For immediate release
Contact: Anthony Flint 617-503-2116
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (January 6, 2010) – As part of a broad effort of green initiatives, the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy has become an inaugural member of the Governor’s Clean Energy Challenge, joining more than 100 companies around Massachusetts in seeking greater energy efficiency and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Governor Deval L. Patrick welcomed the Lincoln Institute to be part of the Clean Energy Challenge, created by the New England Clean Energy Council to inspire businesses to reduce emissions by 10 percent over the next three years.
“I am sure you will see the benefits in reduced energy costs and the satisfaction of making a significant contribution to the fight against global climate change,” Patrick wrote in a letter to the Institute. “Additionally, you will help build our future economic prosperity. The investments you make in energy efficient equipment … will spur innovation and growth in a clean energy industry that is already growing in our Commonwealth, where we are leading the nation toward a clean energy economy.”
Under the direction of Gregory K. Ingram, president and CEO of the Lincoln Institute, a Green Committee was formed in 2007 to review energy efficiency, waste management, and other impacts on the environment at Lincoln House. The initiatives from that committee include:
* Motion-sensing light switches and replacement of lighting with energy-efficient bulbs
* New climate controls for efficient use of heating and cooling systems
* A comprehensive composting system for all catered events, including compostable trash bags, utensils, cups, plates, and napkins
* Replacement of water bottle delivery with filtered water system
* Video conferencing to cut down on travel, increased online education opportunities, and greater emphasis on electronic and downloadable vs. printed publications
In addition, the Lincoln Institute has launched a full-scale energy audit, uses recycled office materials, and has given information to staff to make them aware of their use of resources and to enlist their support to reduce the amount of energy and resources used.
“We've also worked with suppliers to make them more conscious of sustainable business practices -- for instance, we request limited packing in materials sent to us,” said Levering White, vice president at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, and head of the Green Committee. “We also requested contractors use sustainable practices such as paint, roofing and carpet materials and disposal.”
The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy is a leading resource for key issues concerning the use, regulation, and taxation of land. Providing high-quality education and research, the Institute strives to improve public dialogue and decisions about land policy.
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