Community Energy Services http://www.communityenergyservices.org Just another WordPress weblog Wed, 07 May 2008 15:35:44 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2.2 en 2007 Pelleting Conference http://www.communityenergyservices.org/uncategorized http://www.communityenergyservices.org/uncategorized#comments Tue, 04 Dec 2007 01:56:15 +0000 brad http://www.communityenergyservices.org/uncategorized

IN THE NORTH COUNTRY
Keeping Our Heating Dollars At Home
7 November 2007

Weds., Nov. 7, 9:30-5:00
SUNY Canton Campus Center

$15 (includes lunch)
To register email name, organization, address and phone to patricia@ncenergy.org

Printable Flyer (pdf)

PROGRAM

9:00 – 9:30

Registration and Coffee

Moderator

Dr. Susan Powers, Clarkson University Introduction and goals

9:30 – 10:00

GRASS PELLETING-THE BIG PICTURE
Dr. JERRY CHERNEY, a leading expert in the field from Cornell University, will present an overview of the fast-changing field of grass pelleting and the latest findings on growing and harvesting feedstocks.

10:00 – 10:30

FROM FIELD TO FUEL
PETER BARNEY, St. Lawrence Co. Cornell Coop Extension (CCE) and MIKE HUNTER, Jefferson Co. CCE, Field Crop Agents, will report on results of six year’s growing warm season grasses and 2007’s pelleting experiments. Madrid farmer TOM LEE will talk about a farmer’s first year experience growing switch grass.

10:30 – 11:15

Panel: BURNING GRASS: ISSUES AND SOLUTIONS
How can we deal with the corrosion problems that result from burning grass pellets?
JERRY LOCH, Jefferson County CCE, will present research into European stove and furnace liners and their cost and additions to pellets themselves. JERRY CHERNEY will cover field harvesting solutions to lower grass chlorine/potassium content. JOSEPH HELLER, USDA, Hudson Valley Grass Energy Collaborative, and DAN SEIDEL of Pellet Fuels will talk about hybrid pellets made from grass and cardboard.

11:15 – 12:30

EXHIBITS
Portable pelleters, pellet stoves and furnaces, pellet producers and distributors, Ernst Seed–leading seed seller with thousands of acres of experience growing different kinds of warm-season grasses, biomass research projects, forest management.
Ongoing demonstrations of pelleting a variety of materials outside under tent, as well as pellet stoves in use

11:30 – 12:30

LUNCH at the Campus Center Cafeteria (included in price)

12:30 – 1:15

Panel: THE WOOD PELLETING INDUSTRY IN THE NORTHEAST
GABE VINCELETTE of New England Wood Pellets will look at pellet facts and myths and report on the opening of their large Schuyler, NY plant that uses co-generation, and waste wood and sawdust as feedstocks. GLENN WALDROFF of Associated Harvest in LaFargeville produces 10,000 tons of pellets a year from the waste wood of a local furniture plant.

1:15 – 1:40

Panel: SUSTAINABLE WOOD FEEDSTOCKS:WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WASTE WOOD AND SAWDUST RUN OUT? SLOANE CRAWFORD of the Department of Environmental Conservation will talk about their biomass project using North Country low grade timber. BILL LAPOINT of the New York Forest Landowners Association will talk about managing your forest land for the developing a pelleting industry.

1:40 – 2:10

GREEN COAL—MOVING TOWARD COMBINED PELLET HEAT AND POWER SOLUTIONS FOR LARGE SCALE USE–
JOCK GILL, co-founder of Biomass Commodities Corporation of Williamstown, MA, a company that distributes wood pellets and creates pellet heating systems for larger applications.

2:10 - 2:30

PELLETS AND CARBON CREDITS
ANDY DVORCZAK of EcoSecurities will speak about carbon credits for pelleting investments, farmers, schools and industries.

2:30 – 3:15

Panel: BURNING WOOD PELLETS FOR FUEL
BRIAN FRASER of Sundance Leisure in Watertown: Questions Consumers Need To Consider When Buying and Using a Pellet Stove. RAY BOWDISH: Dos and Don’ts of Using a Biomass Furnace. BILL CARTWRIGHT, Superintendent of Edwards/Knox School and John Daniels will report on research for their project to install a biomass boiler in their school.

3:15 – 4:00

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? Break out into Focus Groups to discuss from a North Country perspective what it will take to develop feedstocks and a pelleting industry to help keep our heating dollars at home and revive our agriculture and economy. Then gather again in the theater to hear short reports from each group.

  • Room 1 – Developing Local Feedstocks
  • Room 2 – Pellet Production—both small portable cooperatives that might go around to farms and larger stationary operations
  • Room 3 – Pellet Combusion—sale of stoves, furnaces, the corosion issue, consumer acceptance, affordability
  • Room 4 – Government Help/Financing
 
4:00 - 4:15

Reports from Groups

4:15 – 4:30

BUILDING A BIOFUELS CULTURE – Jock Gill

 
]]> http://www.communityenergyservices.org/uncategorized/feed Events Archive http://www.communityenergyservices.org/uncategorized http://www.communityenergyservices.org/uncategorized#comments Tue, 04 Dec 2007 01:51:31 +0000 brad http://www.communityenergyservices.org/uncategorized PELLETING IN THE NORTH COUNTRY
Keeping Our Heating Dollars At Home
7 November 2007

pellet

From Field and Forest to Biofuel
On November 7th, farmers, land owners, economic developers, entrepreneurs and consumers from all over New York came together to explore with us how to keep our own energy dollars at home through pelleting. Grass pelleting is on the horizon for the North Country with its 150,000 acres of underutilized farmland. Wood pelleting is farther along with one of the largest plants in the country opening this fall outside of Utica, as well as other smaller successful operations.
This conference gave a broad spectrum of information from the basics of pelleting to the latest exciting developments in the field and in our regional upstate area. Conference goers were able to network with the experts and see portable pelleting machines in action as well as pellet stoves and furnaces. More information and power points of the presentations are being put up on our current events page.

Program and Presentation Documents

]]> http://www.communityenergyservices.org/uncategorized/feed Solar Photovoltaics http://www.communityenergyservices.org/uncategorized http://www.communityenergyservices.org/uncategorized#comments Thu, 25 Oct 2007 02:56:19 +0000 brad http://www.communityenergyservices.org/uncategorized
Power Naturally with Solar Electricity

Purchasing a solar system can be one of the most exciting moves you make as a homeowner. If offers you the chance to produce your own power and to watch your electric meter spin backwards. Whether it’s your home or business, harnessing the power of sunlight through photovoltaics will pay you back with energy savings and lower carbon emissions. Simply put, a photovoltaic system supplies your home with electricity made from sunlight processed through panels installed on your roof or elsewhere on your property. PV power is reliable and renewable, so it makes good sense for the environment. Your system will usually require very little maintenance. The more energy efficient your house is, the more of your electricity needs can be supplied.

house with solar panel

If your solar system is connected to the utility grid, or grid-tied, and installed by an eligible installer, New York state will reimburse you with cash incentives equal 40 to 50% of the cost of the system. Grid-tied systems produce electricity during the day and use electricity from the grid at night. If you produce more electricity than you need, which can happen on most sunny days in the North Country, electricity flows back through your meter to the utility, giving you a credit that you can then use up at other times. Therefore with a properly sized system, your electricity bills can be zero. For an extra cost, you may also choose to have battery backup for your solar system in order to have power for critical loads during outages. If you are building a new home and participate in New York’s ENERGY STAR Labeled Home program, you will be eligible for $500 per kW higher than regular homes.

