Jersey Sure!

Nj.com image

I am visiting friends in the Philadelphia area this weekend and took an Amtrak train for the first time in my life. The train ride was nice. It was fascinating to see the world go by in a blink of an eye and to see parts of Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania that I wouldn’t normally see while driving down the interstate.

One of the most interesting discoveries I made while cities and towns streaked on by my window was a little surprising to me. For the entire stretch of track between the New York and Pennsylvania borders, almost every telephone pole I saw on the streets had a photovoltaic solar panel mounted about 15 feet up.

Image by Juan Arredondo for The New York Times

At first I thought, wow, this is a really cool initiative by some New Jersey town. I made a mental note to see if I could Google the town later to get the details on their solar project. But then I began to see the panels on poles everywhere along the route. Apparently it is a statewide initiative. So I did some research and found out that it was an idea brought about by New Jersey’s largest utility company, Public Service Electric and Gas to install panels on 200,000-500,000 utility poles in New Jersey over the course of five years. The project, which is estimated to cost the company close to $800 million began in 2009.

When finished, it was believed the solar panels would generate 120 megawatts of electricity, which experts said would amounts to just 1 percent of the power consumed in the state, but close to 7 percent of the state’s goal of power generated from renewable energy sources by 2020.

Advocates of the initiative believe that by 2020, 22.5 percent of the state’s electricity is supposed to come from renewable sources.

Unlike the solar panels we see a lot of on traffic lights and parking meters, which simple are used to power that sole function,  these panels would feed directly into the electrical grid. By selling the electricity into the wholesale market, the utility expects to offset some of the cost of installing the panels.

There are opponents of the project as well who say the cost is too high, especially since the utility has added anywhere from 10-35 cents more per month to each customer’s bill to finance the project. Others say the panels, which are about 5 feet by 3 feet and angled to face the south, are an eyesore and detract from the quality of life in their neighborhoods.

There have been news articles and editorials for and against the project since it was proposed. But, near as I can gather, so far, it seems, most New Jerseyans feel the positives outweigh the negatives as more and more people are committing toward renewable energy sources.

I love this outside the box  kind of thinking toward energy production and commend Public Service Electric and Gas and the state of New Jersey for making it a reality.

Town’s Solar Growing Pains

Landfill photo by Diane Lederman, Republican staff.

Former Amherst Landfill Solar Project Raises Concerns
Republican Newspaper/Masslive.com
By Diane Lederman

Commentary

As most people know, Amherst, Massachusetts is a fairly unique town in many ways. Known as a very progressive town, with no lack of engaged, opinionated residents, Amherst is one of those rare towns that actually votes its own, non-binding, opinions on state and national issues, such as war and health care. It is also a community that takes to heart green and sustainable sensibilities.

The idea to use otherwise unusable land for an array of photovoltaics is not new, but it is enlightened. I have often looked at old landfills, such as the large one that can be seen driving south on Interstate 91 toward Hartford, and thought to myself, solar panels could be installed there and produce a lot of power for the city.

Having said that, the number one priority at all times is the safety of the residents of the community. The residents who have expressed concerns are right to do so. If the landfill cap were to be disturbed or damaged, any benefit to the environment made by the use of solar would be completely dwarfed by the harm done by contamination leaking out from the site.

It is wise to take an optimistic, but thorough and measured approach here and I think the town has got it right. They are investigating the impact and will alter their plan accordingly.

It would be fantastic to see other cities and towns move in this ‘outside the box thinking’ direction. Even in these difficult budgetary times, a slow and steady move toward more green and sustainable practices by our governments would benefit us all in the long run.

- Jason Burkins

Myth: Solar is drastically more expensive than grid power

A recent United States government report found that the price of solar power for homeowners is coming real close to being on par with power from the electrical grid. After years of slow progress, solar technology is advancing rapidly and the cost of generating power from photovoltaics will likely drop from $.021 per kilowatt hour in 2010 to $.010 per kilowatt hour in 2015. The current average cost of electricity from the grid is $.010 per kilowatt hour. The report also predicts that by the year 2030, solar power will likely drop to under 6 cents per kilowatt hour. By then the gap between grid powered and solar powered homes will have closed considerably.

