BRATTLEBORO — The town of Brattleboro has committed to reducing energy consumption and costs in municipal buildings and operations through a new statewide program sponsored by Efficiency Vermont.
The two-year Energy Leadership Challenge is an invitation to the largest businesses and institutions in Vermont to take action to achieve 7.5 percent energy savings at their facility over the challenge's two-year timeframe, from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2013.
Efficiency Vermont will commit to helping businesses create a comprehensive, long-term energy savings portfolio and provide enhanced resources - both technical and financial - to help participating businesses or organizations meet their goals.
The program is geared to the largest commercial energy users in Vermont, of which there are about 300, exclusive of IBM, OMYA, and commercial energy users in Burlington Electric Department territory.
“The town of Brattleboro's continued commitment to energy efficiency is remarkable,” said Chuck Clerici, Efficiency Vermont account manager. “By committing to the Efficiency Vermont Energy Leadership Challenge, converting street lighting to LED, and investing in a state of the art wastewater treatment plant, Brattleboro is helping set the energy efficiency standard for towns across Vermont.”
The benefits of the Challenge include an increased incentive to help cover the costs of energy audits, assistance in developing a two-year energy management plan, analysis of current utility bills, support to adopt Smart Grid technology and data, and marketing support.
“This program fits well with the town's ongoing leadership in reducing energy consumption and taxpayer costs, while improving energy efficiency,” said Town Manager Barbara Sondag. “We're happy to participate.”