Lenox Solar Initiative: Launch Event Dec 6

The lenox unplugged campaign and the Town of Lenox’s Environmental Committee invite Berkshire County residents to the “Lenox Solar Initiative Launch Event” on Monday, December 6, 2010 from 6-8pm at the Lenox Town Hall Auditorium.  This exciting evening will celebrate the launch of the Lenox solar grant program offering $2000 to Lenox residents towards the installation of a solar project at their home or commercial building.  

The seminar will begin at 6pm with featured speaker Chris Vreeland.  Chris is a licensed professional engineer and principal of Precision Decisions LLC, a firm specializing energy conservation and renewable energy. 

The seminar will cover both solar hot water and solar electricity for residential and small commercial projects.  Attendees will learn the basics of what makes for a good solar site, the various components of a solar system, typical system and construction costs, available grants and incentives, and various project economics. Attendees are encouraged to bring a copy of their electric bill. 

Lenox residents will learn what the prerequisites are to receive a $2000 grant, and applications will be available during this evening’s event. Grants will be given first come-first serve to candidates who meet all criteria. 

The $2000 grant to Lenox residents is made possible through funding available based on Lenox’s designation as a “Green Community” with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  With this designation, Lenox has become eligible for significant funding for energy efficiency measures, large renewable energy projects, and innovative methods that use less fossil fuel. 

Several vendors will be on-site offering information and available services.  These businesses and organizations specialize in solar energy and renewable energy technology. Participants will go home with a toolbox of resources and information to help increase their energy efficiency, an application in hand, and clear next steps for moving forward.. Businesses participating in the fair include Alteris Renewables, Alpine Solar Heat, Berkshire Photovoltaic Services, Sun Energy, and the Center for Ecological Technology. 

Join us to celebrate the launch of the Lenox solar grant, success of the lenox unplugged campaign, and our on-going efforts as a “Green Community.”  Those in attendance are invited to enjoy drinks and snacks, with thanks to local grocers Price Chopper and Guido’s Fresh Marketplace.   More information can be found at the website www.townoflenox.com/lenoxunplugged. 

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 For more information, please contact: Keith O’Neil, Sustainability Coordinator, Town of Lenox, 413 717 1945, lenoxunplugged@gmail.com.

Wind study shows promise

By Trevor Jones, Berkshire Eagle Staff

Updated: 10/19/2010 11:44:05 AM EDT

 

Tuesday October 19, 2010LENOX — Early returns from a wind study atop Lenox Mountain show velocities amenable to generating significant power, results that could lead to residents being asked next May to approve the construction of a wind turbine at the site.

The study began seven months ago through a $79,000 grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, the state authority for developing the clean energy sector. The research is being conducted with a sonar device measuring wind velocity on top of the mountain. The minimum standard for wind speeds meriting power-generating turbines is six meters per second, or approximately 14 mph. So far, wind levels at 50 feet above the mountain have measured 7.5 meters per second, and 7.9 meters per second at 80 meters above the mountain.

Town Manager Gregory Federspiel called the results “encouraging,” and said the next step will be a series of public forums beginning in January, which will relay the study’s findings and get public input on how to proceed.

A final report is expected to be completed by March, with other factors — access to the site, environmental impacts, connecting to the energy grid and financial feasibility — included in the analysis.

Outside of any major logistical roadblocks, Federspiel said, putting a wind turbine project out to bid could be up for a vote at May’s annual town meeting.

If the project were approved by voters, it could be the first publicly owned wind turbine

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in the county, though there is potential for the involvement of a private vendor. The town’s municipal energy costs, Federspiel said, could be cut by more than $100,000 annually once the turbine becomes operational.This is not the first time the town has looked into wind power. In 2005, the Board of Selectmen voted against erecting a wind-testing tower on Lenox Mountain amid public concerns about the amount of tree clearing needed.

New technologies have allowed the town to go ahead with the current testing without removing any trees, though clearing would be required for a turbine — the tower of which could be as high as 80 feet tall.

Federspiel said improved turbine technologies will assuage some of the previous concerns of residents, including noise levels. He expects greater support due to growing interest in clean energy and familiarity with existing turbines around the county, though he also anticipates plenty of questions and an “energetic” debate before a final decision is made.

“There will be lots of opportunity for public debate and ultimately the voters will have the final say,” said Federspiel.

