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Energy Coordinator Dennis Derryberry and the Energy Committee, with the support of the Selectboard, Town staff and others, continued efforts in 2009 to address weatherization and other energy efficiency needs at our Town's municipal buildings. Last spring, the Town performed a full-building energy audit of Joslin Memorial Library. Concerned about energy costs and waste, the Library Trustees then opted to continue their efforts to address several long-standing maintenance and upgrade needs in order to lower operating costs on the building. Previous energy efficiency improvements to the Joslin Memorial Library building include installation of storm windows in the Town's offices and replacement of the building's boiler. Following the audit, a comprehensive re-insulation of the library attic (including 15" of blown-in cellulose to obtain an energy efficiency rating of approximately R44) was 83% paid for with grant money, which the Town was awarded from the Vermont Community Climate Change Grant Program. A follow-up test showed that air infiltration was reduced by 45.5%--exceeding the expected improvement and greatly diminishing heat loss--and fuel consumption has been approximately 25% lower through the early part of the current heating season. The Town's share of the project cost could be recovered in savings by the end of 2010. This year, the Town also conducted comprehensive energy audits at the Wait House and Fire Station and has emerged with very helpful data to guide us in the next phases of energy improvements there. Numerous opportunities exist in 2010 for the Town to obtain grant funding to cover efficiency priorities identified through the audit process. The Town recently submitted two such energy-related grant applications and hopes to receive approvals in the weeks ahead. An ongoing, UVM-led study of the Mad River Valley watershed's woody biomass resource (i.e., firewood, chips, pellet material--distinct from saw logs and timber yield) has gathered initial data of the area's potential for sustainable biomass supply and demand. The study is also developing a list of indicators and criteria which build on other frameworks for forest health, but which specifically focus on woody biomass content. These criteria could help communities here in the valley and elsewhere throughout the region to better manage the resource should demand for local woody biomass increase. The Energy Committee is beginning to discuss these findings and investigate project ideas which might utilize a portion of the available fuel source to serve multiple buildings, municipal and otherwise. Also this year, widespread participation by Waitsfield residents in the Vermont Community Energy Mobilization pilot project helped bring energy efficiency improvements and direct savings to almost 70 valley homes. The all-volunteer project brought together dozens of local volunteers and was supported by free products, training and other resources provided by Efficiency Vermont. Dennis Derryberry, Energy Coordinator Committee Members: Sal Spinosa, Charlie Hosford, Paul Hartshorn, Brian Shupe Updated February 21, 2010
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