The FHA Energy Efficient Mortgage Program

An Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) is a mortgage that rewards you for building or renovating a home with energy efficient features. EEMs allow borrowers to finance cost-effective, energy-saving measures as part of a single mortgage and stretch debt-to-income qualifying ratios on loans. This allows them to qualify for a larger loan amount and a better, more energy-efficient home. Never heard of it? I am not surprised.

Its been a pretty well kept secret, but its not new. It started off as an FHA limited pilot program. Its success caused Congress to enact the national Energy Efficient Mortgage Program in 1995.

Participation in the program has been growing steadily as word gets out and the emphasis on energy efficiency continues to build.

The backbone of the EEM program is the idea that a reduction in a homeowner’s utility costs — by enacting changes that maximize energy efficiency — allows a homeowner to pay a higher mortgage to cover the costs of the energy improvements as well as the mortgage itself.

The FHA offers insurance for these specialized mortgages for a homeowner to buy or refinance a home and incorporate the cost of energy-efficient improvements. As the homeowner, you don’t have to qualify for the extra funds and no down payment is required.

EEMs offer homeowners who otherwise might not be able to afford it a chance to revamp their homes, save costs by adopting energy-efficient practices and help cut down on pollution. Yet, they’re still relatively foreign to most homeowners.

“Although EEMs have been available in some states since 1980, they have been little understood or marketed,” according to HUD. “With EEMs, borrowers do not need to get a separate, costly loan for energy improvements when buying an existing home.”

Here’s an overview of the requirements homeowners need to be considered eligible for an Energy Efficient Mortgage:

The borrower is eligible for maximum FHA-backed loan, using standard underwriting procedures. The borrower must make a 3-percent cash investment in the property based on the sales price. Closing costs are not included in the 3- percent calculation but may be used to satisfy the requirement. Any upfront mortgage insurance premium can be financed as part of the mortgage.

Eligible properties are one- to four-unit current and new construction.

The cost of the energy-efficient improvements that may be eligible for financing into the mortgage is the greater of 5 percent of the property’s value (not to exceed $8,000), or $4,000.

To be eligible for inclusion in this mortgage, the energy-efficient improvements must be cost effective, meaning that the total cost of the improvements is less than the total present value of the energy saved over the useful life of the energy improvement.

The cost of the energy improvements and estimate of the energy savings must be determined by a home energy rating report conducted by a home energy rating system or energy consultant. The cost of the energy rating may be financed as part of the cost-effective energy package.

The energy improvements are installed after the loan closes.

The maximum mortgage amount for a single-family unit depends on its location and it is adjusted annually.

There are three basic types of EEMs, so determining which one is best suited for your needs may require the help of an expert. Along with the FHA-backed loans for energy efficiency, the Veterans Administration also backs EEMs for qualified military personnel, reservists and veterans.

The  mortgages are becoming more known and more popular as homeowners continue to look for meaningful ways to address rising fuel and energy costs. Take some time to evaluate your budget and whether the long-term cost savings associated with energy efficiency is something that’s right for you and your family.

To take advantage of these great energy efficient mortgage programs, talk to your mortgage broker today!

Information for this post comes from The federal government’s Energy Star Program.

Green Guide to the Massachusetts Governor’s Race

As I did prior to the Special United States Senate election in Massachusetts in January, I have put together a green election guide to the candidates for Massachusetts Governor, based on statements they have made on the issues of energy and the environment. The four candidates running are incumbent Democrat Governor Deval Patrick, Republican Charles Baker, Democrat turned-independent State Treasurer Tim Cahill and Green-Rainbow Party candidate Jill Stein. I have a personal preference in this race but I will not be endorsing any of the candidates in this space. I wanted to provide a source of information on where the candidates stand on issues surrounding Green and Sustainable principles. The information I used for this guide is from the candidates’ websites, news articles and campaign literature. Each candidate’s website is hyperlinked and you can be directed to the sites by clicking on each candidate’s name. As we all know, there is a lot at stake in this election, here in Massachusetts, and nationally, so whomever you choose to vote for, please don’t forget to vote on Tuesday, November 2!

Charles Baker, Republican For Governor

Charlie Baker “believes we have a responsibility to protect and preserve our natural resources for future generations” and believes Massachusetts “can and must be a leader in promoting strong environmental policies.”

