PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: June 22, 2015
MASHPEE WAMPANOAG TRIBE WINS REGIONAL RECOGNITION AS LEADER IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Barnstable, MA – The Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships announced today that the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe has been named a leader in energy efficiency for 2015. A total of 14 leaders were chosen from New England, New York and Washington, D.C.
The tribe was nominated for the award by the Cape Light Compact for what administrator Margaret Downey called “its visionary work to make the new Community and Government Center a showcase for energy efficiency. This a great achievement, and they deserve the honor.”
The regional recognition follows the award of an incentive check of $72,795 from the Compact in April. The incentive was given for meeting all 13 of the Compact’s criteria for designing an advanced energy efficient building, through the New Buildings Institute Advanced Buildings Program. “The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe serves as a great model for other businesses in the region who want to take on this challenge for new construction,” Downey said.
Tribal Chairman Cedric Cromwell recently expressed thanks to clerk-of-the-works David Greene and Michael Maxim, Facilities Director, for their leadership and collaborative work with Compact. Cromwell said, “Because of their leadership we now have an energy-efficient building that will save us tens of thousands of dollars in utility costs. But even more important than the long term economic benefits this provides, what I most value is that we were able to incorporate into this very building our ancient commitment to be good stewards of the land that nourished our ancestors.”
The 46,000 square foot facility is a hub of activity for the tribe and hosts more than 200 activities per month. It houses administrative offices, a gym and fitness center, courtroom and historical archives, a commercial kitchen and food pantry. The energy efficiency measures include lighting controls, air-barrier performance, and advanced heating, cooling, and ventilation.
“This is a people with time-honored values of conservation and environmental protection. Their new building is a reflection of putting their beliefs into practice,” Downey said. “We hope that other businesses will contact us to take advantage of opportunities to gain savings and demonstrate the same leadership on the Cape and Vineyard.”
The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is being invited to receive the award at an event on November 12-13 at the Omni Mt. Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire.
ABOUT CAPE LIGHT COMPACT
Cape Light Compact is an award-winning energy services organization operated by the 21 towns and two counties on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. The Compact’s mission is to serve its 200,000 customers through the delivery of proven energy efficiency programs, effective consumer advocacy, competitive electricity supply and green power options. For more information, visit www.capelightcompact.org.
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