The Peabody Essex Museum announced that it has been awarded the inaugural Mass Save Climate Leader® Award for energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the Commonwealth. Concurrently, PEM also announces that it has signed a 3-year renewable energy agreement with ENGIE Resources LLC (ENGIE Resources), an ENGIE North America Inc. subsidiary, which will purchase renewable energy credits to match 100% of the annual electricity consumption for PEM’s 21-building campus. This dual announcement coincides with Energy Efficiency Day, October 5, and reinforces the principles and commitments set forth by PEM’s Climate + Environment initiative.
“PEM is honored to be selected as a Mass Save Climate Leader, a significant recognition of the museum’s demonstrated commitment to energy efficiency,” said Lynda Roscoe Hartigan, PEM’s Rose-Marie and Eijk van Otterloo Executive Director and CEO. “As the nation’s oldest continually operating museum and an organization that is dedicated to the intersection of art, culture, and science, we are encouraged that this critical work is being celebrated and hope that it inspires more people to work collectively for a greener, more sustainable future.”
In recent years, PEM has prioritized energy conservation to reduce the museum’s carbon footprint. Through the dedication of PEM’s staff and contractors, the museum has installed efficient LED lighting, optimized its HVAC systems and controls, and found sustainable ways to reduce, reuse and recycle exhibition design materials.
“The Sponsors of Mass Save are dedicated to ensuring a clean energy future, and a major component of that is supporting businesses to ensure they meet their efficiency goals,” said Christopher Porter, Director, Customer Energy Management, New England with National Grid. “On a daily basis, we see all they do to honor their climate goals, and we commend them as leaders on a path to a more energy efficient tomorrow.”
PEM’s 3-year renewable energy contract with ENGIE Resources will begin in December. Over the course of the agreement, the Renewable Energy Credit (REC) purchases will reduce CO2 emissions by nearly 7,000 metric tons. RECs support the development of renewable energy generation by monetizing the inherent environmental benefits and providing renewable energy developers with an additional revenue stream and support for financing renewable energy projects.
“With a unique focus on exhibit lighting, temperature control, and humidity, museums tend to have energy intensity levels that are above average compared to other buildings,” said Sayun Sukduang, Chief Executive Officer at ENGIE Resources. “We are honored to provide solutions that help the Peabody Essex Museum meet its energy efficiency goals and continue its growth.”
The energy agreement with ENGIE Resources includes an electricity supply structured to provide budget certainty throughout the term of the agreement. Additionally, PEM will continue to comply with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources Clean Peak Energy Standard program and the Massachusetts Clean Energy Standards to maintain contributions from existing clean energy generation.
EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator
According to the EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator, PEM’s efforts to reduce CO2 emissions will have the equivalent impact of eliminating more than 17 million miles driven by a gas-powered passenger vehicle, eliminating nearly 8 million pounds of burned coal or recharging nearly 1 billion smartphones.
