Green Features at Blue Hills
Blue Hills Trailside Museum is doing its part to leave a lighter footprint on the environment by utilizing green technology.
Conserving Energy
- Energy audit completed and recommendations presented to building owner, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)
- All fluorescent tubes in light fixtures have been replaced with LED tubes
- All compact fluorescent bulbs have been replaced with LED bulbs
- Lighting audit completed and recommendations implemented
- Refrigerators and freezers have been replaced with EnergyStar models
- Replaced computer monitors with energy efficient monitors
- Purchased electric chainsaw and leaf blower to reduce gasoline use and noise
- Converted the sander on the plow truck to an electric model
- Recycling program
- Upgraded all stationary power equipment motors from 115v to 220v
- Electric property management equipment purchased and in use
Generating Renewable Energy
- Photovoltaic array (49.0 kW ground mount) installed by DCR at Chickatawbut Hill site which is managed by Mass Audubon
Replacing Vehicles
- Two Toyota Prius hybrids purchased
- Replaced a full size pick up with a smaller, gas efficient Toyota Tacoma
Conserving Water
- Installed 19 dual-flush toilets and 6 waterless urinals
- Installed a water bottle filling station to encourage the use of refillable water bottles
- Replaced dishwasher with EnergyStar/WaterSense model
Enhancing Energy Education
- Interpretation of energy and water conservation features
- Photovoltaic array electricity production on internet in real time