CET seeks homeowners and businesses for Green Building Tour
BERKSHIRE COUNTY - Energy efficiency and solar technologies are among the highlights of the 2009 Green Buildings Open House Tour, slated for Saturday, October 3. During a time of heightened awareness about energy, this eighth annual green buildings event gives the public the chance to tour homes and businesses in the Berkshires to see clean, renewable energy at work and discover the ways people are conserving energy, saving money and protecting the environment.Owners of homes or businesses that feature green building techniques and who are interested in participating in this year’s tour are encouraged to contact CET at 413-445-4556 ext. 25 or cynthiag@cetonline.org as soon as possible. Registration deadline to be included in the tour is September 1.
The Open House is part of a region-wide event organized by the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) and coordinated locally by the Center for Ecological Technology (CET). Part of the American Solar Energy Society’s National Solar Tour, the Open House presents an opportunity to learn firsthand how incorporating green elements can help reduce heating costs, increase energy conservation and even generate surplus clean energy.
Some of the varied solar technologies that CET hopes to showcase include roof and pole-mounted PV systems, a self-built hydropower plant and small wind turbine, a net zero energy home, and ground source heat pump systems. Also older homes that have been retrofitted with green features, like solar for hot water, electricity, heating or natural light, energy efficiency upgrades including high efficiency heating systems, reduced air infiltration and added insulation, as well as renovations using reclaimed wood and copper.
To find out more about the Open House and energy efficient buildings, contact CET at 413-445-4556, visit www.cetonline.org or stop by the CET office at 112 Elm Street in Pittsfield, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tour goers can also visit the NESEA website at www.nesea.org, and follow the links to the Berkshire area buildings under Massachusetts.
CET is a non-profit energy and resource conservation organization that has served western Massachusetts since 1976. CET receives funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. CET is an equal opportunity employer and service provider. Support for the Green Buildings Open House in Berkshire County comes from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative and the SOHN Foundation.
