Commonwealth Conversations: Energy Smarts

Patriots of the clean energy revolution cutting greenhouse gasses

Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr.

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

View Secretary Sullivan's Bio

With new science emerging on the health impacts of fossil fuel consumption and increases in extreme weather and storm events relating to climate change, it’s clear that we need to do all that we can to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It’s important because we are a coastal state, we have a vibrant agricultural industry and because we rely on imported energy for our electricity needs. Under the leadership of Governor Patrick, the Commonwealth has risen to the challenge of creating bold long-term goals to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy.

As a result of the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA), signed by Governor Patrick in August 2008, Massachusetts has greenhouse gas emissions limits of an 80 percent reduction of 1990 levels by 2050. In December 2010, our office released a the 2020 Clean Energy and Climate Plan plan that set the ambitious target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent from 1990 levels by 2020.

We’ve already made great progress on greenhouse gas reductions over a short period of time. We recognize the plan has to be dynamic but the investments we’ve made in solar, wind, electric vehicles and energy efficiency are already at work reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

New solar array in Westford, MA.

With the implementation of the Green Communities Act, also signed in 2008, we now have 42 percent of Massachusetts residents (or 2.7 million people) living in Green Communities. All 86 Green Communities  have committed to reducing their municipal energy consumption by 20 percent.  This commitment by these patriots of our Massachusetts clean energy revolution equates to the annual energy consumption of more than 13,000 Massachusetts homes and the greenhouse gases emissions from more than 16,800 cars. 

We have the most aggressive goals in the country and we know that means we have a lot of hard work ahead of us. This Administration has an absolute commitment to obtain those goals. I’ve assigned Undersecretary of Energy Barbara Kates-Garnick and Environment Undersecretary Phil Griffiths to oversee this ambitious plan with focus on transportation, buildings, energy generation, non-energy emissions and climate adaptation.  We’ve got our team in place and a plan to engage with stakeholders. We are also unveiling an online tool to track our progress in May.

It will take all of us to meet these revolutionary clean energy goals. I hope you will join us.

Video of the Week

Madeleine Barr
Multimedia intern, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA)
View Madeleine's Bio

Today we are starting a new Video of the Week series in which we highlight a clean energy video from the Commonwealth. With so many great clean energy stories happening across the state, it will be difficult to pick just one. 

This week, we have two videos that feature energy measurement projects that were funded by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 – which just had its third year anniversary and has resulted in a paycheck for more than 6,500 clean energy workers.

Through the Enterprise Energy Management Systems (EEMS), EnerNOC is installed energy meters at state-owned buildings so that facilities managers can see just how much energy is being used.  Using this information they will be able to make adjustments in their own consumption.  This video highlights how Fitchburg State University utilizes EnerNOC technology to reduce their overall energy costs. 

Our second video this week is of the Massachusetts Hospital School; it is an institution that provides medical, rehabilitative, educational, recreational, and vocational services to children and young adults with disabilities.  The mission of this school is to help the students achieve their full potential in all aspects of daily life.  By staying aware of energy consumption through EnerNOC software, the Mass Hospital School can spend its money on assets valuable to their students’ growth as opposed to wasting the limited funds on unnecessary energy use.  This video shows just how they do it. 

Know of a video that you’d like to see on the blog? Share it in the comments section below. 

Energy by the numbers: 2.7 Million

Dan Burgess

Clean Energy Fellow, Department of Energy Resources

View Dan's Complete Bio

Since the Green Communities Act was passed in 2008, 86 cities and towns in the Commonwealth have been officially designated as a Green Community - that means more than 2.7 million Massachusetts residents are living in a municipality that has met five clean energy criteria.

The residents, businesses, and public officials in these municipalities are making real progress in reducing our dependence on foreign sources of energy and are key partners in the progress that the Commonwealth is making toward achieving a cleaner energy future. 

Visit the Green Communities web page to see a map of the 86 municipalities and to learn more about the program.

