Green Features at North River

Ground-mounted solar array at Mass Audubon's North River Wildlife Sanctuary

North River Wildlife Sanctuary is doing its part to leave a lighter footprint on the environment by utilizing green technology.

Learn about our "green" Visitor Center >

Conserving Energy

  • Energy and lighting audits completed and recommendations implemented
  • Programmable thermostats installed
  • Additional insulation has been installed and the buildings have been airsealed
  • All CFL light bulbs have been replaced with LED light bulbs
  • All fluorescent tube lighting has been replaced with LED tube lighting
  • Furnace and hot water heater replaced with high-efficiency units in the visitors’ center
  • New high-efficiency furnace in staff residence
  • Refrigerators have been replaced with EnergyStar models
  • Replaced computer monitors with energy efficient monitors
  • Xcelerator electric hand dryer installed
  • New EnergyStar electric heater installed in maintenance barn which is connected to PV array
  • Two EnergyStar sump pumps installed to replace older models
  • Lycnene insulation installed in cottage roof
  • Recycling program and on-site composting
  • Electric-powered property management equipment purchased and in use

Buying Electricity Generated from Renewable Sources

  • 100% green electricity purchased from Green Energy Consumers Alliance (New England Wind product) for all electricity not produced on site

Generating Renewable Energy

  • Photovoltaic array (9.4 kW) installed providing electricity for the visitor center, offices, and maintenance barn

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station

  • Two Level 2 J1772 connector plugs that are compatible with all makes and models of EV (Tesla owners may need to use an adapter to connect their vehicle).
  • Each plug provides about 25 miles for every hour of charging time
  • ChargePoint Network
  • $0.28 per kWh

Conserving Water

  • 4 dual-flush toilets installed
  • Rain barrels used to water native plant gardens

Enhancing Energy Education

  • Interpretation of energy and water conservation features and photovoltaic array
  • Photovoltaic array electricity production on internet in real time