ADAMS, Mass. — The town has received $166,000 from the state to undergo clean energy and energy efficiency projects.
The state designated 19 cities and towns Tuesday as new "Green Communities" and out of the $3.1 million dispersed throughout the commonwealth for green projects, Adams received $166,865.
"We are always looking for energy efficiency, and by being a green community it is also a marketing tool for prospective business and homeowners," Town Administrator Tony Mazzucco said. "It shows that we as a green community are concerned with energy consumption."
Mazzucco said he has the funds slotted for switching park and sports field lights to more efficient LED lights, installing more efficient tankless hot water heaters in town buildings, and initiating an efficiency audit for all town facilities.
Some 155 communities in the state have become Green Communities under the program. As a Green Community, municipalities commit to reducing municipal energy consumption by 20 percent over five years.
"The Green Communities program demonstrates state and local governments can work together to save energy and taxpayers’ money, while making the Commonwealth a healthier place to live," said Gov. Charlie Baker in a statement. "These 19 communities will be able to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy, reducing energy costs and reducing their carbon footprints."
Also receiving funds were Egremont ($138,570), Stockbridge ($139,625) and Windsor ($137,880).
"The Green Communities Act remains one of the most effective and important steps the Commonwealth has taken in combating climate change," said state Sen. Benjamin Downing, D-Pittsfield, in a statement. "This excellent partnership between the state and our municipalities pays real, concrete dividends year after year."
Mazzucco said the town applied for designation after town meeting voted to accept the stretch code, an efficiency building code that is stricter than the basic building code.
By meeting other criteria, he said the town can potentially apply for up to $250,000 a year over the next few years to aid in more green projects.
"As we apply for more funds each year we have to be able to demonstrate a decrease in energy year to year, and there is potentially well over half a million dollars we can apply for over the next three to four years," Mazzucco said.
Down the road, the town would like to install a more efficient boiler in the library, and possibly install more efficient heating systems in the Visitors Center and the Memorial Building.
Mazzucco said it is a town goal to continue to reduce costs by investing in green and renewable energy. Presently with the current town solar powers generates half of the town’s facilities energy.
By agreeing to power purchasing agreements, he would like to increase this number to more than 90 percent in the next few years.
"We are right there at the forefront in the commonwealth and more and more of our energy will come from renewable sources," Mazzucco said.