Infographic: Clean Energy in Massachusetts

Dan Burgess

Clean Energy Fellow, Department of Energy Resources

View Dan's Complete Bio

You can download the text of this infographic here.

Energy By the Numbers: $17,689,893

Dan Burgess

Clean Energy Fellow, Department of Energy Resources

View Dan's Complete Bio

Since 2008, 86 Massachusets cities and towns have received a combined total of $17,689,893 in Green Communities grant awards for clean energy projects in their community. 

These grants have helped fund projects that are creating local Massachusetts jobs and developing cleaner, safer and more sustainable energy options for these communities.  These projects have included solar photovoltaic installations, the development of energy management plans, installation of LED streetlights, and adopting various other energy efficient measures.

The Green Communities program is a crucial component of the Commonwealth’s efforts to create a cleaner energy future and you can visit the program web page to see a map of Green Communities in Massachusetts and to learn more about the program.

Wind turbine health impact report upcoming meetings

Kenneth Kimmell

Commissioner, Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)

View Ken's Bio

On Jan. 17, an independent panel of scientific experts released a report entitled “Wind Turbine Health Impact Study:  Report of the Independent Panel”  and we're holding three meetings (two this week) to collect public feedback about the report.

MassDEP and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) sought the development of this report by a panel of independent experts in order to help the Commonwealth, as well as local governments, address some of the questions that have been raised about possible human health impacts associated with proximity to wind turbines.  

Among the key findings of the panel are:

• There is no evidence for a set of health effects from exposure to wind turbines that could be characterized as a “Wind Turbine Syndrome.”
• Claims that infrasound from wind turbines directly impacts the vestibular system have not been demonstrated scientifically. Available evidence shows that the infrasound levels near wind turbines cannot impact the vestibular system.
• The weight of the evidence suggests no association between noise from wind turbines and measures of psychological distress or mental health problems.
• None of the limited epidemiological evidence reviewed suggests an association between noise from wind turbines and pain and stiffness, diabetes, high blood pressure, tinnitus, hearing impairment, cardiovascular disease, and headache/migraine.
• There is limited epidemiologic evidence suggesting an association between exposure to wind turbines and annoyance. There is insufficient epidemiologic evidence to determine whether there is an association between noise from wind turbines and annoyance independent from the effects of seeing a wind turbine and vice versa.
• There is limited evidence from epidemiologic studies suggesting an association between noise from wind turbines and sleep disruption. In other words, it is possible that noise from some wind turbines can cause sleep disruption. Whether annoyance from wind turbines leads to sleep issues or stress has not been sufficiently quantified. While not based on evidence from wind turbines, there is evidence that sleep disruption can adversely affect mood, cognitive functioning, and overall sense of health and well-being.
• Scientific evidence suggests that shadow flicker does not pose a risk for eliciting seizures as a result of photic stimulation. There is limited scientific evidence of an association between annoyance from prolonged shadow flicker (exceeding 30 minutes per day) and potential transitory cognitive and physical health effects.

The panel is composed of physicians and scientists with broad expertise in areas including acoustical noise/infrasound, public health, sleep disturbance, mechanical engineering, epidemiology, and neuroscience. The members of the panel are: 

Dr. Jeffrey M. Ellenbogen of Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital; Dr. Sheryl Grace of Boston University; Dr. Wendy J. Heiger-Bernays of the Boston University School of Public Health; Dr. James F. Manwell of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst; Dr. Dora Anne Mills of the University of New England; Dr. Kimberly A. Sullivan of the Boston University School of Public Health; Dr. Marc G. Weisskopf of the Harvard School of Public Health; and Dr. Susan L. Santos (panel facilitator).

Wind Turbine Health Impact Study

I urge anyone with an interest in this topic to review it, and I encourage anyone with comments to submit them to us or to participate in one of three public meetings in February. This panel functioned independently of MassDEP and MDPH and consisted of seven individuals with backgrounds in public health, epidemiology, toxicology, neurology and sleep medicine, neuroscience, and mechanical engineering.  Each of these individuals is considered an independent expert from academic institutions, and I personally want to thank each of them for their time and commitment to this important public project.  

