Clean energy webinar

Webinar this morning on municipal clean energy.

MASSCEC Webinar – Clean Energy Generation and Energy Efficiency – Local Benefits and Realities

Municipal official from Pittsfield told of its 5 acre PV solar array they installed at its waste water treatment plant (WWTP) paid for with Federal ARRA stimulus monies.  That PV array produces 30% of the electrical needs of the WWTP ($220,000/year) and they also sell green energy credits for $450,000/year to cover 90% of the electric needs of their WWTP.

Pittsfield also got a state Green Communities grant of $93,000 which they used to convert the electric heat to gas heat in a city owned art center, which saves them $9,000/year.   Pittsfield converted its traffic lights to LED’s, mainly paid for by a grant from its utility.

Pittsfield converted its traffic signals to LED’s by means of grant money from its utility, also providing big savings.

Speaker said biggest issue when the Green Communities Act (GCA) was discussed was the adoption of the stretch build code, but that after its adoption it has not been an issue at all.

The Medfield Energy Committee has looked into the our becoming a Green Community, and has recently written to ask the Board of Selectmen whether the selectmen want them to pursue Medfield becoming a green community.  Ann and Mark wanted to hear from the MEC in person before deciding, and that decision should be made soon.  The biggest benefit of Medfield becoming a green community is our shoeing leadership to do what is right for the environment, and as a side benefit we get access to the state GCA grants.

Medfield becoming greener under the leadership of the MEC has so far saved the town 30% of its former energy spending.  Medfield becoming a green community can save us even more money, and also save our environment.