Baker-Polito Administration Awards Renewable Thermal Grant to Ashfield School
Estimated Annual Savings of Over $12,000 for Sanderson Academy School
ASHFIELD – December 23, 2015 – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced
funding for the Sanderson Academy Elementary School to convert its existing oil
heating system to cleaner, highly efficient biomass boilers. The $171,598 from the
Department of Energy Resources (DOER) is the sixth award for project implementation
from the Schools and Public Housing Integrating Renewables and Efficiency (SAPHIRE)
Program.
«The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to partnering with municipalities
across the Commonwealth,» said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. «This grant will
reduce the community’s energy bill by installing more efficient heating technology
at the school.»
«This grant will save the Sanderson Academy School thousands of dollars every year
and greatly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions,» said Secretary of Energy and
Environmental Affairs Matthew Beaton. «The town of Ashfield’s commitment to clean
energy demonstrates what’s possible for schools around the Commonwealth,
particularly those currently heating with oil.»
This investment is estimated to save the town of Ashfield at least $12,000 annually
by using a less expensive, local fuel source that also reduces environmental impact.
Furthermore, this school building has recently completed air sealing and insulation
work supported by the Green Communities Program.
«Converting to a clean, highly efficient biomass boiler is another step toward a
clean and affordable energy future for Ashfield and the Commonwealth,» said DOER
Commissioner Judith Judson. «Not only can this grant support the local economy, it
creates an opportunity for students and the school community to learn about
renewable heating sources.»
The SAPHIRE
Program
helps Massachusetts public schools combine renewable heating and cooling with energy
efficiency improvements to achieve deeper cuts in their energy costs. The program is
administered by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) in collaboration with the
Massachusetts School Buildings Authority (MSBA). SAPHIRE offers feasibility studies,
design and engineering studies and construction funding assistance to K-12 public
school buildings pursuing renewable thermal technology, including biomass heating,
solar thermal, and/or heat pumps.
«This grant demonstrates the ongoing commitment of Massachusetts to tackling climate
change,» said State Senator Benjamin B. Downing (D-Pittsfield). «By transitioning to
clean, renewable energy, Sanderson Academy is leading the way and redirecting energy
savings back into the classroom.»
«I applaud Ashfield for taking the initiative to convert Sanderson Academy to using
a cleaner, more efficient, renewable, and local energy source to heat the school,»
said State Representative Stephen Kulik (D-Worthington). «This grant will help the
town reduce its carbon footprint, and support local jobs in the wood energy field as
well as good forest management practices. I thank the Baker-Polito Administration
for supporting this important project.»
The program is funded by an allocation of approximately $1.7 million in Alternative
Compliance Payment (ACP) funds and a $715,000 U.S. Department of Energy grant. ACP
funds are paid by electric retail suppliers if they have insufficient Renewable or
Alternative Energy Certificates to meet their compliance obligations under the
Renewable and Alternative Portfolio Standard programs.