RENEWABLE ENERGY

Dubbed “the non-polluting non-profit” by the Milford Daily News, Alternatives sees the use of renewable energy as a way to give back to the community. “A nonprofit has to be accountable and efficient with all of its resources, including the environment,” says Executive Director Dennis H. Rice. “We are committed to becoming a responsible steward of the environment.”

Alternatives will draw the energy for the Whitin Mill from hydropower – the source of energy at the mill for many generations – as well as solar power from photovoltaic cells and power from geothermal heat exchange. This suite of energy sources means that the Whitin Mill will be not only energy self-sufficient, but will also be able to sell power back to the electric company. We estimate this green technology will result in $100,000 in annual energy savings and sale of credits.

“This will generate 88% of the energy needs on site, and 100% of its heating and cooling,” explains Jonathan Austin of Austin Architects. The Cambridge architect incorporated “green design” technology for the building complex in anticipation of meeting the requirements of a gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (“LEED”) rating from the US Green Building Council.