Saving Taxpayer Dollars

Welcome to 2018.  

Background:

Holland initially became a Green Community in 2011.  The initial grant was used to upgrade the heating system in the school, reducing the school oil consumption by up to 50% while improving temperature control and consistency throughout the building.  That grant was received in 2011 and closed out in 2015.

Holland has since met its agreement with the Commonwealth to reduce its overall energy consumption by 20%.  An award for this achievement was held on January 9, 2018 at the Town Hall.  It was very exciting to be recognized by the Commonwealth for achieving this goal.  Holland was one of the first small communities to sign onto the program and is one of the first to fullfil its agreement. 

Currently:

Effective 8/3/17 Holland received a Green Community Grant in the amount of $150,085 for the purpose of saving the town money on electricity costs in an environmentally responsible way. All town owned buildings will be converted to interior LED lighting. The projected benefit of the conversion is, LED lighting will reduce lighting costs by up to 50%.  Through the efforts of Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, B2Q, the Select Board, and the cooperation of the Elementary School, Highway Dept., Community Center, Library and Town Hall, the project should commence this winter and be completed by the end of March. The Green Energy grant and National Grid incentives should completely cover the cost of the conversion. 

It is important to note that without the assistance from the Green Community status and grants, our town would not have been able to accomplish these measures.

Upcoming:

There will also be an energy audit of the Town Hall this summer to see where we can improve fuel efficiency in regard to heating and cooling of the building. Having efficient equipment is effective both, by allowing us to consume less energy and eliminate or reduce current repair costs.

By reducing energy consumption, Holland has set the bar for being environmentally conscious, reducing our overall carbon footprint and being fiscally responsible with the money entrusted to us by the taxpayers of Holland. 

Kelli A. Robbins, Esq.