Baker-Polito Administration Announces Clean Energy Conversion at Blue Hills State Reservation

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Clean Energy Conversion at Blue Hills State Reservation

Trailside Museum to Receive $110,000 DOER Leading by Example Grant for Wood Pellet Boiler

BOSTON – June 14, 2016 – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced funding for the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) for the installation of a wood pellet boiler at the Trailside Museum in Blue Hills State Reservation.  The $110,000 grant from the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) is the ninth award to be issued by the Leading by Example Renewable Thermal Grant Program, a program designed to work with state agencies to meet specific targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions, energy consumption reduction and renewable energy procurement.

“When state agencies partner together, we increase opportunities to utilize renewable thermal technologies at state operated facilities like the Trailside Museum,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Massachusetts’ pledge to lead by example helps protect all ratepayers in the Commonwealth as state facilities secure long-term energy savings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

“The $110,000 Leading by Example Renewable Thermal Grant will enable the Department of Conservation and Recreation the opportunity to simultaneously save on its energy costs and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “This grant serves as another example of our Administration’s commitment to clean energy.”

“Promoting renewable thermal technologies, such as biomass, is an important part of the Commonwealth’s clean energy strategy,” said Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Beaton. “This grant will help fund the fourth biomass installation at Department of Conservation and Recreation facilities across the Commonwealth, with many more to come.”

The wood pellet boiler installation at the Blue Hills Reservation is part of a larger, comprehensive energy retrofit through DCAMM’s Accelerated Energy Program (AEP).  The project includes a host of energy conservation measures including roof coatings, insulation and window upgrades, rainwater harvesting, metering and LED lighting, all of which together will result in energy cost savings of $50,000 a year for DCR and eliminate the use of almost 5,000 gallons of heating oil annually.  The new heating system and building upgrades will also result in increased comfort for staff and the more than 100,000 people that visit the museum annually.

“By supporting the installation of renewable heating and hot water, along with advanced metering and energy controls at state facilities, the Commonwealth is reducing both energy costs and harmful emissions,” said DOER Commissioner Judith Judson. “Projects such as this serve as a clear commitment to the state’s dedication to remain at the forefront of innovation and to lead by example.”

“The installation of a new wood pellet boiler will not only decrease operating costs at the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Trailside Museum, which will ultimately save public funds, but will also reduce the state’s carbon footprint, directly benefiting the environment for years to come,” said DCR Commissioner Leo Roy. “The Leading by Example Renewable Thermal Grant Program serves as an excellent example of state government working together for the greater good. As stewards of the Commonwealth's woodlands, it is important for DCR to promote markets for forest products such as wood pellets.”

The 2015 Leading by Example Clean Energy Grant Program for Renewable Thermal seeks to promote the utilization of onsite renewable thermal technologies at state facilities.  Renewable heating and cooling technologies provide opportunities for state facilities to reduce energy costs as well as target a reduction in heating oil and electricity for heating needs.  Increasing the adoption of renewable thermal technologies will assist in meeting the energy goals of the Leading by Example Program, reduce agency/facility energy costs, and provide ancillary benefits, such as increased building comfort.

“DCAMM is pleased to include this technology in our Accelerated Energy Program (AEP) project at the Trailside Museum,” said DCAMM Commissioner Gladstone. “Through this project we are working with DCR and DOER to make this a truly green facility that can be enjoyed by employees and visitors alike.”

The program is funded by an allocation of Alternative Compliance Payment (ACP) funds. ACP funds are paid by electric retail suppliers if they have insufficient Renewable or Alternative Energy Certificates to meet their compliance obligations under the Renewable and Alternative Portfolio Standard programs.

Since 2007, state agencies have made significant progress in energy efficiency, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent, generating 15 percent of electricity demand from onsite renewable and combined heat and power sources, and reducing heating oil use by 72 percent. LBE results have contributed to Massachusetts being ranked for the past five years as the number one state for energy efficiency in the country by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE).