GREENSBORO – At the end of 2024 the town received a $122,000 Municipal Energy Resilience Program state grant to fund energy efficiency improvements in the Greensboro Free Library.
During 2025, the Greensboro Energy and Climate Action Committee (ECAC) led the energy efficiency upgrades at the Greensboro Free Library which will be completed in the spring of 2026.
The weatherization effort has included insulation of the old basement and air sealing in the new basement, along with moisture prevention measures.
A ventilation system has been installed throughout the building offering a healthier environment for patrons.
A new air-to-water heat pump system is in the process of being hooked up to help reduce fossil fuel use with new smart thermostats installed on two floors.
Windows in the new wing were replaced to help reduce fossil fuel use, making the interior of the library quieter and improving comfort for patrons and staff. A backup battery is to be installed for resiliency in the face of power outages.
The committee launched a communications campaign to help homeowners manage their energy bills and actively supported the WindowDressers initiative.
In the summer, the committee participated in the Funky Fourth, the Bend Block Party and the Greensboro Art Fest, providing information on home energy efficiency incentives and sharing insights on home weatherization.
ECAC published a series of monthly news alerts, featuring rebates and promoting steps homeowners can take to reduce their energy bills. They are all archived on the ECAC webpage of the town website.
The committee hosted an Efficiency Vermont “Button Up” event in October at the library to showcase the work in progress in conjunction with Efficiency Vermont, the Northeast Vermont Development Association and the Vermont Building and General Services Department.
ECAC member Liz Steel, a Climate Catalyst Leadership Program participant, discussed incorporating Vermont Residential Building Energy Standards (RBES) into the building permit application process with the Greensboro Zoning Administrator and the Development Review Board Chair as the zoning rules are being rewritten,
In November, Greensboro joined forces with Albany, Craftsbury and Glover to host the Southern Orleans County WindowDressers Community Build. Over seven days, 125 volunteers and program participants built more than 415 window inserts, to insulate windows in 66 homes and businesses in 14 towns this winter.
During 2026, the committee said it will continue to focus on ways to help residents conserve energy and improve resilience in weather-related events through educational programs and development of a lending library of energy saving resources.
New members are welcome and anyone interested in joining the committee can find more information at the ECAC page on the town website at greensborovt.gov/energy-committee/
Paul Fixx is editor of The Hardwick Gazette and lives in Hardwick.
