Green Features at North River
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