Thanks to the people on the Sherborn Energy Committee, Sherborn has been designated as a "Green Community". Accordingly, we have been granted over $137,000 from the state to invest in energy saving programs. One of the qualifications is a declaration we will save over 20% of the energy used in town buildings over the next 3 years. Since lighting consumes a major percentage of the electicity used in public buildings, it is a primary target to review. The electric utility (NSTAR) has agreements with a select few contractors who survey buildings and come up with energy saving proposals which incorporates the rebates offered by the utility. However, because there are very few "official" contractors allowed to do the work, there is little comptetion, and it is in their interest to keep their proposals vague and hard to understand. That's where I come in. Because I am relatively familiar with the products proposed within the survey, I am able to help navigate through and clarify what is actually being proposed. I met with a committe member and toured the fire station with him and the Fire Chief. The work proposed for the fire station would cost around $10,000, and according to the utlitity's designated contractor, it would take about 5 years before breaking even. However, when recalculated with more realistic and factual information, the payback period is somewhere between 10-15 years. The Energy Committe's task is to decide the best way to spend the awarded funds on energy saving efforts, and I am glad to be able to give them realistic information so they can make the best decisions for the town.
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