capeannenergy.org

Cape Ann’s First Ever Clean Energy Fair
$mart Ideas for $aving Money – Smart Choices for Cape Ann
Sponsorships & Vendor Booths Available – Free Admission & Parking

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Gloucester – Cape Ann Climate Change Network, Sawyer Free Library, the City of Gloucester and Sustainable Cape Ann announced today that they will present Cape Ann’s first ever Clean Energy Fair to be held at the Gloucester Public High School Field House on Saturday, October 28th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fair presenters define Clean energy as energy generated from renewable energy sources that are environmentally friendly such as solar, wind, biomass, and small hydropower. All services, products and processes used to increase the efficiency of traditional sources are considered cleaner alternatives and are welcome at the fair.
Planned activities include:

• Speakers addressing energy conservation, clean energy and climate change
• Jonathan Abe, Mass. Technology Collaborative – grants and credits available for homeowners and businesses
• Marc Breslow, Mass. Climate Change Network – how homeowners can save on their energy bills
• Fred Schlicher, Cape Ann Climate Change Network – benefits of participating in National Grid’s GreenUp program
• Rick Johnson, Varian Semiconductor – current status of wind energy project proposal Demonstrations, displays and information booths

“Every Cape Ann homeowner, business owner and renter will benefit from attending this fair,” said Roger Brisson Director of the Sawyer Free Library. “We have worked hard to feature the latest on Global Warming, tips on how to save on energy bills, up-to-date details on grants and tax credits available for solar and wind installations and, of course, a bit of inspiration on how to live more sustainable lives.”

Cape Ann and North Shore businesses that manufacture, sell or service renewable energy products, contractors and installers that help home owners and businesses improve building energy efficiency along with electricians, engineers, lighting designers and space heating & cooling services are invited to exhibit their goods and services at this event. Pipe and drape display booths are available for $200 and individual display tables are available for $75. Participation fees and sponsorships at a variety of levels are being offered to ensure the involvement of both large and small companies – utilizing over 15,000 square feet of available display space. To find out more about the event including sponsorship opportunities and booth space available see this page. or call Eva Tasaki at (978) 281-0478.

Posted by monty at 06:12 PM | Permalink

Gloucester Daily Times Editorial Page
Published: September 14, 2006 12:00 am

Cape Ann is not going to solve the country's energy problems. But the region is doing its part, showing some encouraging initiatives to use renewable energy in its corner of the world.
In Gloucester, the new solar-powered trash compactor known as Big Belly is now in place on Stacy Boulevard, the scenic harbor walkway. The unit, which weighs about 400 pounds, can store three times the amount of trash as a conventional barrel, by crushing 180 gallons into about 46 gallons. Sensors inside the unit, powered by solar energy, trigger the compacting mechanism and also signal when the unit needs to be emptied.

It comes with a vastly bigger price tag than a conventional trash barrel, too, about $4,700. But that cost was covered by residents who signed up for National Grid's GreenUp program by agreeing to add a few dollars to their monthly electric bill. That money was matched by the Clear Energy Choice program.

And it has already been shown to be effective in nearby Manchester, where officials say a Big Belly at Singing Beach has eliminated their trash overflow problems.

And on the renewable front, the Rockport School Committee and Department of Public Works have agreed to erect a 164-foot wind data collection tower near the high school softball field. The yearlong study will let the town know if a wind turbine would be a worthwhile energy investment.

The chances of that look good. According to Sally Wright, of the University of Massachusetts Renewable Energy Research Laboratory, Rockport has some of the most favorable wind speeds in the state.

Of course, there are concerns besides wind speed, noise and aesthetics among them. But with a proposed tower more than 900 feet from the closest residence, officials are hopeful that they will get community support.

Besides saving on the local energy bill - something every community would welcome - it will also offer the chance for students to study wind power right in the school's backyard.

Posted by Tim Greiner at 12:56 PM | Permalink