The Massachusetts Energy Consumers Alliance presented MWRA executive director Fred Laskey with an award for “Outstanding Leadership in the Public Sector” at its annual meeting on October 25, 2010.

Mass Energy noted that MWRA has exemplified how adopting clean energy technologies and practices can achieve economical and environmental results to the public’s benefit. It also cited MWRA’s renewable energy installations and commitment to energy efficiency.

With wind, solar, hydro and biogas, MWRA currently utilizes nearly 14 megawatts of renewable energy with 3.7 megawatts more under construction and more on the way. At Deer Island alone, MWRA self-generates 23% of the plant’s electricity needs - and by using the methane produced in sewage treatment, over 50% of the total energy demand.

MWRA has also performed energy audits at its major facilities replacing lighting fixtures and HVAC controls for significant savings.

MWRA has also aggressively sought out funding opportunities - receiving more than $10.5 million in stimulus money and Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust grants over the last few years.

In addition to this award, MWRA received the “Leading By Example Award” from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs in 2007 in recognition of on-site and renewable energy generation on Deer Island, the exploration of other opportunities for solar, wind, and hydroelectric power at a number of facilities, recycling efforts, and its alternative fuel vehicles and diesel retrofits.

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Posted November 5, 2010