Deep Energy Retrofit Demonstrates Significant Energy Savings With Help of Columbia Gas of Massachusetts
Springfield, MA, October 17, 2011 – The Center for EcoTechnology (CET) is dedicated to “making green make sense,” so it’s only appropriate that a major renovation with up to 60 percent energy savings over conventional building methods was recently completed by this organization through a community partnership with Columbia Gas of Massachusetts. CET has transformed a 100-year-old brick mill building into a modern green building with the help of funding from Columbia Gas. The building will house the EcoBuilding Bargains store, a non-profit recycled construction materials retail establishment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency similar commercial buildings and manufacturing plants account for nearly half of all U.S. energy consumption or $2 billion a year. This EcoBuilding Bargains store is a green standard-bearer, using only about 1/2 of the energy that a normal building of its size, according to John Majercak, CET’s Executive Director.
"The $3.3 million energy-efficient makeover of the historic structure is a forerunner in sustainable practices and is just one of the many “Deep Energy Retrofits,” (or superbly-insulated, highly-airtight buildings that dramatically reduce heat loss) supported by Columbia Gas around the Commonwealth. The newly-retrofitted, 60,000-square-foot, high-performance building at 83 Warwick St., formerly a furniture warehouse, is at the gateway of an industrial corridor that is being rehabilitated by the city and stands as a high-profile model for transforming energy performance in existing commercial buildings.
The EcoBuilding Bargains store (formerly named the ReStore Home Improvement Center) will sell used surplus and environmentally-friendly building materials. In keeping with its mission of reusing valuable materials, the building was also constructed with reclaimed materials, including posts and beams salvaged from a Rhode Island bridge as well as naturally rot-resistant locust wood milled from trees harvested during parking lot construction. The building itself is highly insulated and more weather tight and efficient, with gas utility costs going from a projected $20,000 annually to just $8,000. Weather-stripped doors, windows and loading docks; state-of-the art heating and ventilation systems; high-efficiency lighting fixtures, and numerous other green features have transformed the long-vacant industrial property into a state-of-the-art, high-performance building.
Derek Buchler, manager of Energy Efficiency for Columbia Gas, which provided $50,000 for energy upgrades, said as a result of heating, lighting, and insulation improvements, the building will use half as much electricity and natural gas as it would have if it was reopened conventionally. CET also received federal stimulus energy grants and Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources funding for the project. “This Deep Energy Retrofit project shows that residents and businesses can achieve significant energy reductions of 50 percent or more while improving building quality, comfort, health, and safety,” said Buchler. “A successful Deep Energy Retrofit is comprehensive and not just limited to energy savings but also enhanced functionality, energy independence, and opportunities to improve the aesthetic appearance of the building, ultimately benefiting the entire community.”
Columbia Gas welcomes the opportunity to develop more of these types of strategic business and homeowner customers, by providing technical and financial assistance to help partners implement energy efficiency improvements and upgrades. The process starts with a no-cost assessment that examines existing and/or potential natural gas saving opportunities, including equipment upgrades and building shell improvements. Following the assessment, a no-obligation report highlights recommended improvements and projected financial benefits. Best of all, Columbia Gas provides generous incentives to help reduce the up-front costs of energy efficiency projects.
About the Center for EcoTechnology
The Center for EcoTechnology helps people carry out their daily activities with less environmental impact. We provide practical solutions that save energy, materials and money and have a positive impact on our environment and commu¬nity, serving residents, business and communities in the areas of Energy Efficiency and Green Building, Green Homes and Businesses, and through the EcoBuilding Bargains retail store. CET is 35-year-old non-profit organization with offices in Pittsfield, Northampton and Springfield. Visit www.cetonline.org to learn more. The Center for EcoTechnology – we make green make sense.
About Columbia Gas of Massachusetts
Columbia Gas provides a wide range of services, incentives, trainings, and information promoting energy efficiency that help residents and businesses manage energy use and related costs. Call 1-800-232-0120 for more information.