William Moomaw and Mark Sylvia’s Presentations from our forums

William Moomaw’s presentation from lenox unplugged forum

Mark Sylvia’s Presentation, Lenox helps Massachusetts create a greener energy future

Late last month I posted Mark Sylvia’s presentation on the site for those who missed our forum on June 24.  Here again is Mark Sylvia’s presentation and now in addition we have Dr. William Moomaw’s presentation too.  I definitely recommend viewing Dr. Moomaw’s presentation if you haven’t seen it yet.  I will post these permanently ubder our about lenox unplugged page.

if a pug can do it…thanks to Mary for this post idea!

Energy Fair and Forum on CTSB

As you all know, we had our very successful Energy Fair and Forum at Town Hall on June 24th.  CTSB’s Government Channel 18 on Time Warner Cable, has agreed to broadcast the full forum in Great Barrington, Lee, Lenox, Sheffiled, and Stockbridge.  The video shows speakers such as Mark Sylvia, the Director of the Green Communities Division at the Massachusetts Dept. of Natural Resources, and Dr. Bill Moomaw, the Professor of International Environmental Policy at the Fletcher School at Tufts University.  Bill Moomaw was an especially exciting presentation showing his net zero energy home that he and his wife built in Williamstown.

Here’s the schedule (in reverse chronological order):
+       Wed     07/21/10        08:00 PM        Channel 18
+       Wed     07/21/10        03:00 PM        Channel 18
+       Wed     07/21/10        11:00 AM        Channel 18
+       Wed     07/21/10        03:30 AM        Channel 18
+       Tue     07/20/10        05:30 PM        Channel 18
+       Tue     07/20/10        08:30 AM        Channel 18
+       Mon     07/19/10        03:00 PM        Channel 18
+       Sun     07/18/10        08:00 PM        Channel 18
+       Sun     07/18/10        08:30 AM        Channel 18
+       Sat     07/17/10        10:00 PM        Channel 18
+       Sat     07/17/10        01:30 PM        Channel 18
+       Sat     07/17/10        06:00 AM        Channel 18
+       Fri     07/16/10        05:30 PM        Channel 18
+       Fri     07/16/10        08:30 AM        Channel 18
+       Fri     07/16/10        01:00 AM        Channel 18
+       Thu     07/15/10        10:00 PM        Channel 18
+       Thu     07/15/10        05:10 PM        Channel 18

The program is about 1 hour and 48 minutes.  Please tune in about 5 minutes early, as to insure you do not miss the beginning if they are a little ahead of schedule.  Also, double check CTSB’s website, http://www.ctsbtv.org, in case of any last-minutes program changes.

Increased Bird Deaths from Oil Spill

Although BP has claimed that the Gulf Coast Oil Spill has been stopped, there is still tons of damage to be dealt with.  Recent studies have shown that over 3,000 birds in the gulf have been either covered or killed by the oil.  Until now, the harm has seemed to be minimal, but seeing as a bird preserve was just hit by the spill, the numbers have increased greatly.  Off the Louisiana coast, hundreds of pelicans and terns have been found completely covered.  Also, Louisiana’s state bird, the brown pelican, was just taken off the endangered species list.  Now, things are looking even worse for its population.  Being covered by oil is so harmful because when birds preen or clean their feathers by picking at them with their beaks, they intake the oil.  Even a small amount that gets into their body can cause problems with their body temperature regulation.  After the report that 3,128 birds have been either killed or covered by oil, we need to realize that the immense damage goes well beyond just the actually spilling of the oil.

Our own Mass Audubon society at the Pleasant Valley Bird Sanctuary are extremely concerned about the situation.  They are doing everything they can to help, and so should you!  For more information on what they are doing, and for ways you can help, visit: http://www.massaudubon.org/news/index.php?id=1440&type=news.

Also, for the full article killed and covered birds from the BP oil spill, visit: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/07/3000-birds-killed-covered-oil-gulf.php

by Gillian Fisher, lenox unplugged Summer Intern

Put solar on IT!

Most people have heard that in 1979 President Jimmy Carter installed solar panels on the roof of the White House.  A few years after the solar panels were installed Reagan came into office and had the panels take down.  Nowadays solar power is rapidly growing.  350.org and Sungevity have begun a new campaign designed to get President Obama to put the solar panels back on the roof of the White House and you can help.  The campaign is called PutSolarOnIt, and you can go to PutSolarOn.it to send a letter not only to our president but world leaders around the world.  You can send letters to President Hu Jintao asking him to put panels on the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, or to Prime Minister David Cameron, asking him to add them to the British Parliament.  This campaign is part of a bigger push started by 350.org towards its day of action on October 10, this day is a Global Work Party.  Lenox High School has taken part in a 350.org campaign already and this is a great way for other lenox residents to take part in a movement.  A movement to install the solar panels back onto the White House and let world leaders know that we encourage GOING GREEN!

by Katie Connell, lenox unplugged Summer Intern

LENOX WINS GREEN COMMUNITIES GRANT!