And what is the cost? A typical two-killowatt PV system, which produces about 2,300 kilowatt hours annually in New York state, costs approximately $17,000 installed before incentives.

CES can do a solar assessment on your home at the same time we do an energy audit for an additional $50 fee. You will find out whether your property has good solar access at all times of the year, what areas will be shaded and which roof areas are appropriate for panels. They can also estimate about what size system you will need. CES can also recommend certified installers in our North Country area.

 

Canton School Uses Solar Panels to Educate

The Canton, New York Central School is generating electricity from the sun. An innovative program from NYSERDA provided pv systems to 50 schools across New York state to educate young people about renewable energy. Lesson plans for teachers cover a broad range of topics and software hooked up to the PV systems in the school produce computerized performance data.

Students monitor power produced by the 2kW panels and see first-hand the kilowatt-hour meter measuring electrical output. Sensors measure electricity, air temperature, wind speed and solar radiation.

“From the moment students step off the school bus with sunlight glinting off the panels until their departure as the sun sets, their awareness of sunlight, energy and their pride in knowing the school produces some of its own power greatly enhances the educational environment,” says Tom VandeWater, Science Teacher.

]]> http://www.communityenergyservices.org/uncategorized/feed CES News http://www.communityenergyservices.org/uncategorized http://www.communityenergyservices.org/uncategorized#comments Thu, 25 Oct 2007 02:05:29 +0000 brad http://www.communityenergyservices.org/uncategorized CES Jobs Open Now

PROJECT GREEN TEAMS

We are seeking an interested, qualified person for the position of Project Green Teams Manager to coordinate and administer after-school clubs that focus on environmental issues and specifically on energy alternatives and energy conservation. The Project Manager will facilitate meetings, oversee activities and track and evaluate outcomes. To qualify, applicants should have a Bachelor’s Degree, experience as an educator, strong communication skills (writing and speaking), computer literacy in Microsoft Word and basic web management, and a commitment to the goals of energy efficiency and conservation. This is a part time position for two days a week starting January 2, 2008. For more information, call Ann at 379-9466. To apply send a letter of interest, resume and three references to: Ann Heidenreich, Community Energy Services, 101 Main St., Canton, NY 13617, or email to ces@ncenergy.org The deadline for applications is November 15.

]]> http://www.communityenergyservices.org/uncategorized/feed Multi-Family Homes http://www.communityenergyservices.org/multi-family http://www.communityenergyservices.org/multi-family#comments Wed, 19 Sep 2007 01:59:05 +0000 brad http://www.communityenergyservices.org/multi-family
Big Energy Savings For Multi-Family Buildings

The New York Energy $mart MULTIFAMILY PERFORMANCE PROGRAM (MPP) will improve the value of your building, provide residents with a comfortable and affordable living environment, and most importantly, save thousands on annual energy costs. The Program harnesses the latest in building science technology and applies it specifically to your building’s design and daily operation. Using a partner network made up of engineers, energy consultants and other industry professionals, the MPP uses a customized approach to address the specific energy and operational needs of your building. It consists of two components: New Construction and Existing Buildings.

Community Energy Services (CES) has been approved by NYSERDA as a Multifamily Performance Partner in the Existing Buildings part of its new Multifamily Performance Program. CES works as a project manager on buildings under contract with the building owner, manager or developer to achieve the building performance energy goals and access the financial incentives available through this NYSERDA program.

CES’s role as the MPP Partner is to develop, and help to implement, a scope of work that will improve the building’s energy performance by at least 20%. This performance target is determined by using NYSERDA’s Benchmarking Tool, which compares the building’s current actual energy consumption to that of other similar multifamily buildings. CES conducts an energy assessment of the building and develops an ENERGY REDUCTION PLAN that both summarizes the results of the comprehensive energy performance assessment and provides a scope of work that specifies the energy reduction measures that can be implemented to achieve the performance target.

Types of energy efficiency improvements eligible for funding:

  • Electric resistance heat replacement
  • Energy management systems installation
  • Boiler and water heater replacement
  • Efficient motors installation
  • Insulation, duct sealing and weather stripping
  • Appliance replacement
  • High efficiency lighting
  • Advanced meters and sub-metering
  • Energy efficient windows installation
  • Other measures including new technologies

To be eligible for the Multifamily Performance Program:

  • The property must consist of 5 or more units, in one or multiple buildings
  • The property must pay utility bills to National Grid or NYSEG

The program serves both market rate and affordable housing, with the NYSERDA incentives being greater for the affordable housing participants. To be eligible for the affordable housing incentives in the program, the owner must demonstrate that the property is publicly subsidized, or that at least 25% of residents receive public assistance or earn below 80% of the State median income, which would be $36,915 for two people; $28,228 for one.

If you are interested in working with CES and becoming a participant in NYSERDA’s Multifamily Performance Program, please contact Jim Britell, CES, 101 Main St., Canton, NY 13617, 315-379-9466 or jimb@ncenergy.org

For more information and step-bystep details on this NYSERDA incentives program visit Get Energy Smart!, or view incentives available to building owners (PDF)

]]> http://www.communityenergyservices.org/multi-family/feed http://www.communityenergyservices.org/home-tours http://www.communityenergyservices.org/home-tours#comments Thu, 06 Sep 2007 00:52:17 +0000 brad http://www.communityenergyservices.org/home-tours

North Country

2007 GREEN BUILDINGS OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, October 6, 10 am to 4 pm

GREEN BUILDINGS OPEN HOUSE 3

All over the North Country from Lake Champlain to Watertown, buildings and homes that use renewable energy and energy efficiency were open for inspection on October 6th, 2007. Hundreds of people interested in learning more about on and off grid solar photovoltaics, wind, geothermal or micro-hydro power braved the rainy day to visit their energy pioneering neighbors. They also saw passive solar design, super insulation, pellet stoves, and strawbale and cordwood homes on the Tour.

You will find all of these and much more by browsing the listings below. We live in an area where lots of people are experimenting and finding new ways right at home to address the problems of spiraling heating and electricity costs, climate change and over-dependence on foreign oil supplies. Our Tour is part of the National Solar Tour, held nationwide to encourage ecological building, energy efficiency and use of renewable energy. Reserve the first weekend in October now for next year’s GREEN BUILDINGS OPEN HOUSE!

