Energy Reduction Achievements by Green Communities
Arlington met an initial energy reduction goal - energy consumption reduced by 21% from 2008 to 2014; energy costs reduced by $354,000. After grants and rebates, the payback period was less than two years for most efficiency measures.
Town of Belchertown, Case Study
Belchertown met an initial energy reduction goal - energy consumption reduced by 21% from 2009 to 2014; annual energy costs reduced by $300,000.
Cambridge met an initial energy reduction goal - energy consumption reduced by 20% from 2008 to 2014; annual energy cost savings of $1.4 million.
Natick met an initial energy reduction goal - energy consumption reduced by 20% from 2008 to 2014; annual energy costs reduced by $387,000.
Palmer met an initial energy reduction goal - energy consumption reduced by 37 % from 2009 to 2014; annual savings of $55,000.
City of Springfield, Case Study
Springfield met an initial energy reduction goal = energy consumption reduced by 23 % since 2007; annual energy costs of $1.3 million.
Sutton met an initial energy reduction goal - energy consumption reduced by 21% from 2008 to 2013; annual energy savings of $114,000; payback less than two years for most measures.
Renewable Energy Successes
Amherst College Biomass Heating
Amherst College has had success with a wood pellet boiler system; staff pleased with performance and simple maintenance.
Briggs Elementary School Wood Pellet Boiler
Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School District reports new wood pellet boiler ran very smoothly after some tweaks during the first year. The success contributed to the school’s national recognition as a Verified Leader through the Collaborative for High Performance Schools.
Town of Scituate, Wind Turbine and Solar PV
The combined generating capacity of the wind turbine and solar array produce 100% of the town’s electrical needs; annual revenue of $500,000 annually.
Best Practices
Town of Westhampton Public Library
Town voters unanimously supported construction of a new library that achieved certified LEED Gold. The project received a $1 million grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
Acton and Acton-Boxborborough Schools Power Down Program
The Acton Public Schools and Acton-Boxborough Regional School District (ABRSD) started a school-based behavioral change program aimed at cutting energy waste in the district’s seven schools - the Power Down Initiative helped reduce collective electricity consumption by 15% from 2010 to 2012.