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Weatherstripping is one of the measures small businesses can take to realize energy savings.

CET Offers Webinar on Weatherization for Small Businesses

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Center for EcoTechnology on Wednesday will host a webinar to help small businesses learn about the benefits of weatherization.
 
"Right now, due to the current COVID-19 and economic situation, utilities have temporarily increased incentives available to small businesses – in some cases up to 70-100 percent of installed energy saving measures will be covered," said Katherine Butler, the special projects manager at CET.
 
"This means it’s a terrific time for businesses to pursue these energy efficiency measures. In general, weatherization is a phenomenal way to stimulate the local economy, save businesses money, and help the environment, and we want to help spread the word."
 
The webinar, which will be held from 1 to 2 p.m., will cover topics including insulation and air sealing, potential costs from energy savings and the new incentives that are available.
 
"Small businesses are a historically underserved sector, and CET is working with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, as well as Berkshire Gas, Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, and Eversource on a pilot to develop a model that weatherizes more small businesses," Butler said. "An important component of this is raising awareness of the services and utility incentives available to businesses through the Mass Save program, as well as the benefits for business owners.
 
"Specific measures we’ll be discussing include insulation, air sealing, weatherstripping, pipe insulation, and direct install measures. These measures often provide businesses energy savings, cost savings, a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and increased comfort in the building."
 
Attendees at Wednesday's webinar will be able to participate in a live question-and-answer session with experts.
 
To register for the webinar, go here.

Tags: CET,   sustainability,   webinar,   

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Williams College Receives Anonymous $25M Gift to Support Projects

Staff Reports
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Williams College has received a $25 million gift commitment in support of three major initiatives currently underway on campus: constructing a new museum building, developing a comprehensive plan for athletics and wellbeing facilities, and endowing the All-Grant financial aid program. 
 
The donors, who wish to remain anonymous, say the gift reflects their desire to not only support Williams but also President Maud S. Mandel's strategic vision and plan for the college. 
 
"This remarkably generous commitment sustains our momentum for WCMA, will be a catalyst for financial aid, and is foundational for athletics and wellness. It will allow us to build upon areas of excellence that have long defined the college," Mandel said. "I could not be more appreciative of this extraordinary investment in Williams."
 
Of the donors' total gift, $10 million will help fund the first freestanding, purpose-built home for the Williams College Museum of Art (WCMA), a primary teaching resource for the college across all disciplines and home to more than 15,000 works. 
 
Each year, roughly 30 academic departments teach with WCMA's collection in as many as 130 different courses. 
 
The new building, designed by the internationally recognized firm SO-IL and slated to open in 2027, will provide dedicated areas for teaching and learning, greater access to the collection and space for everything from formal programs to impromptu gatherings. The college plans to fund at least $100 million of the total project cost with gifts.
 
Another $10 million will support planning for and early investments in a comprehensive approach to renewing the college's athletics and wellbeing facilities. 
 
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