Our listings are expanding every year! If you live in or know of a house or building that you think should be included on our tour, please let us know.

GREEN BUILDINGS OPEN HOUSE 2

GREEN BUILDINGS OPEN HOUSE 4

For more information, please call or email Patricia Greene at CES 315-379-9466 or patricia@ncenergy.org and put October 6th on your calendar now!

This year we divided our listings into three geographical regions for your convenience. Please click on whichever area is closest to you:

Map View

click an icon to view more information about the building
EXTENT
Jim & Krista Juczak
14910 Fuller Rd.
Adams Center, NY 13606
Hours: 10-4
These homes are within a community called Woodhenge that is the site of much experimentation. If you are into seeing the leading edge of unconventional off-grid and inexpensive recycled housing, this is the place to visit. There are three houses and several others in various stages of completion. The main house is a 3,000 sf round cordwood masonry and papercrete home using many recycled materials. Another home is made from a recycled motel moved onto the site and another from an earth-bermed 10,000 gallon oil tank. They have used strawbale and earthship techniques and have a farm that suppllies many of their food needs. The entire site is off-grid with solar and wind supplying energy. It is a living experiment and demonstration as to what a few motivated people can accomplish on an ongoing basis.
Be nice, ask questions
  • Alternative Fuel Vehicle
  • Composting Toilet
  • Cordwood Masonry
  • Daylighting
  • Earth Sheltered
  • Energy Star Appliances
  • Local Materials
  • Masonry Stove
  • Non-Toxic Products
  • Off-Grid Solar Electric
  • Passive Solar Design
  • Recycled Materials
  • Renovation
  • Solar Hot Water
  • Strawbale Construction
  • Wind Generator
St. Lawrence University Field Station
CR-27
Canton, NY 13617
Hours: 10-4
The Wachtmeister Field Station was designed by William Maclay Architects in Vermont for use of science students. Green features are explained in a series of signs in the building for this self-guided tour.
There is a great hiking trail along the Little River adjacent to the building. Feel free to stroll in the woods (pets welcome on trails but not in building).
  • Daylighting
  • Earth Sheltered
  • Radiant Floor Heating
  • Recycled Materials
  • Sunspace
St. Lawrence University Johnson Hall of Science
1 Romoda Dr.
Canton, NY 13617
Hours: 10-4
The new Johnson Hall of Science will be dedicated October 19. It is a highly energy efficient building that is seeking a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. Just a few of the many attributes include: high efficiency glazing, aggressive heat recoverty, reflective roofing, sustainable rain garden site, careful recycling of construction waste, reliance on materials that are low in volatile organic compounds, use of recyclable and reusable materials, an innovative solar clock/calendar, dimmable fluorescent lighting and variable fume hoods.
No pets please. Please note that guided tours will gather in the lobby at 11, 12, 1 and 2.
  • Daylighting
  • Heat Recovery Ventilation
  • LEED Certified
  • Non-Toxic Products
  • Passive Solar Design
Peter and Becky Vandewater
1518 CR-25
Canton, NY 13617
Hours: 10-4
This house was built in 1976 to be energy efficient using local materials. The stone used in construction of the walls is mostly sandstone rubble from their farm and the wood is recycled barn beams or green lumber cut on the land and cured in the barn. There is 3 times more window space to the south than the north and used triple glazing on north and west windows. The house has a central fireplace to retain heat and is bermed to keep the basement warm in winter and cool in summer. The garage is sited to block prevailing west winds and planted evergreens to the north and west act as a windbreak.
  • Alternative Fuel Vehicle
  • Biofuel Heating
  • Daylighting
  • Earth Sheltered
  • Grid-Tied Solar Electric
  • Masonry Stove
  • Passive Solar Design
  • Recycled Materials
Catherine Jahncke & Rosemary Phillips
2501 CR 21
Canton, NY 13617
Hours: 1-4
This house sits with a south facing view of the Grasse River. Extended eaves on the south side keep the house cool in summer yet allow for passive solar heating in the winter. The walls are 10 inches thick for increased insulation. This year the owners have added a grid-tied solar system. The house features interesting rustic log accents in the form of railings, posts and doors, and is heated with radiant floor heat off a fuel oil boiler.
Limited parking by house. Might want to park on road and walk in if you can.
  • Daylighting
  • Energy Star Appliances
  • Energy Star Certified
  • Grid-Tied Solar Electric
  • Passive Solar Design
  • Radiant Floor Heating
  • Sunspace
Reg & Ben Budelmann
5666 CR-27
Canton, NY 13617
Hours: 10-4
The owners designed this simple three bedroom home with Great Room, fireplace and two baths. It nestles into the woods on the north and west, with numerous windows to the south. The barn with light panels is oriented south and has a bank of grid-tied solar panels.
Fenced horses and friendly dogs
  • Biofuel Heating
  • Earth Sheltered
  • Energy Star Certified
  • Grid-Tied Solar Electric
  • Passive Solar Design
  • Radiant Floor Heating
Jerry Bartlett
9 Main St.
Colton, NY 13625
Hours: 10-4
You won’t want to miss Crazy Jerry’s popular house. Only 30′ from the utility line, he has created an off-grid, energy independent older home. The entire system is geared for the do-it-yourselfer and Jerry is always experimenting. You will see solar panels on moveable vans, a self-built windmill, a 375 rpm diesel co-generator, inverter drill down on 3 sinewave and 2 modified sinewave inverters, charge controller war–MPPT vs. PWM, dc appliances including a 3-minute spin dryer demo where clothes go from wet to dry, a bicycle generator and three ways to heat your hot water. Bring your enthusiasm and your questions.!
One friendly dog, loves people but not receptive to other dogs or unsupervised hellions.
  • Alternative Fuel Vehicle
  • Biofuel Heating
  • Co-Generation
  • Energy Star Appliances
  • Instant Hot Water
  • Off-Grid Solar Electric
  • Passive Solar Design
  • Radiant Floor Heating
  • Recycled Materials
  • Renovation
  • Sunspace
  • Wind Generator
Bryan Thompson
68 Streeter Rd.
DeKalb Junction, NY 13630
Hours: 1-4
House and farm. This house was started in 1979 using plans from the book From The Ground Up. It is a passive solar design and uses off-grid solar photovoltaics and micro-hydro power to supply its energy. Enough power is generated to supply the barn and out-buildings as well.
If you want to view the hydro installation, wear comfortable walking shoes as it is a half mile walk.
  • Daylighting
  • Micro Hydro
  • Off-Grid Solar Electric
  • Passive Solar Design
Hammond Central School
51 South Main St.
Hammond, NY 13646
Hours: 10-4
In 1998 our school district installed a Jacobs 20 KW Wind Generator in the field behind the central school. The windmill has supplied between 15 and 20 percent of our electrical usage.