Baker, who says he is concerned about the effects of climate change, would take a deliberate, measured approach to investing in renewable energy sources. His would be a two-pronged approach, that first focuses on getting the state’s fiscal health in order and then investing in new green technology jobs and working to reduce energy costs.

“I believe that renewable energy is an important investment in our future. Massachusetts is uniquely poised to take advantage of alternative energy sources, which have the potential to save taxpayers and businesses money on their electric bills and will reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Cutting energy costs is another way to make Massachusetts more affordable for families and businesses.”, Baker states on his website.  Baker points out that the cost of electricity in Massachusetts is double the national average. Because of the higher cost to ratepayers and businesses, Baker cautions against moving too quickly toward more costly alternatives, but sees a measured strategy where wise investments in wind, biomass, and solar power alternatives will steadily slow the reliance on fossil fuels. “The price of these energy sources can not make Massachusetts’ already uncompetitive energy picture even worse.”, Baker states.

Baker also says he is committed to strong public support for aggressive energy efficiency advocacy and Green technology. He does oppose the wind farm project off of Nantucket known as Cape Wind that has the support of incumbent Governor Patrick.

Summing up his message on the topic, Baker states, “We need a balanced approach to energy policy that includes a reliable, cost-effective portfolio of conventional and renewable energy sources. We must do whatever we can to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and to reduce our reliance on non-renewable energy sources.”

Timothy Cahill, Independent For Governor State Treasurer Tim Cahill believes that the “green” sector of the economy could help Massachusetts move past these tough economic times, but he cautions that too much government activism in support of costly alternative solutions should lead the citizens to ask the question, “how much will it cost?” Cahill believes that market driven growth of renewable energy and government support for a diverse portfolio of alternative options is the way to go. Cahill criticizes the 2008 “Green Communities Act” filed by Governor Patrick because he believes Massachusetts taxpayers are already overburdened enough and that the Green Communities Act has tacked on hidden increases in consumers’ utility bills. He points out the significant added cost of renewable energy and claims that currently energy companies are allowed to hide the extra cost on utility bills. Cahill, referring to that extra cost to consumers, as a “Green Tax”, believes that it will cost consumers in the several millions of dollars over the next few years and continue to skyrocket in the years to come. Calling it Governor Patrick’s, “pet project”, Cahill labels the Cape Wind project a perfect example of an “irresponsible approach” to renewable energy investment. Cahill points to the estimated $2 billion to construct the project and the cost to transmit the power from the wind farm to the consumers and concludes that it will likely cost consumers close to $5 billion over what they would pay without Cape Wind.  ”The contract between National Grid and Cape Wind ultimately leaves the ratepayers footing the bill for a project that simply can’t compete with conventional energy.”, Cahill states.  He also said, “We must strive to seek common sense solutions to answer questions involving renewable energy diversification. The focus must be placed on maximizing return on investment rather than pursuing pet projects. Each taxpayer investment must be undertaken with a keen eye on total cost and total return. We should not tolerate wastefulness.” Cahill says he supports an approach that focuses on natural gas and nuclear power as alternatives to fossil fuels and says he supports the relicensing of the Pilgrim Nuclear plant in Plymouth. He accuses the Patrick Administration of dragging its feet on renewing the license while pursuing costly alternatives to nuclear power. Cahill states, “Economic and geopolitical realities suggest that nuclear energy and natural gas must be integrated into our renewable energy portfolio. We must strive to seek out solutions that provide the state with both clean and cheap energy. We cannot afford to settle for one without the other.” Deval Patrick, Incumbent Democrat Governor Governor Patrick has used his focus on energy policy and the environment as a highlight of his campaign and a way to distinguish himself from his opponents.  