SUBJECT: Governor Awards Second Round of Climate Change Grants

Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Jim Douglas announced that another 15 energy efficiency projects have received $170,000 in funding from the Vermont Community Change Program. The competition was fierce with 86 applications submitted.

“I want to congratulate the winners of this round of funding and thank you, and all those who applied, for your commitment to reducing our state’s carbon footprint. The intense interest shown in controlling energy costs and making real environmental gains is classic Vermont ‘can-do’ spirit,” the Governor said. “The combined reduction in CO2 emissions from these projects is the equivalent of electricity use of 45 to 50 homes.”

Helping businesses monitor electricity use is the goal of the Vermont Community Foundation Green Team’s $12,000 grant. VCF will launch an eight-month, real time metering competition in Middlebury by distributing “real-time” energy metering devices and data-logging software to 30 businesses and nonprofits. VCF predicts the project will save between 5 and 15 percent in energy costs and use.

Other projects include:

Greater Burlington YMCA: $12,000 to upgrade lighting, saving $3,765 in energy costs. Annual emissions reduction – 23 tons.

Rutland City Wastewater Treatment Plant: $12,000 to upgrade lighting. Annual emissions reduction – 40.5 tons.

Newton School ‘Whole Energy Initiative’, Strafford: $11,992 to install high-efficiency lighting and photovoltaics. Annual emissions reduction – 13 tons.

Grace Congregational United Church, Rutland: $11,072 to weatherize and improve electrical efficiency. Annual emissions reduction – 19 tons.

Lamoille County Players: $11,817 to weatherize the Hyde Park Opera House. Annual emissions reduction – 9 tons.

Ferrisburgh Central School: $11,535 toward a wind turbine to be installed this summer. Annual emissions reduction – 8 tons.

Town of Chelsea: $11,243 to weatherize the town hall. Annual emissions reduction – 10 tons.

Town of Marshfield: $11,999 to weatherize the Old Schoolhouse Common (Marshfield community center). Annual emissions reduction – 14 tons.

Town of Benson & Benson Energy Committee: $5,609 for weatherization and heating improvements. Annual emissions reduction – 8 tons.

All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, Brattleboro: $12,000 for heating system efficiency improvements. Annual emissions reduction – 17 tons.

Pope Memorial Library, Danville: $12,000 for weatherization and a new furnace. Annual emissions reduction – 4 tons.

ReCycle North Central Vermont Rehabilitation and Efficiency Project, Barre: $12,000 for insulation and two pellet stoves. Annual emissions reduction – 35.5 tons.

Marlboro Elementary School: $12,000 for a photovoltaic energy system. Annual emissions reduction – 1.5 tons.

Town of Wilmington: $12,000 for thermal improvements to the town hall. Annual emissions reduction – 13 tons.

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