  • Renovation
  • Wind Generator
Rich and Aimee Douglass
110 Hill Rd.
Hermon, NY 13652
Hours: 10-4
This is a purposefully low technology, non-electric home similar to the Amish. Sustainability and simplicity are very important to us. It is an old style farm with mixed livestock and huge garden. We try to meet most of our needs within our own fencelines. Most work is done with horses or by hand. The house is a completely renovated super-insulated (with wool) 1830 farmhouse that now requires 85% less fuel to heat than when originally built. Our water is provided by a water-pumping windmill (bought second-hand). We have a spring house, an ice house and a root cellar for food preservation and refrigeration. We have an operating buggy for short trips. We are planning to build a greenhouse and a pond, and are experimenting with home-made fuel for lighting.
No dogs.
  • Alternative Fuel Vehicle
  • Biofuel Heating
  • Daylighting
  • Local Materials
  • Passive Solar Design
  • Post and Beam
  • Recycled Materials
  • Renovation
  • Wind Generator
Ed Dubinsky
265 Northwoods Rd.
Hermon, NY 13652
Hours: 10-4
This large interestingly designed and creatively built passive and active solar home is earth bermed and has many unusual creative and energy saving systems worth noting, including an ingenious way to load wood from outside. It uses an open floor plan with big banks of south-facing windows. The rustic stairway is a masterpiece and the designer/builder Bryan Lee will be there part of the day to talk with visitors. The 36 grid-tied solar panels are on stands which swivel to face the sun all day. (Round strawbale house, see Jayne George, is also on the same piece of land behind the house.)
  • Alternative Fuel Vehicle
  • Biofuel Heating
  • Daylighting
  • Earth Sheltered
  • Energy Star Appliances
  • Energy Star Certified
  • Grid-Tied Solar Electric
  • Instant Hot Water
  • Local Materials
  • Passive Solar Design
  • Sunspace
Jayne Geroge
265 Northwoods Rd.
Hermon, NY 13652
Hours: 10-4
This 1034 sf two-story circular strawbale home was built with volunteer labor in 2002. It’s bale walls plastered inside and out serve as super-insulation.
  • Biofuel Heating
  • Energy Star Appliances
  • Instant Hot Water
  • Local Materials
  • Passive Solar Design
  • Recycled Materials
  • Strawbale Construction
Ann Heidenreich
325 Northwoods Rd.
Hermon, NY 13652
Hours: 10-4
This is a highly efficient super-insulated (dense-pack cellulose, walls R-38, ceiling R-60) home on an insulated slab with large south-facing windows to maximize solar gain. The wood used was harvested within a 50 miles radius. The home is heated with a masonry stove designed by Norbert Senf of Shawville, Quebec, and has a back-up in-floor heating system using a small propane-fired Quietside on-demand boiler that also provides domestic hot water. Most materials are natural and several floors and countertops are of recycled slate. The home has a large central room with an earthen floor and inlaid ceramics, which is open to the second floor and has an indoor sunspace garden.
Please park near the garage down by the road and walk up if you are able.
  • Biofuel Heating
  • Daylighting
  • Earthen Floor
  • Energy Star Appliances
  • Instant Hot Water
  • Local Materials
  • Masonry Stove
  • Non-Toxic Products
  • Passive Solar Design
  • Radiant Floor Heating
  • Recycled Materials
  • Sunspace
Kathleen Buckley
344 Northwoods Rd.
Hermon, NY 13652
Hours: 1-4
This is a simple, yet interesting Energy Star labeled home is a very buildable energy efficient home. Along with expected elements such as triple paned windows, local lumber and super insulation, it includes cork floored kitchen and bath, and a highly efficient pellet stove. The house has been designed for future installation of solar panels on the south side. The kitchen cabinit doors and island are handmade by the owner using book-matched panels that are highly figured and knotted. A woodworking shop next to the house efficiently uses an inner room for finishing work and an outer space for dust creating machines.
  • Biofuel Heating
  • Daylighting
  • Energy Star Appliances
  • Energy Star Certified
  • Local Materials
  • Passive Solar Design
Baird Edmonds
706 Styles Brook Rd.
Keene, NY 12942
Hours: 10-4
This home built by the owner in 1983 is a superinsulated, passive solar home with grid-tied solar electricity. It illustrates the possibilities for constructing a very energy efficient structure without compromising traditiona design concepts.
None
  • Daylighting
  • Energy Star Appliances
  • Grid-Tied Solar Electric
  • Passive Solar Design
Anne Burnham
109 Picketville Rd.
Parishville, NY 13672
Hours: 10-4
This 2,000 sf house built in 2005 is a collaboration between owner, architect, builder and tradespeople. Energy efficiency was one of the main goals. The house grew from a picture of one of the worker’s homes at Grat Camp Santononi. On theoutside it looks like an old farmhouse. Inside the downstairs has an open spacious modern feeling. Many south-facing windows look out on a meadow and ridge upon ridge of forest.
  • Biofuel Heating
  • Daylighting
  • Energy Star Certified
  • Heat Recovery Ventilation
  • Instant Hot Water
  • Local Materials
  • Passive Solar Design
  • Radiant Floor Heating
  • Recycled Materials
John Schenkel
753 Telegraph Rd.
Peru, NY 12972
Hours: 10-4
The solar system on this remodeled 1852 farmhouse produced more energy than they used last year. The grid-tied solar panels are easily visible and accessible and the other system components are on the outside of the house by the driveway.
Everything to be vieweed is outside.
  • Daylighting
  • Grid-Tied Solar Electric
Margaret Weitzmann
19 Garden St.
Potsdam, NY 13676
Hours: 1-4
This is a tall old in-town house with as many energy-conserving improvements as a limited income can buy. Most recent is the on-grid solar system. In its first year in this high-latitude environment, it demonstrated its efficiency by totally eliminating all charges for electricity for 9 months, at the same time injected over 1,400 KW of electric power into the grid.
Visitors should park opposite the house. I have a cat.
  • Alternative Fuel Vehicle
  • Biofuel Heating
  • Daylighting
  • Energy Star Appliances
  • Grid-Tied Solar Electric
  • Instant Hot Water
Bill and Diana MacKentley
325 RT-345
Potsdam, NY 13676
Hours: 10-2
This super-insulated A-frame house built in the 1970s has a complex multi-faceted energy system that supplies over 80 percent of the energy needs for house and plant nursery business. There is a 20 KW Jacobs wind generator and 36 solar panels on trackers supplying power to a battery bank feeding the house. They also have two 40 foot deep underground coolers using outside air.
  • Grid-Tied Solar Electric
  • Non-Toxic Products
  • Off-Grid Solar Electric
  • Passive Solar Design
  • Radiant Floor Heating
  • Recycled Materials
  • Sunspace
  • Wind Generator
Robin McClellan
465 Old Market Rd.
Potsdam, NY 13676
Hours: 10-4