He points to several accomplishments, including the successful passage of the Cape Wind project. Patrick is the only candidate to support Cape Wind, which might not have won passage without the support and assistance of the governor. “We ought to drive toward a new industry in Massachusetts to become a global center around alternative and renewable energy. The technologies and the products and services, I believe if we get that right, the whole world will be our customer. We have all the capability here in terms of the concentration of brain power and venture capital and that whole innovative tradition and it is one of the reasons why I do support the wind farm in Nantucket sound.”, Patrick has said. Patrick points to exponential increases in the usage of solar and wind power in Massachusetts and his Administration’s advocacy on behalf of those alternative energy sources as an accomplishment of his first term and vows to continue to foster a friendly environment for the growth of those sources. ”Solar power is a key component of our clean energy future.” The project is, “an innovative new model to bring renewable energy–and the jobs that come with it–across the state at the lowest cost possible.” Patrick’s website states that Massachusetts has become the national leader in clean energy policy and touts the nation’s strongest laws to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Governor also claims that his energy efficiency programs will invest $2 billion over three years, and provide $6.5 billion in savings for consumers. Governor Patrick also points out his commitment to preserving the Commonwealth’s open space. In 2008, he signed an environmental bond bill that allocated over $100 million per year for the next decade toward state forests and created the largest land conservation program in the history of Massachusetts, protecting 75,000 acres of open space. Jill Stein, Green/Rainbow for Governor Dr. Jill Stein says she favors solar, wind and hydropower energy and some forms of geothermal and ocean energy as alternatives to fossil fuels. She supports wind based energy solutions in theory but says she opposes the Cape Wind project off of Nantucket Sound because of the size and cost of the project. On her website, Dr. Stein focuses a great deal on her opposition to existing and proposed bio-mass power plants, stating, “logging wood for electricity is neither clean, nor green,” and further states, “Biomass energy is not carbon neutral, contrary to the claims stemming from faulty accounting. And claims of its climate benefits have not considered the extremely short time period in which we must reduce atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations to avert climate catastrophe. The period is too short to permit forest regrowth to restore neutrality after a forest is burned.” Dr. Stein has been campaigning on a platform that includes a call to foster an attitude that promotes the economy and the environment by creating green jobs. “A jobs bonanza is there for the taking in new jobs in weatherization, conservation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable local food production, and recycling  - among other areas. And as we reduce energy costs to families and businesses, a multiplier effect takes hold,  because our dollars start circulating within the local economy rather than being sent abroad to import oil.”, Stein said. In a campaign brochure, Stein charges the Patrick Administration with promoting sham solutions for climate action and states that the Patrick climate bill, “has no firm targets or teeth.” and criticizes Patrick for initiating harmful biomass, clean coal, incineration, and sprawl projects in his first term as governor.

