The Green Corner: The Numbers are in!

The most recent energy data to date on our beloved town hall, the truck
garage, and the equipment garage suggests that we are doing the right
things in the right order. With the help of the people that work in
those buildings, we have cut the oil use by 62%, 60%, and 36%
respectively. That is truly amazing given the amount of money spent - a
few hundred dollars on caulk and foam and window film, donated curtains
and lumber, a couple programmable thermostats (<$50ea), under $5,000 for
the town hall insulation work, and around $550 for the DIY insulation
materials for the garages. (And we can't forget the 3 volunteer "work
days"). So we saved 3045 gallons in those three buildings this past
winter compared to 05/06, and if the cost of oil has averaged about $3
per gallon, then that adds up to over $9,000 saved for this winter
alone!! And it's been much more comfortable to work in those buildings.
And what about that carbon footprint of ours?

So we can see in the graph that sealing air leaks and adding insulation
(IN THAT ORDER! - the town hall was not insulated until August 09) gives
the best improvement for the least investment in most buildings. Can
what we learned here apply to homes as well? Of course! However, with
spring in full swing, most folks are not thinking about buttoning UP
their homes.

Mass Save runs the statewide home energy efficiency program. There are
no income requirements to participate in Mass Save, and incentives
include up to 75% off up to $2000 in insulation upgrades, and an even
better deal on air sealing - free for eligible homes. Plus you can apply
for a 0% interest loan for efficiency measures such upgrading to
high-efficiency heating and hot water systems, ENERGY STAR-rated windows
or installing a solar hot water system.

Call Mass Save at 866-527-7283. Call after July 1st as even more
incentives will begin then, but DON'T wait until the end of summer and
find yourself on a long waiting list.  Scheduling your free assessment
is the first step toward saving money and energy all year long.