This Adirondack style new home was built with local materials and locally appropriate technology to be both very comfortable and very energy efficient. It is one of three buildings on the stie which share well and electric service. The home and shop/garage also share a wood gasification boiler heating system. It may be one of the only houses in the state with a bulk tank in the basement.
  • Alternative Fuel Vehicle
  • Energy Star Appliances
  • Energy Star Certified
  • Grid-Tied Solar Electric
  • Heat Recovery Ventilation
  • Local Materials
  • Passive Solar Design
  • Radiant Floor Heating
Denise Griffin
483 CR-31
Rainbow Lake, NY 12976
Hours: 10-4
This 1,000 sf two bedroom home was built in the 70s with passive solar features. The current owner bought it in 2003 and added the grid-tied solar electric system and a sunspace. It has extensive gardens and stone work.
No dogs please unless very well-behaved.
  • Daylighting
  • Grid-Tied Solar Electric
  • Passive Solar Design
  • Sunspace
Addison Bickford
738 CR-60
Rainbow Lake, NY 12976
Hours: 10-4
The house and off-grid power systems are good examples of what can be done on a very limited, pay-as-you-go budget. The original cabin was made of on site and recycled materials with only insulation and roofing purchased. The addition uses local rough cut lumber and recycled windows and doors. The original energy system was home made solar panels. As money became available, used panels and a Trace inverter were added and recently some new panels. All critical functions are powered by 12 volt DC power for increased efficiency and reliability. A Whisper 1000 wind generator isn’t producing much due to APA restrictions. Part of the barn was an experiment using cordwood construction. A homemade freezer box with a 12 volt Novakool kit and passive cooling in winter supplies refrigeration. The Backwood battery booster kit serves as an efficient source of charging for extended periods of cloudiness or high power use. It utilizes a rheostate controlled automobile alternator powered by a reliable Honda engine.
  • Cordwood Masonry
  • Grid-Tied Solar Electric
  • Local Materials
  • Off-Grid Solar Electric
  • Passive Solar Design
  • Wind Generator
Angelo & Barbara Brienza
247 Number 37 Rd.
Saranac, NY 12981
Hours: 10-4
Since 2003 our 1855 Cape Cod-style home has generated an average of 4,500 KW more electricity per year than we use, courtesty of our grid-tied 10KW Kyocera solar system incorportated into the roof of our utility barn. Complimenting that, we have an abundant wood supply on our 175 acres in the Adirondacks which helps with heating through an integrated wood/oil system. Enclosing an outside porch with passive solar gaining windows and in-floor heating has also imporved our comfort level. So come visit our farmstead and share some new ideas in an old-fashioned setting.
None
  • Alternative Fuel Vehicle
  • Biofuel Heating
  • Daylighting
  • Energy Star Appliances
  • Grid-Tied Solar Electric
  • Passive Solar Design
  • Radiant Floor Heating
  • Renovation
Nathan & Corinne Parsons
196 Paye Rd.
Vermontville, NY 12989
Hours: 10-4
This 2004 owner-built, 1,500 sf log and stick frame home has a 1,000 watt off-grid solar electric system and a gas generator for back up. It uses many super efficient and DC appliances, such as a SunDanzer freezer, a SunFrost refrigerator and a Staber Washing Machine. It uses a wood stove for heat.
  • Daylighting
  • Energy Star Appliances
  • Local Materials
  • Non-Toxic Products
  • Off-Grid Solar Electric
  • Passive Solar Design
Jim Brush & Donna Foley
215 Paye Rd.
Vermontville, NY 12989
Hours: 10-4
This off-grid log house has both a 750 watt photovoltaic system and a 1000 watt wind generator. It utilizes passive solar design, energy efficient appliances and a Hearthstone wood stove. It’s green studio building is earth bermed and uses an insulated block foundation and passive solar heating. Outside it has a rammed earth garden wall made of recycled tires and a southwestern motif.
  • Earth Sheltered
  • Local Materials
  • Off-Grid Solar Electric
  • Passive Solar Design
  • Recycled Materials
  • Wind Generator
John & Terry Houghton
216 Paye Rd.
Vermontville, NY 12989
Hours: 10-4
The 1440 sf house is an owner-built log home that is off-grid. The combined energy system includes 12 75 watt solar panels, a Whisper wind generator, 12 batteries and Trace inverter. House has a 3200 gallon cistern in the basement. It was built with a southern exposure to allow for maximum solar gain in winter, with the roof overhang blocking the sun in the summer for cooling. Also on the property is a strawbale barn.
  • Daylighting
  • Instant Hot Water
  • Off-Grid Solar Electric
  • Passive Solar Design
  • Strawbale Construction
  • Wind Generator
Richard Brandt & Ellen Beberman
222 Swinyer Road
Vermontville, NY 12989
Hours: 10-4
This 1700 sf home is a 36′x24′ saltbox on a hillside oriented with the longer side facing south. The first floor is open and the south wall contains ample fixed windows that provide light and passive solar heat when the sun is low in the winter. The house only takes 10 face cords of wood to heat with no backup heat necessary.
  • Daylighting
  • Grid-Tied Solar Electric
  • Instant Hot Water
  • Passive Solar Design
Nancy Bernstein
224 Swinyer Rd.
Vermontville, NY 12989
Hours: 10-4
The original house was built to be small (860 sf) simple and efficient. She started with 270 watts of solar panels and added 240 more in 2003. A 390 sf timberframe addition of locally cut white pine and stress-skin panels was added on. The 1250 sf house is still simple to heat and energy needs will stay the same. Systems have been trouble-free over the past 12 years.
Limited parking and barking dog
  • Alternative Fuel Vehicle
  • Biofuel Heating
  • Daylighting
  • Energy Star Appliances
  • Instant Hot Water
  • Local Materials
  • Non-Toxic Products
  • Off-Grid Solar Electric
  • Passive Solar Design
  • Post and Beam
  • Recycled Materials
  • Sunspace
  • Wind Generator
Rob & Jaki Roy - Earthwood Building School
366 Murtagh Hill Rd.
West Chazy, NY 12992
Hours: 10-4
This round, 2000 sf, two-story cordwood masonry house was originally built for $22,000. It has a living earth roof and is built into the side of a hill. The above-grade walls are made of 16″ logs laid width wise like firewood, bonded with cement and insulated with sawdust. Below grade construction is surface-bonded concrete block. Has a bicycle powered water pump. House has been featured in books and national magazines. Enjoy the standing stone circle and various interesting outbuildings, including a cordwood sauna.
  • Biofuel Heating
  • Cordwood Masonry
  • Earth Sheltered
  • Local Materials
  • Masonry Stove
  • Off-Grid Solar Electric
  • Passive Solar Design
  • Recycled Materials
  • Wind Generator
]]> http://www.communityenergyservices.org/home-tours/feed http://www.communityenergyservices.org/home-tours http://www.communityenergyservices.org/home-tours#comments Mon, 03 Sep 2007 18:14:07 +0000 brad http://www.communityenergyservices.org/home-tours

