Baker Roofing Co. Launches Baker Renewable Energy to Focus on Green Building Solutions Triangle

RALEIGH, N.C. - Baker Roofing Co., one of the nation's largest roofing and sheet-metal companies, is launching a renewable energy subsidiary focused on green building technologies and environmentally sustainable energy products for business, government and institutional facilities.

Baker Renewable Energy LLC provides energy-saving technology and sustainable building products both for new construction and renovation projects where alternative  energy systems like solar might prove viable.

"Our objective is to provide practical and realistic energy options that make good business sense with the explosion of renewable 'green' technologies," said Prentiss Baker, chairman and chief executive officer of Baker Roofing. "We're demonstrating that our renewable energy expertise complements the reputation built over the past 90 years as Baker Roofing."

Baker is already at work on several projects across North Carolina as well as in Virginia, West Virginia and South Carolina with projects pending in Maryland, Kentucky, Texas and Florida. 

In the Triangle, an energy-saving 20,000-square-foot roof garden has been completed atop the seventh-story of the Quorum Center in downtown Raleigh as well as a new thin film rooftop solar-power panel atop North Hills shopping center. Baker has installed a photovoltaic laminate system for the developer renovating the historic Mitchell Building in downtown Fuquay Varina. Baker also was involved in the recent renovation of Pullen Memorial Baptist Church in Raleigh with several recycled and sustainable green systems that include a rooftop garden.

Baker Renewable Energy provides renewable energy products and services that can be tailored to a client's specific facility needs. The company already invested more than a year developing renewable energy expertise that can be applied to residential and commercial buildings, military and government facilities, colleges and universities and even churches. The company has achieved rigorous LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification necessary for potential renewable energy tax credits.

"Our intention is to provide practical and prudent renewable energy options that have the greatest impact for customers looking at how this technology will help them achieve their energy goals," said John Matthews, executive vice president of Baker Roofing, who is heading up Baker Renewable Energy as well.

As sustainable building practices and technologies become accepted by architects, designers, developers and general contractors, a need is evolving for trusted installation firms in the sustainable building products and renewable energy market, Prentice Baker said. As part of the launch, Baker recently acquired Raleigh-based renewable energy integrator Outer Ring Energy and brought on the company's president Jason Epstein to provide additional expertise.

"Jason provides the kind of savvy and expertise that helps us demonstrate that while we're a well-known in roofing systems, we're also well-versed in alternative energy options for construction and renovation projects," said Matthews who is a LEED Accredited Professional (AP) designated by the U.S. Green Building Council. With this AP designation, Matthews has demonstrated a thorough understanding of LEED green building practices and principles and its standards for environmentally sustainable construction.

"Baker Renewable Energy is matching clients' energy needs with the right renewable energy technology and will be part of a building plan that focuses on a sustainable design and construction process," said Matthews.

"The key in this industry is Identifying a client's need and providing a specific solution," said Epstein. "To this end, Baker