What is the LEED program?

Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED provides building owners and operators a concise framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.

LEED is flexible enough to apply to all building types – commercial as well as residential. It works throughout the building lifecycle – design and construction, operations and maintenance, tenant fitout, and significant retrofit. And LEED for Neighborhood Development extends the benefits of LEED beyond the building footprint into the neighborhood it serves.LEED is flexible enough to apply to all building types – commercial as well as residential. It works throughout the building lifecycle – design and construction, operations and maintenance, tenant fitout, and significant retrofit. And LEED for Neighborhood Development extends the benefits of LEED beyond the building footprint into the neighborhood it serves.

LEED is a voluntary certification program that can be applied to any building type and any building lifecycle phase. It promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in key areas:

	Sustainable Sites Choosing a building’s site and managing that site during construction are important considerations for a project’s sustainability. The Sustainable Sites category discourages development on previously undeveloped land; minimizes a building’s impact on ecosystems and waterways; encourages regionally appropriate landscaping; rewards smart transportation choices; controls stormwater runoff; and reduces erosion, light pollution, heat island effect and construction-related pollution.
	Water Efficiency Buildings are major users of our potable water supply. The goal of the Water Efficiency credit category is to encourage smarter use of water, inside and out. Water reduction is typically achieved through more efficient appliances, fixtures and fittings inside and water-wise landscaping outside.
	Energy & Atmosphere According to the U.S. Department of Energy, buildings use 39% of the energy and 74% of the electricity produced each year in the United States. The Energy & Atmosphere category encourages a wide variety of energy strategies: commissioning; energy use monitoring; efficient design and construction; efficient appliances, systems and lighting; the use of renewable and clean sources of energy, generated on-site or off-site; and other innovative strategies.
	Materials & Resources During both the construction and operations phases, buildings generate a lot of waste and use a lot of materials and resources. This credit category encourages the selection of sustainably grown, harvested, produced and transported products and materials. It promotes the reduction of waste as well as reuse and recycling, and it takes into account the reduction of waste at a product’s source.
	Indoor Environmental Quality The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that Americans spend about 90% of their day indoors, where the air quality can be significantly worse than outside. The Indoor Environmental Quality credit category promotes strategies that can improve indoor air as well as providing access to natural daylight and views and improving acoustics.
	Locations & Linkages The LEED for Homes rating system recognizes that much of a home’s impact on the environment comes from where it is located and how it fits into its community. The Locations & Linkages credits encourage homes being built away from environmentally sensitive places and instead being built in infill, previously developed and other preferable sites. It rewards homes that are built near already-existing infrastructure, community resources and transit, and it encourages access to open space for walking, physical activity and time spent outdoors.
	Awareness & Education The LEED for Homes rating system acknowledges that a green home is only truly green if the people who live in it use the green features to maximum effect. The Awareness & Education credits encourage home builders and real estate professionals to provide homeowners, tenants and building managers with the education and tools they need to understand what makes their home green and how to make the most of those features.
	Innovation in Design The Innovation in Design credit category provides bonus points for projects that use new and innovative technologies and strategies to improve a building’s performance well beyond what is required by other LEED credits or in green building considerations that are not specifically addressed elsewhere in LEED. This credit category also rewards projects for including a LEED Accredited Professional on the team to ensure a holistic, integrated approach to the design and construction phase.
	Regional Priority USGBC’s regional councils, chapters and affiliates have identified the environmental concerns that are locally most important for every region of the country, and six LEED credits that address those local priorities were selected for each region. A project that earns a regional priority credit will earn one bonus point in addition to any points awarded for that credit. Up to four extra points can be earned in this way. See the Regional Priority Credits for your state »

LEED points are awarded on a 100-point scale, and credits are weighted to reflect their potential environmental impacts. Additionally, 10 bonus credits are available, four of which address regionally specific environmental issues. A project must satisfy all prerequisites and earn a minimum number of points to be certified.

The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) assumes administration of LEED certification for all commercial and institutional projects registered under any LEED Rating System. Learn more about the project certification process »

Think of it like the nutrition label on a box of crackers: LEED provides the same kind of important detail about the green aspects of a building that, taken together, deliver higher performance.

Information for this post comes directly from the USGBC website.

Sustainable Home Series, Part II – Kitchen Flooring

image from www.treehugger.com

Continuing our tour of the green and sustainable options for the kitchen. Part II of the Sustainable Home Series is about green kitchen flooring solutions. Each of the options discussed in this post have advantages and drawbacks, which may impact your individual living situation. I recommend you do more in-depth research on these choices to determine which one is the right one for you. But each has solid sustainability credentials and therefore make for outstanding options for anyone looking to put down an environmentally friendly kitchen floor. Bear in mind that many of these materials would work well in rooms other than the kitchen as well. Unlike Part I, I was unable to determine local distributors for each of these products, though I believe most, if not all, can be found within a reasonable radius of Western Massachusetts. If you are interested in any of these flooring options, I suggest you locate a national manufacturer of the product and inquire as to a local distributor, or do a local search on your own. I will keep looking myself and If you know of a local distributor, please let me know and I will post it here.  I hope this brief summary of some of the available green and sustainable kitchen flooring options is helpful and informative!

Image from www.furniturehomedesign.com

Cork

Cork is not just good for sealing in those bottles of chardonnay and chianti. Cork has become a very popular choice for its sustainability, durability and beauty. Many color and pattern choices are available.  Cork flooring achieves its color by being baked, the darker the color, the longer it was baked.  Cork flooring is fire and water resistant. Due to the resilient nature of cork, it is easier on the legs and feet than harder surfaces like stone and concrete. Also, cork flooring is a natural insulator. It absorbs sound and remains warmer than other surface. So bare feet will appreciate! Cork is also a relatively soft material, so there are some risks. Heavy objects left on the surface for a period of time could leave indentations in the floor. So take precautions such as under-padding when placing heavy items such as furniture on the floor. Age and direct sunlight may discolor the cork flooring over time as well. So keep this in mind.  You will want to maintain the floor by keeping it swept and mopped regularly.