Green Buildings Open House

Jefferson County Region

  • Alternative Fuel Vehicle
  • Composting Toilet
  • Cordwood Masonry
  • Daylighting
  • Earth Sheltered
  • Energy Star Appliances
  • Local Materials
  • Masonry Stove
  • Non-Toxic Products
  • Off-Grid Solar Electric
  • Passive Solar Design
  • Recycled Materials
  • Renovation
  • Solar Hot Water
  • Strawbale Construction
  • Wind Generator
14910 Fuller Rd.
Adams Center, NY 13606
Hours: 10-4

Description:These homes are within a community called Woodhenge that is the site of much experimentation. If you are into seeing the leading edge of unconventional off-grid and inexpensive recycled housing, this is the place to visit. There are three houses and several others in various stages of completion. The main house is a 3,000 sf round cordwood masonry and papercrete home using many recycled materials. Another home is made from a recycled motel moved onto the site and another from an earth-bermed 10,000 gallon oil tank. They have used strawbale and earthship techniques and have a farm that suppllies many of their food needs. The entire site is off-grid with solar and wind supplying energy. It is a living experiment and demonstration as to what a few motivated people can accomplish on an ongoing basis.

Note:Be nice, ask questions

Directions:Google MapFrom anywhere in UPSTATE NEW YORK: Get to Rt. 81 either by following Rt. 11 or otherwise. The exit off Rt. 81 is just south of Watertown, #43 (Kellogg Hill). Take a RIGHT turn off the exit ramp. Go about 1/4 mile towards Rt. 11, BEAR RIGHT to head south on 11. After the stop sign, only go about 200 feet on Rt. 11 south, then make a LEFT turn onto Caird Rd. Go down Caird Rd. only about 1000 ft. to intersection with Fuller Rd. Go LEFT onto Fuller and continue about 300 ft. to our drieveway on the RIGHT. It has a big saw blade painted with the name Woodhenge. Drive on in and park on the right side of driveway near the buildings.
]]> http://www.communityenergyservices.org/home-tours/feed http://www.communityenergyservices.org/home-tours http://www.communityenergyservices.org/home-tours#comments Mon, 03 Sep 2007 18:11:36 +0000 brad http://www.communityenergyservices.org/home-tours

Green Buildings Open House

St. Lawrence County Region

  • Daylighting
  • Earth Sheltered
  • Radiant Floor Heating
  • Recycled Materials
  • Sunspace
CR-27
Canton, NY 13617
Hours: 10-4

Description:The Wachtmeister Field Station was designed by William Maclay Architects in Vermont for use of science students. Green features are explained in a series of signs in the building for this self-guided tour.

Note:There is a great hiking trail along the Little River adjacent to the building. Feel free to stroll in the woods (pets welcome on trails but not in building).

Directions:Google MapFrom CANTON: head south on Park St past the university and cross the bridge. Take the first driveway on the left after the bridge. You may park in parking area near the road and walk up to the building.
  • Daylighting
  • Heat Recovery Ventilation
  • LEED Certified
  • Non-Toxic Products
  • Passive Solar Design
1 Romoda Dr.
Canton, NY 13617
Hours: 10-4

Description:The new Johnson Hall of Science will be dedicated October 19. It is a highly energy efficient building that is seeking a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. Just a few of the many attributes include: high efficiency glazing, aggressive heat recoverty, reflective roofing, sustainable rain garden site, careful recycling of construction waste, reliance on materials that are low in volatile organic compounds, use of recyclable and reusable materials, an innovative solar clock/calendar, dimmable fluorescent lighting and variable fume hoods.

Note:No pets please. Please note that guided tours will gather in the lobby at 11, 12, 1 and 2.

Directions:Google MapFrom center of Canton: Go south on Park Street until you are about to leave St. Lawrence University Campus and pass the traffic control light on your left (regulates traffic only on left). Look for J parking lot on your left just beyond the light. From J lot, please walk back to Park Street and walk north (back toward town) around Bewkes Hall until you reach the new curved sidewalk that passes the Park St. side of the new building. The Lobby entrance is in the center of the north (toward town) side of the building.
  • Alternative Fuel Vehicle
  • Biofuel Heating
  • Daylighting
  • Earth Sheltered
  • Grid-Tied Solar Electric
  • Masonry Stove
  • Passive Solar Design
  • Recycled Materials
1518 CR-25
Canton, NY 13617
Hours: 10-4

Description:This house was built in 1976 to be energy efficient using local materials. The stone used in construction of the walls is mostly sandstone rubble from their farm and the wood is recycled barn beams or green lumber cut on the land and cured in the barn. There is 3 times more window space to the south than the north and used triple glazing on north and west windows. The house has a central fireplace to retain heat and is bermed to keep the basement warm in winter and cool in summer. The garage is sited to block prevailing west winds and planted evergreens to the north and west act as a windbreak.

Directions:Google MapFrom CANTON: Go south out of town on Park Street until a 4-way stop with a blinking red light. Turn RIGHT onto Rt. 25. Keep on straight through the blinking yellow light and we are the second stone house on the left (about 3 miles from Canton center).
  • Daylighting
  • Energy Star Appliances
  • Energy Star Certified
  • Grid-Tied Solar Electric
  • Passive Solar Design
  • Radiant Floor Heating
  • Sunspace
2501 CR 21
Canton, NY 13617
Hours: 1-4

Description:This house sits with a south facing view of the Grasse River. Extended eaves on the south side keep the house cool in summer yet allow for passive solar heating in the winter. The walls are 10 inches thick for increased insulation. This year the owners have added a grid-tied solar system. The house features interesting rustic log accents in the form of railings, posts and doors, and is heated with radiant floor heat off a fuel oil boiler.

Note:Limited parking by house. Might want to park on road and walk in if you can.

Directions:Google MapFrom CANTON: Go south at main intersection on Park Street to a four-way stop with flashing red light. Turn RIGHT onto Rt. 25. Go to a flashing yellow light and turn RIGHT onto Rt. 21. Go 3-4 miles and just after a sharp turn, take another RIGHT following Rt. 21 toward Hermon. The driveway is on the right just before the bridge over the river. Look for mailbox with #2501.
  • Biofuel Heating
  • Earth Sheltered
  • Energy Star Certified
  • Grid-Tied Solar Electric
  • Passive Solar Design
  • Radiant Floor Heating
5666 CR-27
Canton, NY 13617
Hours: 1-4

Description:The owners designed this simple three bedroom home with Great Room, fireplace and two baths. It nestles into the woods on the north and west, with numerous windows to the south. The barn with light panels is oriented south and has a bank of grid-tied solar panels.

