Bosch Experience Center worth the trip

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Bucolic. That is the word used by Jack DiEnna Jr., executive director, Geothermal National & International Initiative, to describe the Serenbe village, located 30 minutes outside of Atlanta. A vision by Steve Nygren and his wife Marie, this 1,000-acre sustainable community development features some of the greenest homes, even boasting some that are net-zero. Last month, Nygren was ecstatic to team up with Bosch Thermotechnology North America to promote green living, and to host the Bosch Experience Center at Serenbe. “It is amazing to see a corporation like Bosch here in our backyard,” said Nygren. Bosch opened the educational and interactive demonstration center in partnership with Serenbe on May 31.  Visitors to the Bosch Experience Center will have the opportunity to experience an array of Bosch products and solutions inside this first-of-its-kind Experience Center.

Opening the Bosch Experience Center at Serenbe with a ribbon cutting were (left to right) Gretchen Corbin, Deputy Commissioner, Georgia Dept. of Economic Development, Mike Mansuetti, president, Robert Bosch LLC, Congressman David Scott (D-GA), and Steve Nygren, founder of Serenbe. In the center background is Richard Soper, president, Bosch Thermotechnology North America.

Nygren, a successful restaurant developer earlier in his career, purchased 30 acres of farmland in 1991 and later opened the Serenbe B&B on the site. In subsequent years with the help of investors, they opened up the 1,000 acres of Serenbe to residential living options with a build-out objective of no more than 30% of total acreage.

Contractor magazine editor Bob Mader (l) discusses Bosch technology with Richard Soper, president, Bosch Thermotechnology North America.

You see, DiEnna Jr. was giving a talk to trade media assembled for Bosch’s Experience Center grand opening. The talk centered on the importance of geothermal as a sustainable resource and market possibilities ahead for geothermal solutions. With a small percentage of the heating and cooling market, geo is on the rise, intimated DiEnna Jr.

Bosch implements PV and solar thermal to help offset utility costs at the Experience Center, and to help demonstrate the benefits of solar installations.

Earlier in the day, Richard Soper, president, Bosch Thermotechnology North America, served as master of ceremonies and explained during opening remarks that the Bosch Experience Center at Serenbe is the first of its kind in North America and would serve as a teaching and interactive demonstration center for the array of Bosch products and technologies on display. The Experience Center showcases a suite of Bosch energy-efficient solutions, including aluminum structural materials from Bosch Rexroth, ENERGY STAR recognized appliances, diesel systems, heating and cooling technology, power tools, security and sound systems, and a solar photovoltaic panel.

Mike Mansuetti, president, Robert Bosch LLC, spoke about how establishing the Bosch Experience Center at Serenbe is aligned with the values of the company’s founder Robert Bosch, and how the 127-year old global company, with 300,000 employees worldwide and nearly 15,300 in the U.S., is dedicated to providing technological answers to ecological questions. “Bosch is committed to brining green, sustainable solutions to the consumer,” said Mansuetti.

Bosch senior management was joined by U.S. Congressman David Scott of the 13th District, a representative of Georgia Governor Nathan Deal’s administration along with Serenbe developer Steve Nygren. Congressman Scott lauded Bosch for its commitment to the environment and Serenbe for promoting an eco-conscious, sustainable lifestyle. “It’s not just about energy; it’s about a totally integrated system to live responsibly,” said Scott (D-GA). “We can do this without damaging this great planet.”

Nygren, who thanked Bosch for its commitment to Serenbe, accepted the keys to a 2013 VW Passat TDI clean diesel vehicle donated to Serenbe by Volkswagen Group of America. The car contains a Bosch supplied clean diesel fuel injection system, is 30-percent more fuel efficient than similar gasoline powered vehicles, and EPA-rated “best in Class” at 43 miles per gallon.

For complete details on the Bosch Experience Center and the Serenbe community, visit www.BoschExperienceCenter.com and www.serenbecommunity.com.

Pictured on the homepage: Nishant Saxena, business development engineer, Bosch, gives a tour of the Experience Center.

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