Image from: http://ecofriendlynow.files.wordpress.com

Bamboo

Bamboo flooring has been gaining in popularity with homeowners due to its sustainability, its durability and its amazing aesthetics. Its a very strong, dense wood which makes it very water resistant. Bamboo grows significantly faster than hardwood and therefore its harvesting for flooring is a much more sustainable choice than hardwood. Another benefit of bamboo is its easy maintenance needs.  As well as bamboo flooring being very strong and durable, it is also easy to install. You used to be limited in your choice of colors and hues with bamboo, however manufacturers have developed ways to add additional colors to the process, so you will likely be able to find a color you like. Like hardwood, bamboo flooring is susceptible to scratching. It is recommended to use padding under furniture to prevent scratching and indentations. Most bamboo is harvested and shipped from China, so it is not a local product and must be transported by ship to the United States.

image from www.jetsongreen.com

Eucalyptus

Another more sustainable wood option that is not the typical hardwood is Eucalyptus. It is often cheaper than bamboo and comparable to standard hardwood flooring. Although not as fast as bamboo, eucalyptus is a fast growing tree. It typically grows twice as fast as species like oak, pine or cherry. A very very hard surface, eucalyptus has the same advantages of typical hardwood. Choices in color and patterns are very similar to those of hardwood as well. Eucalyptus is primarily harvested in New Zealand and Australia and has to be shipped to the United States. The same risks of scratching and indentation exist for eucalyptus as for any hard wood flooring.

image from www.restorationtimber.com

Reclaimed Wood

Bamboo and eucalyptus are sustainable because of their high rate of growth and abundance in their native lands. But is there a green option in our own country that doesn’t rely on new growth? Absolutely. Reclaimed wood is any type of wood that comes from a pre-existing structure and is being given new life. Wood that has been salvaged from old barns, mills, bridges, warehouses and other wood buildings and structures. Reclaimed wood can add wonderful character to your home. Its age and time tested durability can make it a better quality choice than new wood that is often cut from less mature trees.  Due to the fact that it was not originally meant to be your kitchen floor, reclaimed wood may require repair work such as removing nails, sanding, planing and varnishing. Because its not manufactured to specifications, It may be difficult to find the wood that works best for you and it could be more expensive than other options due to the work that will be required to customize the reclaimed wood for your purposes.

image from www.architectmagazine.com

Marmoleum

Marmoleum is linoleum, thus it has a bad reputation. It is however a surprisingly eco-friendly and attractive option. Available in just about any color, it has no off-gas (unlike its vinyl counterparts) and is considered a very safe and sustainable product.  Marloleum is very durable and easy to clean.

image from www.furniturehomedesign.com

Eco-Hardwood

Hardwood floors are very popular today and add great appeal and value to your home. It is also well known to be more expensive than most choices for flooring. But if you have the money and love hardwood, there are sustainable ways to use it. The first thing you can do is look for the FSC certification. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a nonprofit group that promotes environmentally responsible forestry practices. A wide range of flooring woods come with the FSC stamp, including oak, maple, ash, cherry, birch, Douglas fir, pine and others.

image from capefearriverwood.com

Suppressed Wood Flooring

Wood is also harvested occasionally to protect the health of the forest. If a forest becomes too dense with trees, it can become susceptible to disease and fire. Thus in some locations, a thinning out process results in the availability of wood for flooring.

image from media.merchantcircle.com

Stone Flooring

Stone flooring is another eco friendly choice, A natural product, stone is very durable, stain resistant,  has a cool surface temperature and looks fantastic.  There are many types of stone flooring. Options include quarried rock such as marble, travertine, granite, limestone, sandstone, slate, ceramic and flagstone. It tends to be expensive and can be hard on the legs and feet when standing on it for extended periods. You’d want to do further research on the particular types of stone you are interested in. They each have unique positives and negatives that you should familiarize yourself with.

image from http://img.diynetwork.com

Recycled Glass

Annie Lennox might feel at home if you opt for this amazing looking flooring alternative. Made from recycling old glass from wine, liquor and other bottles, as well as old windows, etc. Most often recycled glass is manufactured in one of two ways, glass tiles or terrazzo tiles. Glass tiles are made by melting down the glass and remolding it into tiles. These can had a wide variety of sizes, shapes, colors and finishes.  Terrazzo floors are made by embedding chunks of material in concrete or resin and then sealing it, creating a smooth surface. Recycled glass is good for the environment, reusing a product which could otherwise end up in the landfill. It is extremely easy to keep clean.