We’ve seen the public interest around this topic steadily grow.  It is extremely important that we have the best science available to us as we make future decisions on wind energy.

As MassDEP begins to digest the panel’s report and findings,  MassDEP will accept written public comments on the report until March 19, 2012 and is hoolding three upcoming public meetings.

• Tuesday, February 14, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Gardner Auditorium in the State House, 24 Beacon St.

• Thursday, February 16, 2012, from 5-8 p.m. - Bourne High School, Beth Bourne Auditorium, 75 Waterhouse Road, Bourne.

• Tuesday, February 28, 2012, from 5-8 p.m. - The Lee Middle and High School Auditorium, 300 Greylock Street, Lee. Snow date: February 29th.

We hope that interested parties will participate in this process so the Commonwealth will have the full benefit of public feedback before taking steps to implement or adopt the findings or recommendations by the independent panel.

2012: Time for the new (and improved!)

Mark Sylvia

Commissioner, Department of Energy Resources (DOER)

View Mark's Bio

Here we are, already in the second month of the New Year. If you were impacted by the tornadoes last year in western and central Massachusetts, you know that months later, residents of Monson, Springfield and surrounding towns are still working to restore their homes and get their lives back to normal. You’re probably relieved to turn the calendar page, make a fresh start and plan for the year ahead.

The staff at the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources and Massachusetts Clean Energy Center want to help you make 2012 a better year than last, by helping you rebuild – and rebuild keeping energy efficiency and renewable energy in mind. 

The ReBuild Western Massachusetts program offers rebates, grants and 0 percent interest loans for energy efficiency improvements and solar projects as you repair or rebuild your homes.  If you plan to install windows, doors or a new heating system this year, understand that there are a number of available incentives to reduce your costs.   Home and business owners as well as municipalities in the affected areas are eligible for up to $5,000 rebates and 0 percent interest loans for up to $100,000.  The available incentives in the ReBuild program in conjunction with many incentives offered by local utilities may make your efficient home improvements cost less than a non-efficient measure. Check out the video below to learn more.

ReBuild Western Massachusetts: wwlp.com

By installing good insulation, ENERGY STAR® qualified windows and doors, or a high efficiency heating system, you’ll improve your comfort every day while saving money on your monthly electrical bills. 

If you are installing a new water heater, keep in mind that a solar water heating system can provide up to 75 percent of your annual hot water usage and can greatly reduce bills from expensive heating fuels like oil, electricity and propane. 

Installing a new roof? This could be a great time to incorporate a solar electric system to lower your monthly electric bills.  With the additional rebate available in the recovery zones, almost 75 percent of the system is covered and the system can actually pay for itself in the first 2-3 years!

Remember – energy improvements are the only household improvements that actually pay you back. And when you are ready to sell the house, a lower utility bill can help sell the house faster.  Here’s to a new and improved year!

To find out more about the ReBuild Western Mass program, call 877-524-1325 to speak to a representative, email rebuildwma@icfi.com, or visit www.mass.gov/energy/rebuildwesternma.

A year in review…the clean energy revolution continues

Mark Sylvia

Commissioner, Department of Energy Resources (DOER)

View Mark's Bio

This week, President Obama and Governor Patrick both confirmed their visions for our clean energy future. In the State of the Union speech, the President talked about the “promise of clean energy,” and said “nowhere is the promise of innovation greater than in American-made energy.” In the Governor’s State of the Commonwealth address, he brought it home, reminding us that the Green Communities Act fundamentally shifted our state’s energy focus toward efficiency and renewable energy.  

Our nation-leading energy policies are producing results across the board.  Massachusetts citizens, businesses, state entities, and local governments - including 86 designated Green Communities - are taking advantage of the economic and environmental rewards of investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy. We’re creating clean energy jobs, reducing municipal operating costs, using less energy and adding cleaner energy. And we’ve received national recognition for our efforts.