BOSTON — Wednesday, July 14, 2010 – In keeping with the Patrick-Murray Administration’s commitment to clean energy, Governor Deval Patrick today announced that 35 cities and towns that earned official Green Community status last month began reaping the benefits of that designation today – receiving grants for municipal renewable energy and energy efficiency projects worth $8.1 million statewide.

“These 35 cities and towns have already demonstrated outstanding leadership by qualifying to be Green Communities,” said Governor Deval Patrick. “With the grants they are receiving today, these communities can take critical next steps as our partners on the road toward a clean energy future.”

“With these grant awards, our administration is supporting a range of investments from state-of-the art energy efficiency buildings to local renewable energy installations, which will help communities create a stronger, more sustainable future for Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray.

Following their designation as Green Communities by the Department of Energy Resources’ (DOER) Green Communities Division, the following municipalities met a June 4 deadline to apply for $8.1 million in grants for local clean energy projects: Acton, Arlington, Athol, Andover, Becket, Belchertown, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Easthampton, Greenfield, Hamilton, Hanover, Holyoke, Hopkinton, Kingston, Lancaster, Lenox, Lexington, Lincoln, Lowell, Mashpee, Medford, Melrose, Montague, Natick, Newton, Northampton, Palmer, Pittsfield, Salem, Springfield, Sudbury, Tyngsboro, Wenham, and Worcester.

DOER reviewed the grant applications and awarded today’s grants based on a minimum award of $125,000 for each Green Community, with the maximum amount per community adjusted for population and per capita income.

“These 35 cities and towns are the pacesetters in a growing movement to make municipal operations cleaner and greener,” said Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Ian Bowles, whose office includes DOER. “These grants will enable communities from Cape Cod to the Berkshires to cut waste, save energy dollars, create local jobs, and increase their energy independence.”

The signature program of the landmark Green Communities Act of 2008, the DOER’s Green Communities Grant Program uses funding from auctions of carbon emissions permits under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative to reward communities that earn Green Communities designation by meeting five clean energy benchmarks:

• Adopting local zoning bylaw or ordinance that allows “as-of-right-siting” of renewable energy projects;
• Adopting an expedited permitting process related to the as-of-right facilities;
• Establishing a municipal energy use baseline and establishing a program designed to reduce use by 20 percent within five years;
• Purchasing only fuel-efficient vehicles for municipal use, whenever such vehicles are commercially available and practicable; and
• Requiring all new residential construction over 3,000 square feet and all new commercial and industrial real estate construction to reduce lifecycle energy costs (i.e., adoption of an energy-saving building “stretch code”).

“DOER received an impressive array of thoughtful and ambitious proposals in this inaugural round of Green Communities grants,” DOER Commissioner Phil Giudice said. “I am pleased that we can assist these cities and towns as they further distinguish themselves as energy innovators.”

A list of Green Community grant amounts and projects follows:
Acton: $150,794 for energy conservation measures at the public library, an HVAC analysis of town hall, tankless hot water heaters and an energy education and outreach program

Andover: $160,329 for a municipal lighting retrofit project

Arlington: $200,188 to improve energy efficiency of lighting and steam traps, and for an energy management system at the Hardy School

Athol: $171,523 for energy efficiency improvements at the senior center, an HVAC analysis of the town hall and library, and a solar hot water system at the fire station

Becket: $141,326 for a new road salt shed closer to the center of town which will reduce vehicle miles traveled by snow removal vehicles

Belchertown: $160,917 to buy down cost of town’s energy management services contract for municipal buildings

Cambridge: $283,770 for an energy efficiency revolving fund

Chelmsford: $187,224 for a 30-kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic (PV) system at Parker Middle School

Easthampton: $174,985 for LED streetlights

Greenfield: $202,066 to buy down the cost of an energy management services company contract, community energy efficiency programs, and consulting services

Hamilton: $144,819 to buy down the cost of an energy management services company contract for municipal buildings

Hanover: $148,598 for incremental costs of a hybrid public safety command vehicle, energy efficiency measures in municipal buildings, and to support an energy staff person