East Longmeadow Considers Going Solar To Power Town Buildings.

All across America numerous municipalities are turning to photovoltaic solar panels to generate the power used in government buildings. Cities and towns large and small are turning to ever-renewable sunlight to save the environment, but also to save the taxpayers money and reduce the drain on municipal resources. Some cities and towns with extensive panel arrays are already selling power back to the electric companies. As the price of solar panels becomes more reasonable and the option to rent them becomes more prevalent, this is fast becoming a very viable option for governments and homeowners alike. Here is an example of a local community taking a serious look at making use of solar energy. I commend the town of East Longmeadow and its Green Committee for its being out front on this “out of the box” way of approaching the way municipal government operates.  This article from The Reminder weekly newspaper highlights the work of the town of East Longmeadow’s Green Committee:

Green Committee one step closer to bringing solar energy into town

Jan. 25, 2010

By Courtney Llewellyn
Reminder Assistant Editor

EAST LONGMEADOW — The Green Committee is growing ever closer to achieving one of its main goals — bringing solar energy into the town of East Longmeadow.

At its Jan. 12 meeting, the Green Committee met with Mike Silvestrini, CEO of Greenskies Renewable Energy, for a presentation on the company’s solar energy model.

“Solar energy makes sense,” Silvestrini said. “It doesn’t require a steady flow of grant money.”

Greenskies has developed a concept that combines long term financial services, project design and management, utility inflation forecasting and construction contracting that would benefit municipalities such as East Longmeadow. The company builds, owns, maintains and insures the parcels that house their photovoltaic panels and the town’s municipal buildings will reap the benefits.

Five acres of photovoltaic panels can result in up to one megawatt of power, and Silvestrini recommended Greenskies install at least 10 acres of panels to fully power all the town-owned buildings.

“You can get utility rates lower than I’ve ever seen anywhere else without the headaches of doing this yourself,” Silvestrini said. “[Allowing us to install the panels] could save you millions [of dollars]. There’s no downside for municipalities.”

The Green Committee, however, wants the town to own the panels and their output.

“A municipality could buy the panels after five years,” Silvestrini explained. “A power purchase agreement usually lasts 20 years … There is a buy out option or you could continue to purchase the energy at a significantly lower rate.”

Town Accountant Tom Caliento, a member of the Green Committee, said the town would prefer to own the facilities. Silvestrini said he and his company are “not opposed to that.”

“It’s just savings until you want to buy it,” Silvestrini added.

“We’ve actively been looking into solar energy since the inception of the Green Committee,” Committee Chair Jim Driscoll toldReminder Publications. “The models we’re looking at would mean no cash outlay for the town but we would still reap the benefits of that green energy.”

While Greenskies offers a concept the Green Committee is interested in, Driscoll said they will look at a few more companies before bringing a definitive plan before the Board of Selectmen.

“We’re looking to have something about this on the warrant for the Annual Town Meeting,” Driscoll said.

For more information on Greenskies, visit www.greenskies-energy.com .

Energy Efficiency Series Part III. Government Incentives.

Massachusetts Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency This is the third part of my series of posts on energy efficiency in your home. The Western Mass Green Consortium has put together a great list of ways homeowners can take advantage of incentive programs for renewables and efficiency.

