|
Action at Mass Audubon!
 Mass Audubon recognizes that climate change caused by the emission of greenhouse gases from fossil fuel use and deforestation is a major threat to wildlife in Massachusetts and the planet. Rapid increases in global temperatures will lead to rising sea levels and disruption of terrestrial, freshwater, and marine habitats for wildlife all over the world.
Read about the possible effects of rapid global warming on the nature of Massachusetts. (PDF 292K)
Current climate change projections also create challenges for the economy, security, and health of Massachusetts and its residents. To reduce the threat of climate change Mass Audubon first and foremost supports measures that increase energy conservation and efficiency and policies that result in the responsible siting and production of renewable energy resources.
Find out how Mass Audubon is influencing state and national climate change policy.
Mass Audubon also is leading by example to reduce the threat of climate change by reducing our energy usage and demonstrating the use of renewable energy technologies.
As a result of these efforts we have cut our carbon emissions by 42% since 2003!
In 2003 our footprint was approximately 1,480 metric tons of carbon dioxide. By the end of 2009, our efforts had reduced this amount to less than 860 metric tons.
Vehicle fuel accounts for approximately 22% of our current carbon footprint while Drumlin Farm livestock (cows, sheep, and goats) add approximately 1%. Heating our buildings makes up the balance.
The reduction in our carbon footprint has been accomplished through several initiatives:
Vehicle Use:
- Replacing the cars we use to commute between facilities with hybrids
- Replacing our larger vehicles with smaller, more efficient models
- Using video conferencing when possible
- Selecting meeting sites that are centrally located
Heating Oil:
- Using programmable thermostats and slightly lowering the temperature in buildings
- Replacing 7 older furnaces with 90% energy efficient models
- Installing solar hot water heaters
- Utilizing green building techniques on all construction and renovation (see our interactive map of facilities with Green features.)
Electricity:
- Purchasing all our electricity from renewable energy sources (see below)
- Replacing 90 refrigerators and freezers, and all air conditioners and dehumidifiers, with Energy STAR models
- Reducing use of air conditioning
- Replacing all 2,325 incandescent light bulbs with fluorescents
- Replacing older fluorescents with, new, more efficient ones
- Replacing all computer monitors (more than 200) with highly efficient flat screens
Producing Renewable Energy
 |
Joppa Flats Education Center has 60 solar roof panels—learn more.
|
Mass Audubon has installed photovoltaic (solar) arrays at 9 sanctuaries, totaling 100.2 kW of sun power. We have also put solar hot water systems at 2 additional sites.
We are looking into additional photovoltaic arrays and solar thermal systems at other sanctuaries, as well as small wind turbines at coastal sanctuaries with good wind resources.
Purchasing Renewable Energy
Mass Audubon is one of the largest consumers of green energy in Massachusetts:
- The 14 facilities that obtain their electricity from National Grid purchase 100% green electricity from New England GreenStart Program, a program provided by Mass Energy through National Grid.
- The 17 sites that obtain their electricity from Nstar purchase 100% green electricity through Nstar Green.
- Our 3 sanctuaries on Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard purchase 100% green energy from ConEdison and the Cape Light Compact.
- Mass Audubon purchases Renewable Energy Credits from Mass Energy for any sites or buildings that can't utilize a green energy program (e.g. Wildwood Camp in Rindge, NH).
Green Buildings
|
Wellfleet Bay Nature Center received the highest rating awarded by the US Green Building Council—learn more.
(photo by Richard Johnson)
|
Energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies are often applied in design and construction of green (sustainable) buildings. Green building design and construction uses resources in an efficient and responsible manner. It also saves money over the life of the building by reducing operating costs.
Green buildings may include such features as passive solar heating, solar photovoltaic arrays, and water collection systems to capture rainwater or gray water. Use of recycled materials and/or lumber harvested from certified (sustainable) practices, as well as native plants in landscaping, are other common practices employed to use resources wisely.
Mass Audubon is committed to the concept and practice of green building as applicable to all new buildings, additions, renovations, and site improvements. We have applied green building principles at several of our nature centers. Our Wellfleet Bay Nature Center received Platinum-level LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), the highest level awarded by the US Green Building Council and only the fourth building in Massachusetts to receive such a rating.
Raising Awareness
Education is a key way in which Mass Audubon helps protect the nature of Massachusetts. We wish to share what we've learned about energy conservation and renewable energy with others.
In 2007 we received a grant from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC) to develop a statewide public awareness program highlighting renewable energy systems. We created new exhibits at our sanctuaries interpreting our photovoltaic arrays and enhanced our website and printed materials. As a result, our visitors and school groups can learn more about how to apply renewable energy technologies to lessen their own ecological footprint.
Long-term Goals
Mass Audubon must continue to reduce energy consumption and increase green power use and production. In the near future, we will be focusing on several initiatives including
- Furnaces: Mass Audubon is working to identify and replace inefficient furnaces with high-efficiency models in 2010 and 2011.
- Final Energy Audits: Mass Audubon will continue conducting audits at five sites each year, targeting system-wide completion by 2010. In addition, Mass Audubon will be reviewing certain buildings which continue to have large energy loads despite significant conservation measures to see what other steps can be taken.
- Additional Renewable Energy Capacity: Mass Audubon plans to install additional photovoltaic arrays, solar thermal systems, and small wind turbines on our properties.
|
