What began as a project to make the company's new headquartersas energy-efficient as possible blossomed into an endeavor thatcreated the first net-zero electric commercial building in thecountry. Net zero means that the building produces all theelectricity it uses. Ferreira's system is said to be so efficient,in fact, that it ended up with a surplus of power after its firstyear in use, which it sold back to the electric company.

The key to the company's success doesn't lie in the solar panelsalone, but in a combination of systems inside the building. "Thisis about sustainability, and sustainability goes beyond renewableenergy," says John Grabowski, VP of sales and marketing of NovedaTechnologies, Somerville, who served as project coordinator forFerreira. "Sustainability looks at factors like energy efficiency,where materials come from, renewable energy and having them allwork in conjunction."

The company uses a combination of renewable energy andhigh-efficiency systems to remain self-sufficient. Electricity isprovided by the solar electric system; solar thermal produces hotwater; and high-efficiency boiler pushes water through nine milesof tubing under the floor to heat the building.