The Bethel Chalet is trying to do our part to reduce our impact on the environment.
Beginning in 2007, we took on a few new initiatives to make the Chalet more efficient
and reduce the energy required to make the home a comfortable vacation retreat.  
We also want to be transparent about our energy use so that our visitors can be a
part of our conservation effort.
Sunday River has chosen to offset 100 percent of their resort operations’ electricity
usage with energy generated from wind. Hopefully their will effort will bring this
opportunity to residential customers as well!

Beginning in April 2007 the Bethel Chalet we began measures to reduce the
electricity requirements for the home and use more environmentally friendly
materials. Some examples are below:
  • transition all light fixtures to Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFL)
  • additional weather stripping and insulation will improve heating/cooling
    efficiency of the home

In 2008, we started remodeling the home. During this remodelling process we are
committed to being as environmentally friendly as possible.
  • We commit to using materials and furnishings that utilize recycled materials
  • We will replace appliances with energy star appliances
  • We will improve the insulation to reduce energy loss
  • We will strive to use paints and materials with the lowest possible emissions
  • We will not use artificial fertilizers on the grounds making it safer for pets, kids
    and the water.  
  • See the list of materials and furnishings we are using during the remodeling.  

The Bethel Chalet will offset your greenhouse gas emissions(GHG)!!
  • On average 25-30 people reserve the home each year
  • Each visitor drives anywhere from 100-500 miles to stay with us
  • We love that you come but that generates 6600 lbs of GHG!!!!!!!
  • We have purchased 24,200 lbs of GHG credits in 2007
  • That is like taking 2 cars off the road for 1 year.
  • Want to learn more visit DrivingGreen.com
  • We are going to continue the Go Green initiative in future years

Electricity provider
Our electric service provider is Central Maine Power but the power is generated by
Constellation Energy Group of Maine. The following table describes the source of the
electricity that is supplied by Constellation Energy.
Bethel Chalet's Green Initiative
Month
 Usage
KWH
DEC 09
  
NOV 09
  
OCT 09
  
SEP 09
  
AUG 09
  
JUL 09
  
JUN 09
  
MAY 09
  
APR 09
  
MAR 09
  
FEB 09
 854
JAN 09
 1109
Year
 Total KWH
2008
 7648!!!
2007
 10073
2006
 8827
Year
 GHG offsets!
2008
 Coming!!!
2007
 24,200 lbs
Energy Source
 Constellation
Energy
 New England
Average
Biomass/Waste
 8 %
 5.5 %
Hydro
 23 %
 6.6 %
Nuclear
 26 %
 29 %
Gas
 28 %
 36 %
Coal
 10 %
 15.4 %
Oil
 6 %
 7.3 %
Thanks to our combined efforts we reduced our 2008
electrical usage at the Bethel Chalet by 24%!!!!! We
also had our highest occupancy rate in 2008 as well.
Thanks to all of our guests who helped reduce our
carbon footprint!!! That is incredible!!!