GREENSBORO – An open house at the Greensboro Free Library, Saturday, Oct. 18, allowed community members to learn about recent energy efficiency improvements made there and learn about applying similar measures to single-family homes.
photo by Liz Steel
Representatives from Northeast Vermont Development Association (NVDA), Vermont Building and General Services and Efficiency Vermont were joined by contractors Bill Chidsey of SolarHarvester, also a member of ECAC, and mason Ryan Kneeland, who worked on the library project to reduce fossil fuel use and improve comfort for library patrons.
Chidsey and Kneeland led tours to show insulation and moisture prevention added in both basements, a ventilation system that has been installed throughout the building, a new ducted air-to-water heat pump system and new double-glazed windows.
The event, organized by Beth Meachem of the Greensboro Energy & Climate Action Committee
(ECAC) as part of Efficiency Vermont’s Button Up program, allowed attendees to meet people who were instrumental in carrying out the project, showcasing the building upgrades and new energy efficient investments.
photo by Liz Steel
Several people joined local artist Joanne George at the event for an all ages art program, “Envisioning Our Energy Future” through paint and collage.
Initially, town and library funds were used to remove mold that had built up in the basement of the old building, creating a health hazard.
New gutters were installed around the building to lead moisture away from the foundation, and a commercial dehumidifier was purchased.
With help from Beth Meachem and the ECAC, the town applied for a Municipal Energy Resilience Program (MERP) grant to fund the required energy efficiency improvements.
A $4,000 capacity building grant was awarded to promote sharing weatherization information and educating the community on steps homeowners can take to save energy and reduce their fuel bills.
Working with neighboring towns, several events were held that drew people from the area.
The town was subsequently awarded a $122,000 MERP implementation grant to carry out the energy efficiency work.
More information is available on the ECAC webpage at greensborovt.gov/energy-
committee/
