The Berkshire Gas new customer moratorium isn’t altogether a bad thing. There are excellent alternatives for new commercial, educational and residential construction projects – alternatives that are highly preferable in terms their impact on atmospheric carbon – which owners and developers are more likely to consider seriously if natural gas isn’t available.
Air source heat pump systems use only electricity, are not unduly expensive to buy and install, provide both heating and air conditioning, are widely used and understood by HVAC contractors, and are extremely energy efficient and affordable to operate.
Coupled with photovoltaic (PV) solar collectors, their energy efficiency helps make zero net energy buildings achievable.
I’m personally involved in two such projects, the new building for the Hitchcock Center in Amherst, and my own home. Both use air source heat pump HVAC systems, have PV arrays and generate at least 100 percent of their total annual energy needs from the sun. I know of two other recent zero net energy buildings with PV and similar HVAC systems: South Congregational Church in Amherst and the new Kern Center on the Hampshire College campus.
Natural gas is anything but “natural.” Consider using solar energy and highly efficient HVAC systems instead.
Christopher Riddle
Amherst