The Town of Westford has been awarded a $125,000 Green Communities Competitive Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources to support energy efficiency improvements at the Cameron Senior Center.
The grant will fund two upcoming projects:
- $58,148 for the installation of a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) heat pump system
- $66,852 for a Building Management System (BMS) upgrade
The VRF system is a low-cost type of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system that emphasizes energy efficiency and lack of environmental impact. A VRF uses multiple outdoor units to judge and adjust temperatures indoors based on the temperature outside.
Similarly, a BMS is a computer-based system used to control and monitor mechanical and electrical equipment, including HVAC systems. A BMS can control heating and ventilation systems from a computer or mobile device, meaning facility management staff would not have to physically walk to another floor or room to manually adjust temperatures and devices.
“These improvements will help reduce energy use, lower emissions, improve building performance, and support Westford’s commitment to a more sustainable future,” the Town of Westford said in a statement on their Facebook page.
Westford was awarded the money for these two projects through the Massachusetts Department of Energy’s (DOER) grant program, Green Communities Division (GCD), which works to provide clean energy solutions for all cities and towns across Massachusetts. DOER funds municipal projects through GCD that reduce energy use, lower operating costs, and advance the Commonwealth’s clean energy goals.
Jennifer Claro, Director of the Cameron Senior Center, worked with Assistant Town Manager Mike Edwards to secure this grant. This has been a project for eight years in the making, as the Center has been using portable AC Units for years.
“We are very excited that [Edwards] was able to secure this funding. It will certainly reduce the taxes that the town has collected that would go towards this project and other capital projects. That’s a big win,” Claro said.
The Center is awaiting more information to share with the town and staff. A start date is yet to be determined.
“Our population has been super supportive. It has been a challenge but we are grateful to have a HVAC system,” said Claro.
