BCAT News

A statewide program designed to increase energy efficiency has paid off in Burlington during the town’s first year and a half of participation.

In early 2020 Burlington gained its Green Communities Designation and Grant Program acceptance. The program is run by the state’s Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and offers incentives, in the form of grant money, for communities to seek more energy efficient buildings, vehicles and utilities.

At Monday night’s Select Board meeting, DPW Operations Analyst Rachel Leonardo gave an update on what the town has been able to do with funds from the program.

She said in 2020 the town undertook a variety of energy efficiency projects including replacing the two Roof-Top Units (RTUs) that are responsible for providing air conditioning to the building at the library, upgraded all of the HVAC controls and weatherizing all doors.

In addition to upgrading the library, the Fire Station Headquarters was given an overhaul of their HVAC system. A new split system was installed, replacing the old unit and ensuring more efficient heating and cooling in the building.

The Town also replaced four remote terminal units (RTU), a microprocessor-controlled electronic device at the Human Services building and replaced all Town building lights, including at the schools, with LEDs.

Leonardo said all these projects cost roughly $1 million but thanks to being enrolled in the program the cost to the town was only $140,000.

“We had a great first year,” she said.

In 2021 the town used a $154,000 grant from the Green Communities program and a $100,000 grant from the federal American Rescue Plan Act grant for further weatherization of the Fire Department and all the elementary schools and middle school.

“All the projects done in 2021 have been completely covered by other parties and incentives,” Leonardo said.

The goal was to get to 20 percent reduction in energy use in town in five years and in the first 18 months they have achieved a reduction of 6.9 percent.

“I call that a success,” Leonardo said.

Members of the Select Board applauded the successful use of the grant funds.

“They are doing a wonderful job on the town’s behalf,” member Bob Hogan said.

“The fact that all those projects were completed with $140,000 is extremely successful from a financial point of view and we’re striving to be more eco-friendly which is great,” member Nick Priest added. “Keep up the great work.”

“It’s always nice to see Rachel at a meeting because it always means good news,” member Mike Runyan said.