New Construction The highest standard in energy efficiency for a newly constructed home is the ENERGY STAR® designation. An ENERGY STAR qualified home is independently verified to be at least 15% more efficient than what’s required by state energy code. Its remarkable performance features include enhanced insulation, air sealing, ventilation, and high-efficiency appliances. The primary benefits of building or buying an ENERGY STAR qualified home are: lower utility costs increased comfort and home quality reduced air pollution National Grid offers a variety of incentives and technical support to help you achieve the ENERGY STAR certification. For more information about National Grid’s new construction programs, please call 1-800-628-8413. Visit the ENERGY STAR Homes web site to learn more about this important certification. ENERGY STAR® Products National Grid works alongside the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy to promote the ENERGY STAR label, the symbol for energy efficiency. Look for it whenever you purchase a new appliance. You’ll conserve energy, save money on your utilities, and help reduce air pollution. Lighting: National Grid offers instant rebate coupons for ENERGY STAR light bulbs and fixtures. For more information on ENERGY STAR lighting, participating retailers, and how to recycle, visit MyEnergyStar.com or call 1-877-378-2748. Order a variety of efficient lighting products at discounted prices via our online catalog. Central Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps: Via our COOL SMART program, a mail-in rebate of $300-$600 is available for qualifying ENERGY STAR central air conditioning systems and heat pumps. Plus, this program includes a Quality Installation Verification (QIV) service. Participating COOL SMART QIV contractors perform important energy-saving AC system tests that are usually omitted by other contractors. Find an installer near you in Massachusetts. For more information and rebate applications, visit MyCoolSmart.com or call 1-800-473-1105. Program terms apply. ENERGY STAR Qualified Refrigerators: A $50 mail-in rebate is available for purchasing an eligible ENERGY STAR refrigerator between January 23, 2009 through June 1, 2009. Please fill out this rebate form and enclose a copy of your dated sales receipt and a recent copy of your electric bill. Program terms apply. GreenUp Support the development of renewable energy by choosing to have all or part of your electricity generated from renewable resources, while keeping us as your electricity supplier. We will continue to issue your bill and provide customer service. By enrolling in GreenUp and purchasing a product from one of the participating GreenUp renewable energy companies, you are: Supporting the development and generation of renewable energy (wind, solar, biomass, and/or hydro) in your community Helping to offset the environmental impact of the production of electricity from coal, gas, and nuclear energy Taking responsibility for your environment Select a GreenUp supplier in your area of residence: Mass Energy Consumers Alliance (Marketed in western Massachusetts by the Center for Ecological Technology) Telephone: 1-800-287-3950 Web site: MassEnergy.com Disclosure Label Mass Energy Consumers Alliance Telephone: 1-800-287-3950 Web site: MassEnergy.com Disclosure Label Sterling Planet Telephone: 1-877-457-2306 Web site: SterlingPlanet.com Disclosure Label Disclosure Labels (also known as Energy Content Labels, Product Content Labels, and Power Content Labels) provide information about the supplier’s company, such as energy sources and air emissions. This information is provided to help you make a more informed choice. Contact the supplier directly to enroll. Provide your National Grid account number and the 4-letter prefix shown on your bill (beneath your account number). A small charge for your participation in GreenUp will be added as a separate line item on the supply portion of your bill. MassSAVE National Grid will fund 75% of the cost (up to $2,000) of insulation, air sealing, and other weatherization measures. Please call 1-800-632-8300 to schedule a free in-home energy audit. After viewing your home and talking with you in person, an expert will assess your current energy use, develop customized recommendations, and set up an appointment with a weatherization contractor. Appliance Management Program This program helps reduce electricity and oil costs for income eligible customers. An energy manager from your local community action agency provides an analysis, indicating how much each appliance costs to operate and how much you might be able to save. You may also qualify for other items, including: ENERGY STAR® refrigerators ENERGY STAR lighting Water saving measures Insulation and air sealing measures Heating system replacement Air conditioner and pool pump timers To find out if you are income eligible and to locate your local program, visit the Energy Bucks web site or call 1-866-537-7267. Your local program will be able to sign you up for the applicable fuel assistance services.

This Information Provided by The Western Mass Green Consortium

A Few More Tips on How to Save Energy in Your Home…

In continuing my focus on home energy efficiency, here are a few additional tips that you may not even think about when considering ways to save energy in your home:

• Turn the temperature setting of your water heater down to 120 degrees F. This is still hot, but doesn’t overwork your heater.
• Keep furniture and other obstructions away from your heating and cooling vents and radiators. Blocked access makes for inefficient heating and cooling.
• Vacuum and clean radiators, vents and filters frequently. Dust, pet hair and other debris can plug up access and effect efficiency.
• Regulate your heat and cooling smartly. Meaning, when you aren’t home, shut off the A/C in the summer or turn down the heat in the winter. Try to rely more on warm clothing, ceiling fans and cross breezes to stay warm and cool.
• Be sure your appliances have high Energy Star ratings.
• Consider using cold water when doing laundry and use a clothesline when possible.
• Keep the coils on your refrigerator and freezer clean and do not put it in front of a heating vent or next to an oven. Close proximity makes the cooling appliances work harder and thus less efficient.



For more information and a no-cost home energy assessment on your home, contact MASS SAVE.