Commonwealth Conversations: Energy Smarts

Mass. Military Reservation stockpiles renewables, saves $2 million annually

Patrick Cloney

Chief Executive Officer, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC)

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Right here in Massachusetts we have thousands of examples of individuals and organizations that have made energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements to benefit our environment and society for generations to come.

One such example is at the Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR) –  which includes the Otis Air National Guard Base – where officials there just completed a project last month to power up its two new1.5 megawatt (MW) General Electric wind turbines. These turbines, visible from the Sagamore Bridge, add to MMR’s existing 1.5 MW turbine and allow the reservation to power its entire environmental restoration operations with its on-site renewable energy sources.

MMR started its environmental restoration program about 20 years ago to help clean up the groundwater underneath the base and in surrounding communities that had been impacted by military practices over the 75 years. The restoration program pumps and treats 13 million gallons of contaminated ground water each day.

Future renewable energy plans at MMR include an 8 MW solar array on its 60-acre capped landfill. These efforts are helping MMR save money - before it invested in renewable energy MMR was using more than $2 million of fossil fuel-generated power annually, enough energy use to power approximately 1,200 homes.

In addition there is a 50-kilowatt wind turbine at Massachusetts National Cemetery on the reservation.  The 120-foot tall structure is projected to produce up to 95 percent of the cemetery’s annual electricity usage which will allow it to operate almost entirely on renewable energy.

MassCEC’s statewide wind Google map

Energy By the Numbers: 44

Dan Burgess

Clean Energy Fellow, Department of Energy Resources

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This week on the blog, we are launching a new effort to highlight some of the amazing clean energy and energy efficiency efforts happening across Massachusetts. To do this, we’re going to use numbers. These numbers will help to provide clarity around the progress we are making in the Commonwealth and will represent the most recent and accurate information we have at the time of the post.

The first Energy Number is 44; the number of megawatts of wind power installed in Massachusetts as of December 1, 2011. This is more than a 10-fold increase in wind power since 2007 and represents a significant investment in a clean energy future for the Commonwealth. This photo is of the Air Force’s new 1.5 megawatt wind turbine at the Massachusetts Military Reserve in Cape Cod and was taken at the recent ribbon cutting. This turbine will generate clean, homegrown electricity and is estimated to save the Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment over $1.5 million per year .

Visit our wind page or the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center  to learn more about wind energy in Massachusetts and check out the Renewable Energy Snapshot to see the progress the Commonwealth has made since 2002.

Zero net energy buildings, the gift that keeps on giving

Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr.

Secretary, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs

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This past October I joined several state officials on the campus of North Shore Community College (NSCC) to celebrate the completion of the largest and first state-owned zero net energy building in Massachusetts. This 58,000-square-foot, three-floor building – the college’s Health and Student Services Building – is so efficient that it generates enough clean energy on site to satisfy its annual energy consumption. Over the course of one year, it will generate enough clean renewable energy to sustain a full year’s worth of energy use. That’s zero consumption, no energy bills and zero carbon emissions. 

The building will eliminate its carbon footprint and by doing so holds the distinct honor of being the largest zero net energy building on the east coast and, we believe, the second largest in the country, behind a U.S. Department of Energy building in Colorado. 

The reduced energy demands have been made possible due to a variety of resourceful design strategies. The building’s orientation, for example, is positioned to maximize natural sunlight and reduce solar gain during the summer. Natural ventilation and active chilled beams reduce cooling load, while low cost lighting solutions such as LED lighting and occupancy sensors limit the use of electricity. The most expensive investment for the building is its closed-loop geothermal system, which supports 100 percent of the building’s heating and cooling load. Additionally, solar panels on the roof and in the parking lot will utilize on-site clean energy technologies. All design details allow the building’s zero net energy status to be possible. 

This project will not only drastically reduce electricity consumption and costs, but will also prevent nearly 400 metric tons of carbon emissions over a 20-year period, equivalent to eliminating the electricity use of 500 homes. The success of the project is evidence of the state’s commitment to reduce long-term energy costs for taxpayers, as well as the importance of creating more zero net energy buildings not only in Massachusetts, but across the country. 

In 2008, Governor Patrick appointed over 70 architects, engineers, developers, agency personnel, non-profits, and other building and energy professionals to a task force designed to develop guidelines for zero net energy building. Nine months later, the task force released a set of 44 recommendations for the Commonwealth, ranging from workforce development and public education initiatives to improvement of energy codes and establishment of minimum energy performance standards. The recommendations also included a project to construct two state-owned zero net energy buildings, including this building at NSCC.

The building offers new classrooms, labs, and offices, and provides Massachusetts with its first state-owned zero net energy building and one of the most innovative of its kind in the country. That's a gift that will keep on giving for the Commonwealth.

