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Action at Mass Audubon!
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| Joppa Flats Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary in Newburyport has 60 roof panels, which supply an amount equivalent to as much as 40 percent of its electricity needs. |
Rapid climate warming is a serious long-term threat to the nature of Massachusetts and our planet. This warming primarily results from the burning of fossil fuels to power vehicles, planes and trains, and to generate electricity.
The burning of fossil fuels and consequences of climate change also raise public health and safety concerns. To reduce these impacts, the reliance on fossil fuels as a major source of energy must be dramatically reduced. Simultaneously, we must increase energy derived from cleaner renewable energy technologies.
Mass Audubon is leading by example to address the effects of climate change. We are conserving energy, increasing energy efficiency, and promoting the use of renewable energy technologies.
How? By reducing our energy consumption and supporting clean, also known as green, energy. When produced, green energy has less of an impact on the environment and public health than energy produced by traditional sources of energy. Green energy is produced by renewable sources, such as wind and solar.
Mass Audubon's commitment to address climate change is demonstrated through the following actions.
Energy Conservation and Energy Efficiency
Mass Audubon is conducting energy audits on all heated buildings we own to identify ways that energy is wasted. After conducting an audit, we implement conservation improvements. These actions may include converting to more energy-efficient lighting, adding insulation and programmable thermostats, installing caulking and weather-stripping, buying energy efficient appliances and computers, and replacing heating systems.
Energy efficiency works hand in hand with energy conservation. The list which follows provides examples of how Mass Audubon has improved energy efficiency and reduced its carbon footprint in the past few years:
- Appliances are being replaced with energy saving alternatives.
- 90 refrigerators and freezers manufactured before 1995 were replaced with ENERGY STAR models
- All air-conditioning and de-humidifier units were updated with ENERGY STAR models
- More than 2,325 compact fluorescent light bulbs were distributed to all Mass Audubon sites to replace less efficient incandescent bulbs and fluorescent tubes were replaced with more efficient models
- 100% of computer monitors (200+) were replaced with more efficient flat screen versions; a number of servers were also eliminated and others replaced with more efficient versions
- 6 Toyota Priuses and 10 electric GEM vehicles added to the Mass Audubon fleet
- 7 heating systems have recently been replaced with systems with an energy efficiency rating of 90% or better
Purchasing Renewable Energy
Mass Audubon is one of the largest consumers of green energy in Massachusetts. Currently all Mass Audubon sites that obtain their electricity from National Grid (14 sites) purchase 100% green electricity from New England GreenStart Program, a program provided by Mass Energy through National Grid. All Mass Audubon sites that obtain their electricity from Nstar (17 sites) purchase 100% green electricity through Nstar Green. Our three sanctuaries on Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard also purchase 100% green energy from ConEdison and the Cape Light Compact. Mass Audubon purchases Renewable Energy Credits from Mass Energy for any sites or buildings that are not eligible for any of the above programs (e.g. our residential camp in Rindge, NH).
Producing Renewable Energy
In addition, Mass Audubon has installed photovoltaic arrays at nine sanctuaries (100.2 kW) and solar hot water systems at two other additional sites to reduce our fossil fuel demand. We are looking into additional photovoltaic arrays and solar thermal systems at other sanctuaries as well as a small wind turbine at two coastal sanctuaries with a good wind resource.
Results to Date
Our energy efficiency and renewable energy efforts have started to pay off! For example, despite having added several buildings in recent years, we have decreased our aggregate electricity use over the past six years and increased green electricity consumption.
| Fiscal Year Electricity Use at Mass Audubon |
Total Electricity consumption (KWH)* |
Total Green Electricity consumption (KWH) |
Green Electricity consumption as a % of total consumption (KWH) |
| 2003 |
980,404 KWH |
0 KWH |
0% |
| 2004 |
986,354 KWH |
53,551 KWH |
5.4% |
| 2005 |
957,974 KWH |
210,178 KWH |
22.0% |
| 2006 |
943,975 KWH |
293,085 KWH |
31.0% |
| 2007 |
882,272 KWH |
288,828 KWH |
32.7% |
| 2008 |
877,553 KWH |
334,452 KWH |
38.1% |
| *Energy consumption numbers include additional green energy (generally photovoltaic) that we produce and consume at some of our buildings. |
Green Buildings
Energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies are often applied in design and construction of green (sustainable) buildings. Green building design and construction uses resources in an efficient and responsible manner. It also saves money over the life of the building by reducing operating costs.
Green buildings may include such features as passive solar heating, solar photovoltaic arrays, and water collection systems to capture rainwater or graywater. Use of recycled materials and/or lumber harvested from certified (sustainable) practices, as well as native plants in landscaping, are other common practices employed to use resources wisely.
Mass Audubon is committed to the concept and practice of green building as applicable to all new buildings, additions, renovations, and site improvements. We have applied green building principles at several of our nature centers. Our Wellfleet Bay Nature Center received a platinum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design designation, the highest rating awarded by the US Green Building Council and only the fourth building in Massachusetts to receive such a rating.
Raising Awareness
Education is a key way in which Mass Audubon helps protect the nature of Massachusetts. We wish to share what we've learned about energy conservation and renewable energy with others.
