PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Businesses across the county are being asked to turn out the lights to reduce their carbon footprint.
The challenge is posed by the Berkshire Leadership Program class of 2009 to run with 350.org's International Day of Climate Action, which seeks to raise awareness of the effects of carbon-dioxide emissions on the climate.
The Berkshire Blackout will kick off in conjunction with the day on Saturday, Oct. 24, and continue until Oct. 31.
More than 100 businesses are being asked to take part in the program to reduce their energy use for one week and, hopefully, longer.
Businesses can pledge to do simple things that are easy to remember, such as unplugging a copier when not in use, turning off lights, computers or starting a recycling program.
Each business will be asked to complete a survey beforehand discussing the steps they will be taking to become more energy efficient. At the conclusion of the program, a follow-up survey will be sent to the businesses. The Berkshire Leadership Program, a program of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, will compile a report to determine savings and to share with other businesses.
One of the biggest hurdles affecting both businesses and residents in Berkshire County is the price of energy. Energy efficiency also plays a large role in attracting new businesses to the county. Organizers say the Berkshire Blackout will help businesses discover information that will be useful to the chamber as well as future legislative work.
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