Note:Fenced horses and friendly dogs

Directions:Google MapFrom CANTON: Take Park Street south out of town. At blinking red light go straight for one mile. Look for farm on left with wooden fence and 1,000 ft. gravel driveway. Barn with solar panels on the right before you get to the house.
  • Alternative Fuel Vehicle
  • Biofuel Heating
  • Co-Generation
  • Energy Star Appliances
  • Instant Hot Water
  • Off-Grid Solar Electric
  • Passive Solar Design
  • Radiant Floor Heating
  • Recycled Materials
  • Renovation
  • Sunspace
  • Wind Generator
9 Main St.
Colton, NY 13625
Hours: 10-4

Description:You won’t want to miss Crazy Jerry’s popular house. Only 30′ from the utility line, he has created an off-grid, energy independent older home. The entire system is geared for the do-it-yourselfer and Jerry is always experimenting. You will see solar panels on moveable vans, a self-built windmill, a 375 rpm diesel co-generator, inverter drill down on 3 sinewave and 2 modified sinewave inverters, charge controller war–MPPT vs. PWM, dc appliances including a 3-minute spin dryer demo where clothes go from wet to dry, a bicycle generator and three ways to heat your hot water. Bring your enthusiasm and your questions.!

Note:One friendly dog, loves people but not receptive to other dogs or unsupervised hellions.

Directions:Google MapFrom POTSDAM: go south on Rt. 56 from center of town through Colton a short way to Rt. 68 on your right. Take this and go 1/2 mile. Take first right called Main Street. The house is the first on the left. You can’t miss it. From CANTON: From Rt. 11, go south on Rt. 68 (nr. P&C and Stewarts) In 5 or 6 miles, look for a water tower on your left above the trees. Go left onto Main Street and house is first on the left. If you come to intersection with Rt. 56, you’ve gone to far.
  • Daylighting
  • Micro Hydro
  • Off-Grid Solar Electric
  • Passive Solar Design
68 Streeter Rd.
DeKalb Junction, NY 13630
Hours: 1-4

Description:House and farm. This house was started in 1979 using plans from the book From The Ground Up. It is a passive solar design and uses off-grid solar photovoltaics and micro-hydro power to supply its energy. Enough power is generated to supply the barn and out-buildings as well.

Note:If you want to view the hydro installation, wear comfortable walking shoes as it is a half mile walk.

Directions:Google MapFrom CANTON: Go straight west out of town at the main intersection. Go over river and continue past nursing home on right to Old Dekalb-Canton Road that turns off just before Coakley’s hardware. Go LEFT. Go to end where road Ts into Rt. 812 and turn LEFT onto 812. Go about 2 miles. Look for DeKalb sign and turn RIGHT on Rt. 17 over the river. Go 1/2 mile. Turn LEFT on Maple Ridge Road. Go 3.3 miles. Turn RIGHT onto Streeter Road. House is 1/3 mile down on RIGHT.
  • Renovation
  • Wind Generator
51 South Main St.
Hammond, NY 13646
Hours: 10-4

Description:In 1998 our school district installed a Jacobs 20 KW Wind Generator in the field behind the central school. The windmill has supplied between 15 and 20 percent of our electrical usage.

Directions:Google MapFrom OGDENSBURG take Rt. 37 south about 22 miles to Hammond. Drive through Hammond on Rt. 37 and go up the hill. School is on the right.
  • Alternative Fuel Vehicle
  • Biofuel Heating
  • Daylighting
  • Local Materials
  • Passive Solar Design
  • Post and Beam
  • Recycled Materials
  • Renovation
  • Wind Generator
110 Hill Rd.
Hermon, NY 13652
Hours: 10-4

Description:This is a purposefully low technology, non-electric home similar to the Amish. Sustainability and simplicity are very important to us. It is an old style farm with mixed livestock and huge garden. We try to meet most of our needs within our own fencelines. Most work is done with horses or by hand. The house is a completely renovated super-insulated (with wool) 1830 farmhouse that now requires 85% less fuel to heat than when originally built. Our water is provided by a water-pumping windmill (bought second-hand). We have a spring house, an ice house and a root cellar for food preservation and refrigeration. We have an operating buggy for short trips. We are planning to build a greenhouse and a pond, and are experimenting with home-made fuel for lighting.

Note:No dogs.

Directions:Google MapFrom CANTON: Take Park St. south approximately 2 miles to blinking red light. Go right onto Rt. 25 towards Russell. Go about 5 miles through N. Rusell to West Road (sign is a way back from road). Go right for 1/4 mile and take first right onto Hill Road (No sign). Go approximately 1 mile down into the dip and up again to blue house on the left.
  • Alternative Fuel Vehicle
  • Biofuel Heating
  • Daylighting
  • Earth Sheltered
  • Energy Star Appliances
  • Energy Star Certified
  • Grid-Tied Solar Electric
  • Instant Hot Water
  • Local Materials
  • Passive Solar Design
  • Sunspace
265 Northwoods Rd.
Hermon, NY 13652
Hours: 10-4

Description:This large interestingly designed and creatively built passive and active solar home is earth bermed and has many unusual creative and energy saving systems worth noting, including an ingenious way to load wood from outside. It uses an open floor plan with big banks of south-facing windows. The rustic stairway is a masterpiece and the designer/builder Bryan Lee will be there part of the day to talk with visitors. The 36 grid-tied solar panels are on stands which swivel to face the sun all day. (Round strawbale house, see Jayne George, is also on the same piece of land behind the house.)

Directions:Google MapFrom CANTON: go out Park St. south about 2 miles to the blinking red light. Turn RIGHT onto Rt. 25. Go 1.2 miles to blinking yellow light and turn RIGHT onto Rt. 21. Go about 4 miles around a sharp turn and into the hamlet of Pyrites. By the post office and Fire Station, turn RIGHT and go over the bridge. Go to T and take a LEFT onto Northwoods Road. Go about 1 mile to mailbox that says 265 on the LEFT. Turn in and drive up to house.
  • Biofuel Heating
  • Energy Star Appliances
  • Instant Hot Water
  • Local Materials
  • Passive Solar Design
  • Recycled Materials
  • Strawbale Construction
265 Northwoods Rd.
Hermon, NY 13652
Hours: 10-4

Description:This 1034 sf two-story circular strawbale home was built with volunteer labor in 2002. It’s bale walls plastered inside and out serve as super-insulation.

Directions:Google MapFrom CANTON: Go south out Park Street to the blinking red light. Go RIGHT onto Rt. 25 and go 1.2 miles to a blinking yellow light. Go RIGHTthere onto Rt 21. Go about 4 miles around a sharp curve and into the hamlet of Pyrites. Near Fire Station and Post Office go RIGHT over the bridge to a T. Go RIGHT onto Northwoods Rd. Go about 1 mile to a mailbox marked 265 on the right. Pull into driveway and parking lots. This house is down behind the main house (See Ed Dubinsky).
  • Biofuel Heating
  • Daylighting
  • Earthen Floor
  • Energy Star Appliances
  • Instant Hot Water
  • Local Materials
  • Masonry Stove
  • Non-Toxic Products
  • Passive Solar Design
  • Radiant Floor Heating
  • Recycled Materials
  • Sunspace
325 Northwoods Rd.
Hermon, NY 13652
Hours: 10-4

Description:This is a highly efficient super-insulated (dense-pack cellulose, walls R-38, ceiling R-60) home on an insulated slab with large south-facing windows to maximize solar gain. The wood used was harvested within a 50 miles radius. The home is heated with a masonry stove designed by Norbert Senf of Shawville, Quebec, and has a back-up in-floor heating system using a small propane-fired Quietside on-demand boiler that also provides domestic hot water. Most materials are natural and several floors and countertops are of recycled slate. The home has a large central room with an earthen floor and inlaid ceramics, which is open to the second floor and has an indoor sunspace garden.