For example, in 2007, we received a grant from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC) to develop a statewide public awareness program highlighting renewable energy systems. We created new exhibits at our sanctuaries interpreting our photovoltaic arrays and enhanced our website and printed materials. As a result, our visitors and school groups can learn more about how to apply renewable energy technologies to lessen their own ecological footprint.
Long-term Goals
Although we have made significant improvements, we have more to accomplish! Mass Audubon has set the goal of becoming carbon neutral in the future. This means we will have neutralized the effects of Mass Audubon's CO2 emissions to our planet.
To achieve this goal, Mass Audubon must continue to reduce energy consumption and increase green power use and production. In the near future, we will be focusing on several initiatives including
- Furnaces: Mass Audubon is working to identify and replace inefficient furnaces with high-efficiency models in 2010 and 2011.
- Final Energy Audits: Mass Audubon will continue conducting audits at five sites each year, targeting system-wide completion by 2010. In addition, Mass Audubon will be reviewing certain buildings which continue to have large energy loads despite significant conservation measures to see what other steps can be taken.
- Additional Renewable Energy Capacity: Mass Audubon plans to install additional photovoltaic arrays and solar thermal systems on our properties and decide whether to install some small wind turbines.
Climate Change and Adaptation
Mass Audubon joined with the New England Climate Coalition in urging the New England Governor's conference to do more to stop global warming.
Mass Audubon has partnered with The Nature Conservancy in their efforts to address the impacts of climate change on our environment, including coastal wetlands, rare species, etc. This falls under the umbrella of adaptation.
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Adaptation is the strategic planning, projects and programs that help plants, animals and natural communities cope with, adjust to, and manage the impacts of climate change. Adaptation can help prevent local extinction of plant and animal species by restoring, protecting and connecting lands and waters. These efforts build healthy and resilient ecosystems and allow species to migrate as temperatures change.
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For more information, see fact sheets on climate change from The Nature Conservancy and Union of Concerned Scientists.
Policy Participation
Mass Audubon has also assisted with crafting legislation, advising state and national panels on energy projects, and supporting relevant regulatory reform.
- Global Warming Solutions Act
- Massachusetts became a leader in the fight against climate change when the Global Warming Solutions Act was signed into law in 2008. Mass Audubon supported passage of this law, which requires a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050, with an interim reduction of 10-15 percent below 1990 levels by 2020.
- Baseline Greenhouse Gas Emissions: In the first step toward achieving these goals, state government agencies have provided baseline numbers for 1990 emission levels and expected 2020 levels based on current trends. These figures will provide the basis for limiting future emissions. Mass Audubon submitted comments that helped persuade the state to include the carbon sequestration value of forests and other natural areas in the Baseline Report. Mass Audubon also commented on state regulations on greenhouse gas emissions including emissions from biomass burning, and provided input in response to stakeholder comments and final regulations for Renewable Portfolio Standards.
- Biomass: The state is evaluating the effects of forest harvesting and burning of woody biomass for energy generation. Mass Audubon commented on the scope of study for this project.
- Climate Change Adaptation Advisory Committee: Mass Audubon also was instrumental in ensuring that this new law included a provision for development of measures to help people and nature adapt and cope with climate change impacts that are inevitable even if emissions are stopped immediately. Mass Audubon has a seat on this committee.
- Mass Audubon advocacy and science staff are active advisors in the Cape Wind Stakeholders Process.
- Mass Technology Collaborative
- United States Offshore Wind Energy Collaborative
- Mass Audubon Advocacy is collaborating with MTC and others to form the non-profit US Offshore Wind Collaborative to advance a sustainable offshore wind industry in the US as mitigation against the effects of global warming.
- Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Work on Wind Energy Siting Standards
- Mass Audubon advocacy and science staff participated in the state's working group that explored potential guidelines for siting land-based wind energy facilities. Of particular interest to Mass Audubon were studies regarding avian and bat collision hazards. This work continues through administrative and legislative channels.
- Massachusetts Wind Working Group
- Mass Audubon helped formulate the mission of this group, and is a member of the Policy Subcommittee.
- Wind Energy Projects Position Statements
- To learn about Mass Audubon's positions on wind energy projects or read Mass Audubon's project comments and advice regarding siting considerations, visit Mass Audubon's wind page.
- Ocean Management Act
Massachusetts has released the nation's first state ocean management plan.
Download the Draft Ocean Management Plan
The goal of the plan, developed in accordance with the Oceans Act of 2008, is to facilitate decisions through a streamlined framework that will promote sustainable ocean development while considering environmental criteria. Mass Audubon was appointed by Governor Patrick as the environmental representative to the 17-member Ocean Advisory Commission, which has assisted EEA Secretary Bowles with writing the plan.
The management plan will now undergo a public review and comment process. Public hearings on the draft are planned for September. The hearings will be followed by a public comment period of 60 days, closing in mid to late November. The deadline for the final draft is December 31, 2009.
Learn more about ocean management:
To receive periodic ocean plan updates, send an e-mail to
join-env-oceanplan@listserv.state.ma.us.
- For more on Mass Audubon's Policy Participation please visit our Advocacy Homepage.
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