Massachusetts Qualifies 1,000th Solar Carve-Out Project

Michael Judge, RPS Solar Carve-Out Program Coordinator

Department of Energy Resources

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This fall our Massachusetts Solar Carve-Out Program recently reached a milestone with the qualification of its 1,000th solar photovoltaic (PV) project. In the year and a half since its inception, the amount of solar capacity installed in the state more than tripled, from 20 megawatts in early 2010 to over 60 MW at the beginning of October 2011. Of the new solar installed, over 30 MW came from projects that qualified for the Solar Carve-Out, a market-based incentive program for eligible Massachusetts solar installations.  

From projects like the 1.8 MW facility owned by Western Massachusetts Electric in Pittsfield, to smaller projects located on schools, public buildings, industrial parks, small businesses, and over 800 residential installations, the program has already helped facilitate the development of a wide variety of projects in 306 towns and cities across the Commonwealth. 

As we move forward into 2012, the program continues to excite interest as Massachusetts is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing PV markets in the United States. Each day, new developers and investors from across the country and the rest of the world are inquiring about investing in PV projects in Massachusetts. In the last few months alone, DOER has spoken to investment banks from Germany, a trade commission from Spain, and met with many project developers and installers that until recently have only worked in other U.S. markets, Nearly all have expressed their enthusiasm for the program and several have already opened up offices in Massachusetts and begun hiring employees.

With over 30 MW of projects operating and another 20 MW qualified and soon to be installed, the program is well positioned to exceed the growth rate of the last year and a half. The next year promises to see continued growth in the residential and small commercial sector, with a known pipeline of over 1,000 small projects that have or will receive a rebate from the Commonwealth Solar II or Solarize Massachusetts rebate programs. We also expect continued growth in the number of mid to large scale commercial projects. Lastly, the largest growth in terms of MW installed will likely come from large scale projects (projects greater than 1 MW). Due to the increased complexity of such projects, they typically take longer to install and few have been qualified to date. However, we expect to see a number of projects in this size range become operational over the next year as they work through utility interconnection processes and set up project financing.

After the great success of the first year and a half of the Solar Carve-Out Program, the Massachusetts market sits poised to become one of the largest and fastest growing PV markets in the country. With any luck, the 2000th project is right around the corner.

And Waltham makes 104…

Mark Sylvia

Commissioner, Department of Energy Resources (DOER)

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From Lowell to Springfield, Williamstown to Mashpee, and 100 municipalities in between, Waltham is the latest community to adopt new energy efficiency standards for both residential and commercial buildings.  On October 27, Maynard claimed the 100^th spot on the list of communities to adopt the so-called Stretch Code. Since then four more communities have joined, the latest being Waltham, which adopted the code on November 14. This means 2.9 million people in Massachusetts, more than 45 percent of the population, live in communities dedicated to an energy efficient future.

The code – which requires approximately 20 percent greater energy efficiency than the current base energy codes – increases energy efficiency requirements for construction of all new residential and most commercial buildings. These codes also apply to the renovation of, or additions to, residential homes that necessitate building code requirements. The adoption of these measures will cut annual energy costs for the homeowners and businesses that occupy these buildings.

The 104 communities that have adopted the Stretch Code have satisfied one of five criteria necessary to earn the title of a Green Community. The cities and towns that have satisfied all five criteria and become Green Communities are part of a DOER program that has distributed more than $15 million in renewable energy and conservation grants to the eligible communities. The DOER has designated 74 Green Communities, with 21 gaining recognition just this past summer. We hope the success of adopting the Stretch Code is the first step, and added incentive, for these towns and cities to satisfy all five criteria in order to be designated a Green Community.

The efforts of Massachusetts’ residents and communities have solidified the Commonwealth’s position as a leader in energy efficiency policies, programs, and savings.   Serving as models for the remaining municipalities across Massachusetts, these 104 communities are reducing greenhouse gas emissions and cutting costs by lowering energy consumption.

Newton was the first to adopt the Stretch Code. Waltham will not be the last.

Statewide map of Stretch Code Communities

Seven communities get green for greening

Meg Lusardi

Director - Green Communities Division Department of Energy Resources

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Yesterday, I joined Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Commissioner Mark Sylvia and community leaders in Truro to celebrate a $141,200 Green Communities grant awarded to the town to fund the installation of anti-idling devices on police cruisers, energy audits, and efficiency measures at several municipal buildings including new boiler systems and new roof insulation. Truro is the second Green Community on Cape Cod following Mashpee, which was designated as a Green Community in 2010.

Last Friday, I was in Sutton with Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan, Commissioner Sylvia and community leaders to honor six more communities (Sutton, Sherborn, Mendon, Monson, Millbury and Holland) with grants totaling $902,675 for energy management systems and high-efficiency street lights, and weatherization upgrades. 

