for educating the public on new green technologies, and the latest in energy efficient systems which is long overdue in our traditional industry."
Destiny, a 41,300-acre, proposed self-contained green community, will be designed to ensure environmental, social and economic stability for its residents. In the planning stages, Destiny is currently working with the state of Florida and Osceola County to secure entitlement. Recently, the Osceola County Commission unanimously approved a plan to allow the creation of new cities in rural areas of the county.
Further approvals are required by the State of Florida Department of Community Affairs and the county before Destiny will be approved; however, while the city continues with this process, Mid-State Energy, Inc. will begin building the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED)-certified, hurricane-resistant concrete E-station by mid-2009 in Destiny.
"As Destiny continues to seek entitlement from the state of Florida, it's encouraging to see businesses like Mid-State Energy embrace its vision of an eco-sustainable future for Osceola County," said Maria Grulich Toumazos, Osceola County's economic development administrator. "We look forward to the benefit this new E-Station and other Destiny projects will bring to the area."
Royal Concrete Concepts will supply the unique precast concrete structural components. The company plans to build the station in closed-factory conditions at its manufacturing plant nearby, which will minimize the pollution caused by large vehicles transporting supplies and onsite construction waste. In addition, Living Designs Group LLC is the LEED AP on the project. To promote the E-station's educational mission of "reduce, recycle, renew," the green-mart will look to showcase products that reduce energy consumption and increase efficacy.
Destiny spans 64 square miles with more than 25,000 acres of open space less than one hour south of Orlando. Strategically located at one of Central Florida's main intersections consisting of the Florida Turnpike, 441 and State Road 60, Destiny will provide a variety of industries with a new regional commerce hub located within a day's drive of 30 million consumers. As the future home to scientists, engineers, clean-tech innovators and university research centers, Destiny will be a well-balanced mix of new technology, educational excellence, longevity-based lifestyles and social and cultural centers. Destiny plans to feature NextGEN aviation, a multi-modal transportation system and a master plan for sustainability by ARUP. Destiny is situated within Florida's Clean Tech Corridor in the seventh largest mega-region in the United States. (Click here for the Destiny website.)
The c-store/retail fuels industry is ramping up green efforts, with many chains exploring environmentally friendly strategies, LEED certification, alternative fuels and more.Click here for a CSP Daily News report on Simply Green's "congreenience" store in Dover, N.H.
Click herefor a report on Zarco 66 Earth Friendly Fuels, in Lawrence, Kansas. Also, click here for a CSPTV video report on Zarco.
Andclick here for a report on BP's Helios House in Los Angeles. See related story in this issue of CSP Daily News for additional coverage of green stores.
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