The energy delivery company National Grid honored Tufts yesterday for the university's energy-saving policies. This came during an event in Sophia Gordon Hall that marked the company's 20th anniversary.
"Tufts is [one of] the premier universities in the United Sates," National Grid's Senior Vice President of External Affairs Marcy Reed said. She noted that Tufts has "long demonstrated its commitment to energy efficiency and the environment."
National Grid also recognized Boston's State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Tri-City Community Action Program (CAP) at the event.
The Tri-City CAP works with Medford, Everett and Malden and provides several services, including energy assistance.
Tufts has long been a participant in National Grid's programs as well as other energy initiatives.
Reed said that the university annually offsets around 3,300 tons of greenhouse gasses and saves enough energy to power 379 homes for an entire year. Tufts has also participated in almost 200 energy-related projects, including the construction of conservation-friendly buildings.
Sophia Gordon Hall, where the event was located, has been a particularly successful model for energy conservation.
The dorm features a thermal and photovoltaic roof and was expected at the time of its Sept. 2006 inauguration to use 30 percent less water and energy than comparable buildings.
University President Lawrence Bacow was present yesterday, and was grateful for the event.
"Thank you very much for this wonderful recognition and honor," he said.
Bacow pointed out that the relationship between Tufts and National Grid is mutually beneficial, as the university can put money it saves from its energy policies toward financial aid.
David Mahoney, a representative from Boston's State Street Bank and Trust Company, and Marilyn Murphy of Tri-City CAP also expressed their gratitude for the recognition.
Tri-City CAP annually offsets 717 tons of coal emissions and the State Street Bank and Trust Company offsets 3,622 tons.
"It's absolutely staggering," said David Gendall, the regional executive for National Grid in Northern Massachusetts.
"Over the last 20 years we've done energy conservation projects for 3.4 million customers in Massachusetts alone," he said.
Through these efforts, National Grid programs have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 11 million tons over this time period, according to Gendall.
Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Ian Bowles commended the efforts of National Grid, the award recipients and the state of Massachusetts. "No other state has put energy and environment under one roof," Bowles said.
Still, he emphasized the need for continued progress. Energy conservation is not yet "mainstream enough" that when people wake up in the morning they ask themselves, "What am I doing about my carbon emissions?" he said.
Currently, Massachusetts is fifth in the nation in terms of energy efficiency and Bowles expressed his desire to ascend to first place next year. In the same vein, Governor Deval Patrick declared 2007 "the year of energy efficiency" on April 22, Bowles said.
