Feb 22 2011
Berkshire East celebrated the commissioning of PowerWind56, a wind power generator, on February 7, 2010.
This event was hosted by the Schaefer family to mark the commissioning of the resort’s 900kW wind turbine that aimed at meeting all of the resort’s energy requirements.
Local dignitaries and special guests of Massachusetts were present at the gathering .
Berkshire East has received a total grant of $440,000 from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center for the wind project. A loan from Greenfield Savings Bank and funds from the State and Federal governments lead to the feasibility of the project. With the implementation of this project, Berkshire East has lowered its carbon footprint and thus reduced its energy costs to a great extent.
The resort’s assistant General Manager, Jon Schaefer stated that the environmental benefits obtained by the implementation of the wind project typically prevent the release of about 1,400 tons of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere annually.