Holyoke: $321,221 for energy efficient school, traffic and street lights and to insulate city hall

Hopkinton: $137,502 for various municipal building energy efficiency measures

Kingston: $163,528 for various municipal building energy efficiency measures

Lancaster: $141,114 for various energy efficiency measures, a solar PV project, and an energy analysis of the town hall

Lenox: $134,766 for energy efficiency measures and training, energy expert consulting services, community wind forums and a solar homes program

Lexington: $158,083 to buy down the cost of a solar PV project for multiple municipal buildings

Lincoln: $140,294 for school and other town building energy efficiency measures

Lowell: $546,506 for residential and commercial retrofit grant programs and to buy down the cost of an energy management services contract

Mashpee: $170,124 for energy efficiency measures in municipal buildings and educational outreach

Medford: $271,651 for energy efficiency measures in school buildings and to update the municipal climate action plan

Melrose: $176,265 for an energy efficient roof at Melrose High School, for energy expert consulting services, and to support the salary of an energy efficiency coordinator

Montague: $154,944 for a fine bubble aeration system to improve the efficiency of the wastewater treatment process at the public water pollution control facility

Newton: $179,500 to be leveraged with other funding to do energy efficiency measures as part of an energy managements services contract

Natick: $173,526 for a solar PV power purchase agreement at the middle school, for the incremental cost of hybrid vehicles, and for carbon dioxide sensors at town hall

Northampton: $198,500 for a 51 kW solar power project

Palmer: $169,103 to buy down the cost of an energy service company contract

Pittsfield: $256,632 for an energy management system at city hall

Salem: $245,624 for LED lights, to buy down the cost of an energy service company contract, and for home energy efficiency and bike sharing pilot programs

Springfield: $988,102 to improve the energy efficiency of boilers and vending machines and for five energy management systems

Sudbury: $136,238 for energy efficiency measures in municipal buildings and the incremental cost of a fuel efficient vehicle

Tyngsborough: $161,649 for building envelope improvements in municipal buildings

Wenham: $138,974 to buy down the cost of an energy services company contract

Worcester: $852,083 for a residential stretch code implementation program providing financial incentives for residents undertaking home building or renovation projects to build to the newly-adopted stretch energy building code and for a community energy education and outreach campaign

In addition to grants, each Green Community is receiving Big Belly solar waste compactors in time for the summer parks and beaches season. Purchased with DOER energy efficiency funding, Big Belly compactors can hold several times more trash and litter than similarly sized regular trash receptacles – thereby reducing the number of garbage truck trips required to empty them. Each municipality will also receive a certificate from the Commonwealth recognizing it as an official Green Community.

DOER will take additional applications for Green Community designations and grants later this year. Click here for more information on DOER’s Green Communities program.

a note on plastic water bottles…

Lately the health world and environmental world as fused together.  The talk has been that plastic water bottles, left in the car for long periods of time, can cause woman breast cancer.  So people say its a hoax others are warning people not to drink this toxic water.  The real question here is if the chemical polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is connected to DHEA (a carcinogen) the answer to this is that they are not connected.  In addition there is no estrogen like activity in PET, which is important to the regard of causing breast cancer.  Even though this conterversal subject is still being debated on by doctors and scientist if one is worried about this there are things you can do to lower your exposure.  First look at the number located on the bottom of the water bottle.  This number should range from 1-7, the best number is 1 while one should stay away from injecting anything that has a 7 on it.  Another thing one can do is not use plastic water bottle and switch to aluminum reusable water bottles.  Not only is this better for the environment but it eliminates the use of plastic water bottles.

By: Katie Connell, lenox unplugged Intern

The New Solar Powered Airplane

Last week, a great breakthrough in solar technology was made in Switzerland.

An airplane, called the Solar Impulse, flew for 26 hours straight on only solar power.  This long, skinny air craft has a giant wing span of 210 feet completely covered in solar  panels with 12,000 solar cells. During its fight, it reached over 280,000 feet above sea level at an average of about 25 miles per hour. The plane was powered by a battery that got its charge form the sun. However, it could fly all night as well by using solar energy that it had stored up during the day time. This new advancement gives hope that we will be able to use solar power and other renewable energy sources more and more. Even

the pilot, Andre Borschberg, was amazed at how well the flight went. Eventually, the organizers of this project hope to fly around the entire earth in a solar-powered air craft, and at this rate, they will probably achieve their goal.

By Gillian Fisher, lenox unplugged Intern