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.
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Bethel Chalet's Green Initiative
Month
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Usage KWH
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DEC 09
|
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NOV 09
|
|
OCT 09
|
|
SEP 09
|
|
AUG 09
|
|
JUL 09
|
|
JUN 09
|
|
MAY 09
|
|
APR 09
|
|
MAR 09
|
|
FEB 09
|
854
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JAN 09
|
1109
|
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Year
|
Total KWH
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2008
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7648!!!
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2007
|
10073
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2006
|
8827
|
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Year
|
GHG offsets!
|
2008
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Coming!!!
|
2007
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24,200 lbs
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Energy Source
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Constellation Energy
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New England Average
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Biomass/Waste
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8 %
|
5.5 %
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Hydro
|
23 %
|
6.6 %
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Nuclear
|
26 %
|
29 %
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Gas
|
28 %
|
36 %
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Coal
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10 %
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15.4 %
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Oil
|
6 %
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7.3 %
|
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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!!!