 In the third round of Green Communities designations, 21 cities and towns from across the Commonwealth became eligible for grants to fund local energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives that lock in long-term energy savings and protect our environment. The newest Green Communities have earned $3.7 million to fund projects that include installing solar panels on town office buildings and energy conservation upgrades such as efficient furnaces and windows.

Massachusetts continues to lead the country in clean energy policies and programs, with help from the 74 Green Communities across the Commonwealth. We’re counting on more communities to seek the designation. 

Through the Green Communities Act of 2008, these communities will help the state reach its energy efficiency and renewable energy goals, while empowering communities to tackle their own projects and initiatives. 

The DOER uses funding from auctions of carbon emissions permits under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) to reward these Green Communities. To be designated as a Green Community, cities and towns must meet five clean energy qualification criteria. These include establishing a municipal energy use baseline and a plan to reduce use by 20 percent within five years, purchasing only fuel-efficient vehicles for municipal use, and minimizing life-cycle energy costs in new construction by adopting energy-saving building codes. The DOER provides a $125,000 base grant to each community, offering additional amounts based on per capita income and population. Awards are capped at $1 million. 

The newest batch of 21 Green Communities are Ayer, Bedford, Brookline, Buckland, Carlisle, Deerfield, Granby, Middlefield, Revere, Shutesbury, Somerville, Tewksbury, Topsfield, and Woburn, plus the seven mentioned above. 

The Green Communities Designation and Grant program and the Leading by Example program are just two examples of Massachusetts’ commitment to a clean energy future. With these communities playing a critical role in establishing Massachusetts as a leader in energy efficiency innovation, Massachusetts was named number one this fall by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy's annual state-by-state energy efficiency scorecard. See Secretary Sullivan’s recent blog post. 

DOER’s Green Communities program

Green Communities Sutton Event pictures

Winter energy saving tips

Susan S. Kaplan

Marketing & Outreach Coordinator, Department of Energy Resources

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During long winter months, it’s tempting to keep the heat on high 24/7 and hibernate. But energy efficiency is about the choices we make each day, and, over the next several weeks, we’ll be tweeting about how to save energy and cut energy costs with tips that will keep you warm and lower your energy usage. Follow our Energy Smarts Twitter feed at @maenergysmarts for tips on how to save energy and money this winter. Here are some of our recommendations.

1. Don't forget to close the damper on your fireplace. Your chimney functions as a large open window that draws warm air out of the room and creates a draft.

2. Replace your heater's air filter monthly. Your heating system will work less hard, use less energy and last longer as a result.

3. For holiday lights, use an automatic timer both indoors and out to avoid accidentally leaving them on.

4. Make sure all heating vents are opened and unblocked by furniture or other items. This will ensure that the air is evenly distributed through the home.

5. Change your light bulbs to ENERGY STAR® efficient ones and save enough energy to light seven million homes.

6. Wear warm clothing like a sweater and set your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower during the day and evening.

7. Set your water heater to the normal setting or 120-degrees Fahrenheit, unless the owner’s manual for your dishwasher requires a higher setting.

8. Caulk leaks around windows and doors.

 

Clean energy incubation, innovation, invention growing jobs in Mass.

Patrick Cloney

Executive Director, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC)

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The Commonwealth has a history of incubating invention and innovation. So, it’s no surprise that we have a vibrant clean energy industry that has been churning out clean energy technologies that will create revolutionary change benefiting our economy, environment and society for years to come. Last month my staff and I at the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) released a report that shows how far and wide these innovative technologies impact our economy in Massachusetts.

The report—the 2011 Massachusetts Clean Energy Industry Report  —finds that at least 64,310 employees are working in clean energy from the Berkshires to Cape Cod, and that employment in the last year alone grew 6.7 percent. It also found that our technology strengths are in energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies, with more than half of the 4,909 clean energy companies in the state working in these areas.

While many people associate Massachusetts businesses with research and development, through this report, we’ve learned that clean energy companies are active in all points of the supply chain, including manufacturing, sales, and the installation of renewable energy. From New England Breeze, a local solar installer that is helping residents in its hometown of Hudson and beyond power their homes with solar energy, to FastCAP Systems, which is developing a technology that uses miniature carbon nanotubes to make energy storage devices more efficient, there are thousands of clean energy companies starting, growing and scaling here in the Commonwealth.

With this report, we have quantified how this industry—made up of a vibrant community of visionary people, world-class institutions, and a highly educated and productive workforce, working together to propel clean energy technologies from the drawing board to the global marketplace—provides one of the best opportunities for major economic and job benefits in the Commonwealth.