EcoBytes - Volume 5, Issue 4

Welcome to Volume 5, Issue 4 of EcoBytes, the Center for Ecological Technology's (CET) email newsletter. EcoBytes updates you on CET's activities in waste, energy, environmental education and sustainable development. Visit us online at www.cetonline.org to learn more about our programs. For mailing list additions and deletions, please send a message to ruthd@cetonline.org.

IN THIS ISSUE:

• Energy Star® Shines on New Housing Construction
• Green with Envy for Williamstown Elementary School
• As the Temperature Drops, Interest in Energy Efficiency Rises
• Plugging into Green Power
• Wind in the Classroom
• Three Cheers from Mass Recyclers and a Thousand Thank Yous

Energy Star® Shines On New Housing Construction

CET has enlisted and assisted builders and developers in constructing new homes that meet Energy Star® specifications. Since April, this work has resulted in the certification of 20 new Energy Star® homes in western Massachusetts. Homes with this certification are nationally recognized for lower operating costs, increased durability and greater comfort and safety. Bay State Gas, Berkshire Gas, Massachusetts Electric and Western Massachusetts Electric sponsor the program and provide financial incentives to builders to construct homes to meet higher efficiency standards. CET reviews plans, conducts inspections and assists builders. By the end of 2004, CET expects to enroll and certify over 300 new Energy Star® homes. For more information on how to turn your new home into an Energy Sta® home, contact Peggy MacLeod.

Green With Envy For Williamstown Elementary School

Williamstown is leading the Berkshires in climate protection and the new elementary school is a focal point for innovation. In 2002, the Williamstown Elementary School received a $500,000 Green Schools grant from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative to increase energy efficiency, use environmentally preferable building materials and install solar panels. Eighty solar panels were installed in October, around the anniversary of the new school’s opening and added the impetus to several community energy events. Marc Rosenbaum, energy design consultant, inspired teachers, staff and the public in talks about green buildings. The Williamstown Communities for Climate Protection, Habitat for Humanity and CET held an energy fair hosted by the school. Superintendent Rose Ellis showcased the newly installed 24 kW photovoltaic system as well as other green building features. Sixth graders displayed solar ovens and CET distributed free energy efficient light bulbs to customers of Massachusetts Electric Company. Visitors were wowed by descriptions of the potential wind power site at Berlin Mountain currently under study by Nick Hiza and Williams College. With funds from USDA Rural Development, CET worked with the school to develop a food waste composting program in the cafeteria. With only a little confusion and a lot of concentration, students learned to separate their food waste. Williams College collects the discarded food and transports it along with its food waste to Holiday Farm in Dalton where it is composted. For more information about what’s happening in Williamstown, contact Nancy Nylen.

As The Temperature Drops, Interest In Energy Efficiency Rises

Preparations for winter often include thinking about making our homes more energy efficient and comfortable. 2003 is no exception, although this year lots of people are doing more than just thinking. Rebates for Energy Star® refrigerators and incentives of 75% (up to $1,000) for qualifying home energy improvements are stimulating hundreds of calls to CET from residential customers of the Massachusetts Electric Company. Our energy analysts are helping people make smart decisions about insulation and air tightness, lighting, heating systems and major appliances. To learn more more, contact Paul Schmidt in our Pittsfield office.

Plugging Into Green Power

GreenerWatts New England, CET’s 100% renewable energy offering for Massachusetts Electric customers, is creating a buzz. Editorials, op-eds and letters to the editor have complemented regional news stories. Many people who have joined GreenerWatts New England are optimizing the economic and environmental benefits of their choice by reducing their energy consumption at the same time. Businesses are also showing support. The Arcadian Shop in Lenox and Northampton merchants - Bart’s Homemade Ice Cream, Don Gleason’s Camping Supplies, the Mountain Goat, the Northampton Athletic Club and Cornucopia - are generously donating prizes to encourage people to sign up before the December holidays. Help us spread the word by contacting Peggy MacLeod. To sign up or find out more, please visit: www.GreenerWattsNewEngland.com.

Wind In The Classroom

“I loved the white swans!” “I was in awe when we arrived at Sleepy Hollow.” These were teachers’ comments as they toured the Green Mountain Power wind farm in Searsburg, Vermont as part of a wind energy workshop led by CET. Walton Congdon, a retired science teacher, served as a guide and answered questions. One teacher noted, “At first, I thought wind turbines on a hillside…would ruin the beauty, but yesterday definitely changed my mind. They were beautiful. What a great way to harness the wind.” The Museum Institute for the Teaching of Science sponsored the workshop as part of a summer institute for K-9 teachers. Teachers also explored “windy words” in children’s literature, examined wind maps, and constructed simple wind measuring instruments. For more information, contact Nancy Nylen.

Three Cheers From Mass Recyclers And A Thousand Thank Yous

We are pleased and honored to announce that MassRecycle, the statewide recycling coalition, has awarded CET its Recycler of the Year Award for 2003. CET was recognized for its longstanding commitment to responsible waste management through leadership and accomplishments in Recycling, Composting and Reuse/Source Reduction. The award was presented to CET’s Waste Management Staff at MassRecycle’s Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony held October 8th at the Worcester Centrum. A huge thank you to all the hardworking recyclers throughout the state for your recognition of CET’s accomplishments.