Note:Please park near the garage down by the road and walk up if you are able.

Directions:Google MapFrom CANTON: take Park St. south by the university 2.3 miles to a flashing red light. Go RIGHT onto Rt. 25. Go 1.2 miles to a flashing yellow light. Go RIGHT onto Rt. 21. Stay on it approximately 4 miles, go around sharp bend to the center of the Hamlet of Pyrities. By the Fire Station go RIGHT across a bridge and to a T. Go LEFT onto Northwoods Rd. House is set back from road on the LEFT just over a mile. The address on the mailbox is 325.
  • Biofuel Heating
  • Daylighting
  • Energy Star Appliances
  • Energy Star Certified
  • Local Materials
  • Passive Solar Design
344 Northwoods Rd.
Hermon, NY 13652
Hours: 1-4

Description:This is a simple, yet interesting Energy Star labeled home is a very buildable energy efficient home. Along with expected elements such as triple paned windows, local lumber and super insulation, it includes cork floored kitchen and bath, and a highly efficient pellet stove. The house has been designed for future installation of solar panels on the south side. The kitchen cabinit doors and island are handmade by the owner using book-matched panels that are highly figured and knotted. A woodworking shop next to the house efficiently uses an inner room for finishing work and an outer space for dust creating machines.

Directions:Google MapFrom CANTON: take Park St. south to the flashing red light at intersection of Rt. 25. Turn RIGHT onto Rt. 25 and go to the flashing yellow light. Turn RIGHT onto Rt. 21 and follow it for about 3 miles (there will be one sharp curve) into the hamlet of Pyrites. At corner with the post office and Fire Department, turn RIGHT onto Bridge St. Cross the small bridge there and go to the T with Northwoods Rd. Turn LEFT onto Northwwods and go to the very end (about 1.5 mi) This is the last house on the right.
  • Biofuel Heating
  • Daylighting
  • Energy Star Certified
  • Heat Recovery Ventilation
  • Instant Hot Water
  • Local Materials
  • Passive Solar Design
  • Radiant Floor Heating
  • Recycled Materials
109 Picketville Rd.
Parishville, NY 13672
Hours: 10-4

Description:This 2,000 sf house built in 2005 is a collaboration between owner, architect, builder and tradespeople. Energy efficiency was one of the main goals. The house grew from a picture of one of the worker’s homes at Grat Camp Santononi. On theoutside it looks like an old farmhouse. Inside the downstairs has an open spacious modern feeling. Many south-facing windows look out on a meadow and ridge upon ridge of forest.

Directions:Google MapFrom POTSDAM: Rt. 56 south past SUNY Potsdam and out of town. In about 1 mile, you will encounter Y in road. Take LEFT branch which is Rt. 72. Continue 8-9 miles through Parishville Center to a long hill. At top of hill turn RIGHT on George St. just past the Town Highway Garage. (If you come to downtown Parishville, you’ve gone too far.) Take first RIGHT onto Picketville Rd. Go about 1/2 m down hill and across a stream, up hill and around a curve look for driveway on LEFT just beyond the last yellow and black curve arrow. House at back of property (if you come to sand colored house on right, you’ve gone too far. Any trouble call 265-9218. From SARANAC LAKE: Take 86 going north to a T at Paul Smith’s College. Turn RIGHT onto Rt. 30 heading north. Go 5-10 miles until you see restaurant on left. Go RIGHT onto Rt. 458. Take this into St. Regis Falls. 458 will go left by a bar. Go to Rt. 11 in Nicholville and turn LEFT onto it. Go about 1 mile into Hopkinton where you take a LEFT fork at Rt. 72. Follow this 8-9 miles through downtown Parishville to the Highway Garage. Just before garage turn LEFT onto George St. and follow above directions.
  • Alternative Fuel Vehicle
  • Biofuel Heating
  • Daylighting
  • Energy Star Appliances
  • Grid-Tied Solar Electric
  • Instant Hot Water
19 Garden St.
Potsdam, NY 13676
Hours: 1-4

Description:This is a tall old in-town house with as many energy-conserving improvements as a limited income can buy. Most recent is the on-grid solar system. In its first year in this high-latitude environment, it demonstrated its efficiency by totally eliminating all charges for electricity for 9 months, at the same time injected over 1,400 KW of electric power into the grid.

Note:Visitors should park opposite the house. I have a cat.

Directions:Google MapFrom points EAST: Come into town on Rt. 11. As you approach the first light in town (Presbyterian Church on the left), take a RIGHT onto Leroy Street just before the intersection. Garden Street is the third LEFT off of Leroy. From points WEST: Come into town on Rt. 11. At first intersection with a light (just beyond Clarkson University on right) bear left over the bridge until road Ts into Rt. 56 N. Go LEFT at that intersection. Garden St. is the second RIGHT after the intersection.
  • Grid-Tied Solar Electric
  • Non-Toxic Products
  • Off-Grid Solar Electric
  • Passive Solar Design
  • Radiant Floor Heating
  • Recycled Materials
  • Sunspace
  • Wind Generator
325 CR-345
Potsdam, NY 13676
Hours: 10-2

Description:This super-insulated A-frame house built in the 1970s has a complex multi-faceted energy system that supplies over 80 percent of the energy needs for house and plant nursery business. There is a 20 KW Jacobs wind generator and 36 solar panels on trackers supplying power to a battery bank feeding the house. They also have two 40 foot deep underground coolers using outside air.

Directions:Google MapFrom points EAST: Come into Potsdam on Rt. 11 (or 11B). At the first light in town turn RIGHT and continue until road Ts into Market Street (the main street in town). Turn RIGHT onto Market, go several blocks. Turn LEFT onto Rt. 11 toward Canton. Go over bridge to first intersection with light. Turn RIGHT onto Rt. 345 by the Agway. Go out Rt. 345 several miles. Look for windmill on the LEFT at the top of an incline. Turn LEFT into the driveway of St. Lawrence Nurseries #325. From points WEST: Take Rt. 11 toward Potsdam. As you come into town past Clarkson University on your left, go LEFT onto Rt. 345 at the first intersection with a light. Go several miles out of town and look for a windmill above the trees on your left. Turn LEFT at the driveway of St. Lawrence Nurseries #325
  • Alternative Fuel Vehicle
  • Energy Star Appliances
  • Energy Star Certified
  • Grid-Tied Solar Electric
  • Heat Recovery Ventilation