Green Features at Blue Hills

Ground-mounted solar arrays at Blue Hills Trailside Museum

We're solar powered! button

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

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