MSPCA at Nevins Farm
MSPCA at Nevins Farm electrifies for efficiency and cost savings
The MSPCA at Nevins Farm is deeply committed to protecting animals, relieving their suffering, advancing their health and welfare, preventing cruelty, and advocating for a just and compassionate society. Through their community outreach program, they provide affordable and accessible animal care resources to underserved communities. Their humane education programs aim to foster compassion, responsibility, and respect toward animals, each other, and the environment. Moreover, they play a vital role in advocating for better animal protection laws and regulations on local, state, and national levels, while also offering resources and information on coexisting humanely with wildlife.
Energy Efficiency Transformation
Recognizing the urgent need for environmental stewardship, MSPCA at Nevins Farm embarked on a transformative energy efficiency project. They decided to replace the existing boilers in their hospital-lab-admin building, which relied on heating oil #2, with electric ground source heat pumps. This initiative was significantly supported by MassSave Energy Efficiency Incentives, covering more than a third of the total project cost of $582,000, with incentives amounting to $199,000.
Previously, Nevins Farm’s annual fuel oil consumption across the campus was about 24,000 gallons. This project has successfully reduced their fuel oil requirements by 15,000 gallons a year. Although there’s an anticipated 20% increase in electricity costs due to the new electric heat pumps, the total net savings are impressive, amounting to $64,500 annually and $1.3 million over the next two decades. The project is expected to pay for itself within just six years, thanks to these savings. Moreover, it will contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions by 125 metric tons of CO2 each year.
Partnership with PowerOptions
Since 2016, MSPCA at Nevins Farm has been a proud member of PowerOptions, through which they purchase 100% green electricity. Their collaboration extends to participating in the Mass Fleet Advisor Program, aimed at transitioning their vehicle fleet towards electrification. An on-site assessment was conducted, evaluating their existing fleet and electrical infrastructure to identify necessary upgrades for supporting an electrified fleet. Recommendations included electrifying four vehicles and installing two dual-port EV charging stations. The next phase involves conducting a route energy analysis to determine optimal locations for the charging equipment and scheduling for vehicle charging.