The 15th annual Green Buildings Open House will take place on Saturday, Oct. 1. The public is invited to visit two dozen sites in Windham County, many of which are new to the event this year. Diverse in style and function, they all showcase energy-saving features.
Among the 10 homes and businesses featured in Brattleboro are “some great examples of solar hot water and electric systems, along with biomass heat, recycled materials, and energy efficient construction”, said Paul Cameron, Director of Brattleboro Climate Protection, one of the local organizers. “It's a wonderful opportunity for folks to see examples of green technologies in their own community.”
Four commercial and multifamily buildings in Brattleboro will be open by group tour only: the Abbott Block, Rebecca Jones Dermatology, Holton Home, and 301 Western Ave. These older buildings have been retrofitted with modern green features.
The tour will begin at 10 a.m. at the Abbott Block at 10 Canal Street (corner of Canal St. and South Main St., across from the Brattleboro Food Co-op). Parking is available in the lot behind the Abbott Block or in the adjacent Holstein Association lot (entrances off South Main St.).
The group tour is sponsored by the Brattleboro Energy Committee and Brattleboro Climate Protection. For more information, contact Paul Cameron at 802-251-8135 or pcameron@brattleboro.org.
Ten homes and businesses in Putney and Westminster West will be open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. “We are featuring new construction buildings designed by local architects and an older home that has been attractively weatherized,” said Shana Frank, a member of the Putney Energy Committee.
Participating sites include West Hill Shop, a straw bale house and woodworking studio, and owner-built homes that use renewable energy.
According to Putney Town Energy Coordinator Daniel Hoviss, “It's a unique opportunity to meet owners of 'not quite done' and unconventional homes. Participants come to realize that there's no one perfect way to do things, and that's the beauty of it.”
The Putney Energy Committee is also offering group tours. Participants will caravan to selected sites, including High Meadows Farm, a co-housing community, and the Putney School. Tours of residential and commercial sites will leave from the PEC office at 10 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Come early, as space is limited.
The Putney Energy Committee Office is located on Main St. across from the Putney Town Hall. A volunteer will be there on Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. to hand out maps and answer questions.
For more information about the Green Buildings Open House in Putney and Westminster West, contact Shana Frank, 802-579-9912.