Addressing Berkshires' Energy Costs

Businesses and individuals in Western Massachusetts are learning about a variety of options to address energy costs. Sustainable Berkshires is an effort by the county’s Regional Planning Commission to curb the area’s fuel consumption and increase its renewable energy resources. The Commission’s Lauren Gaherty is working on the project. She says climate change has led to an increase in droughts, flooding and washouts resulting from more numerous severe weather events like Tropical Storm Irene in 2011. She adds a warming climate will alter the region’s sugar maple trees, which draw tourists during the fall months. “Our hillsides won’t be as red and yellow probably,” Gaherty said. “We’ll be losing some of our spruces which give you that green contrast against the deciduous trees. So we’re going to look a little different.” Gaherty says Berkshire County doesn’t use a lot of energy and won’t alter global warming alone, but it can be part of a wider solution. Sustainable Berkshires is