Take a look at the advances in our energy agenda from last year (for the best view press play, click 'More' and view 'Fullscreen'). 

You can also view the Massachusetts 2011 Clean Energy Year In Review on this site or you can download 2011 Massachusetts Clean Energy Year in Review.

Under Governor Patrick’s leadership and support of renewable energy, the clean energy industry grew nearly 7 percent in Massachusetts last year, and added thousands of jobs. We’ve added tens of thousands of kilowatts of renewable generation – enough to power over 25,000 households – since 2007.  

This past fall, Massachusetts was ranked as the No. 1 state in the nation for energy efficiency by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) for “excelling in every aspect of energy efficiency” and continuing “the implementation of the 2008 Green Communities Act.” Massachusetts’ success in renewable energy was also underlined in the fall, when Governor Patrick was awarded the Solar Champion Award by the Solar Energy Industry Association. 

None of our success would be possible without the hard work of the more than 63,000 people working in 4,900 Massachusetts clean energy companies, weatherizing homes, designing energy efficient buildings, installing solar panels for electricity or heating, and tuning up high efficiency furnaces. It also wouldn’t be possible if homeowners, renters, landlords, business owners and municipal leaders didn’t see the benefit of investing in energy improvements that provide savings and value today, and well into the future.

It’s been a thrilling first year as commissioner and I look forward to continuing my work with you as we create a cleaner energy future together. 

Energy By the Numbers: 44

Dan Burgess

Clean Energy Fellow, Department of Energy Resources

View Dan's Complete Bio

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.

Keep current with clean energy newsletters

Dan Burgess

Clean Energy Fellow, Department of Energy Resources

View Dan's Complete Bio

Previously on this blog, I shared Twitter accounts you can follow to get up-to-the-minute information on clean energy in Massachusetts. In this post, I’m going to fill you in on which state agencies produce energy-related newsletters. Subscribing to these online publications will give you a better understanding of the ongoing efforts by multiple agencies to ensure a cleaner energy future for the Commonwealth. 

---

Green Communities Divison 
DOER’s Green Communities Division empowers cities and towns to find innovative ways to reduce their energy use and costs. The Green Communities newsletter features a message from Director Meg Lusardi and updates on renewable energy and energy efficiency projects and programs across the Commonwealth. Check out the latest newsletter from this fall  and subscribe to receive future updates.

 

---

Massachusetts Department of Agriculture (DAR)
DAR produces a bimonthly newsletter, Farm and Market Report, which gives a great overview of the latest news from farms across the Commonwealth. Each report includes an ‘Energy News’ section that highlights projects and gives an update on funding and workshop opportunities for Massachusetts farmers who are interested in efficiency and renewable energy solutions.

---

Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC)
 MassCEC is a quasi-public agency, which serves as a clearinghouse and support center for the clean energy sector. Timely email updates cover everything from new program announcements to funding opportunities. This is a must-subscribe for anyone looking to stay up-to-date on clean energy in Massachusetts.

---

Massachusetts Recovery and Reinvestment Office (MRRO) MRRO is responsible for managing federal stimulus funds that were directed to state agencies by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. To keep residents informed and up-to-date on this progress, the MRRO typically sends out weekly updates on Friday. A recent update featured three clean energy projects directed by the DOER. 

---

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) 
MassDEP’s EnviroMatters newsletter features environmental stories from across the state and often includes clean energy updates. The most recent newsletter features a story on streamlining organic waste rules to foster clean energy.

 

---

EnergySmarts   
This blog’s monthly newsletter provides a recap of timely stories. This newsletter is a great way to keep in touch if you aren’t a daily visitor. You can subscribe by e mailing join-env-maenergysmarts@listserv.state.ma.us.

 

---

Do you have other favorite Massachusetts clean energy newsletters you subscribe to? Please share them by posting yours below in our comments section.