By TOM VERDE / Special to The Sun | Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Three years ago, Charlestown Wine and Spirits owner Jonathan Maldon wondered if he could keep his family's third-generation business afloat by going green.Today, he wants to share the news with other small business owners that it is not only possible, but profitable.
"We have reduced our energy costs substantially, we no longer rely on fossil fuels, and the bottom line has been a whole lot rosier," said Maldon.
He will join project manager Andrew Baer and architect Megan Moynihan of the Charlestown architectural firm Oyster Works in a presentation, "Charlestown Wine and Spirits: Case Study in Sensibly Green Architecture," on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the former Industrial Trust Company building at 10 High St.
The program is sponsored by the Westerly Land Trust and the Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce.
The event will focus on how small businesses as well as homeowners can take a "sensibly green" approach to construction projects, with details on the energy efficient systems and technologies, and how investing in these and other eco-friendly strategies can save money.
"The sensibly green approach emphasizes energy efficiency, while at the same time creating buildings that are thoughtful and beautiful," said Baer. These goals are achieved by unique project designs that orient buildings to optimize solar warmth, natural light and ventilation while creating tightly sealed structures, cooled and heated by energy-efficient technology.
The Charlestown Wine and Spirits construction project, completed in May of 2011, included installation of three 450-foot geothermal wells that heat the building in winter with groundwater sitting in the earth at a constant 50 degrees. Heat generated by the store's beer coolers is captured and channeled into the system, while a computer-controlled LED lighting system uses 80 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs, and monitors energy consumption.
Saving money while saving the environment might seem incompatible, at first, according to Baer. He said that the liquor store project cost an additional 11 percent over the cost of normal construction in energy-related improvements.
However, in the long run (four to five years on average) those additional costs will pay for themselves in terms of savings and return on investment. "We are using 67% less energy than comparable stores according to U.S. Government Energy Star figures," Baer said.
At the March 22 presentation, Maldon plans to discuss what prompted his decision to go green, while Moynihan will review her architectural plans for the building, with its classic New England barn-like design. On the operation side, Baer will describe how Oyster Works opted for specific energy efficient systems and prioritized the use of local companies and suppliers for the project. The panel of speakers also hopes to guide business owners and the public through the maze of "green" products and systems currently on the market.
"Too often, they provide vague or fuzzy promises, and you really have to rigorously sort through what's out there," said Baer.
The event is consistent with the Land Trust's and the Chamber's shared commitment to a "smart growth" vision for both the urban and natural environments of Westerly-Pawcatuck, said the land trust's board president, Harvey Perry. Such public forums are a step in the right direction in a climate where "lack of education about the possibilities and realities of energy efficiency hinders the growth of business adoption," according to a 2010 guide issued by the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation.
Convincing skeptics that going green is not synonymous with going broke will be another item on the agenda Thursday night.
"You should not have to go into the red to go green," said Baer.
The event is free to Westerly Land Trust members. A $5 donation is requested of nonmembers. Light refreshments will be provided and advance registration is appreciated; call 315-2610 or email devadmin@westerlylandtrust.org
