City Library Hopes To LEED By Example

By Jen Thomas12:00AM / Monday, January 22, 2007Print Story | Email Story

The North Adams Public Library is seeking LEED certification in recognition of the green technologies in place at the historic building. [Photo by Sue Bush]

North Adams - North Adams Public Library officials are seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design [LEED] certification from the U.S. Green Buildings Council and expect to learn later this week if certification has been awarded. The LEED green building rating system is the "nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings," according to information posted at a USGBC Internet web site. A major library renovation included much "green technology" funded by a $175,553 Massachusetts Technology Collaborative grant. Sustainable Construction Following the May 2005 unveiling of the library, the site continued to enhance its' energy efficient and green building technology. The technology includes geothermal pumps for heating and cooling, and the installtion of photovoltaic panels. "We're optimizing energy performance," said Marcia Gross, the library's director. The library boasts other environmentally-friendly features that range from an energy-efficient location that's central to the community to "water-free landscaping." The project utilized recycled and low-emitting materials, local labor, and lighting controls, which contributed to the overall efficiency of the energy-start rated building. Gross cited roof-sited solar panels,insulation, energy-efficient windows, and efficient fixtures as examples of the building's sustainable construction. Green building project consultant Michael Tillou said he was impressed by the library's progress toward acheiving LEED certification. Tillou praised the innovative application of features at the library and said he believed certification was likely. Tillou cited the geothermal pumps performance. He noted that the system pumps to multiple zones and replaced an old heat delivery system that offered poor ventilation, uneven temperatures, and poor air quality. Facts And Figures Gross said the new system provides significant improvements. "Now it's a much more plesasant atmosphere to work in," she said. "We've had different studies evaluate our savings and we estimate that we have about 35 percent savings over conventional systems." Gross said that savings will occur over time. "In the long run, I think the system will pay for itself," she said. The photovoltaic panels produce only 2.5 percent of the building's total electricity, Gross said. "It's not as much as we would've liked but even if it's only a small portion, it's free and renewable," she said. Additional information about the North Adams Public Library is avialable at a www.naplibrary.com Internet web site.

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Letter: Rate Filing by Berkshire Gas Company

Letter to the Editor03:00PM / Wednesday, February 25, 2026

To the Editor:

This is a testimonial letter submitted to the Public Utilities Commission:

Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities
Re: D.P.U. 25-170 – Rate Filing by The Berkshire Gas Company

To the Commissioners:

I write in unequivocal opposition to the rate increase proposed in D.P.U. 25-170 and, specifically, to challenge the excessive and unjustified return on equity (ROE) and capital structure assumptions embedded in this filing.

At its core, this case is not simply about infrastructure or cost recovery. It is about how much profit Berkshire Gas expects Massachusetts ratepayers to guarantee corporate interests regardless of economic conditions.

The requested ROE asks working families, seniors on fixed incomes, and small businesses to underwrite private shareholder returns that are insulated from the very market risks everyone else must bear.

That is not equitable, and it is not consistent with the Department's duty to ensure rates are just and reasonable.

A regulated monopoly is not entitled to premium-market returns without premium-market risk. Utilities operate with guaranteed customer bases, cost recovery mechanisms, and regulatory protections that dramatically reduce exposure compared to competitive enterprises. When risk is reduced, allowed return must follow. Anything else is a windfall at the public's expense.

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