Berkshire East Named a 2023 Mass Save Climate Leader

Print Story | Email Story
CHARLEMONT, Mass. — Berkshire East Mountain Resort has been named a 2023 Climate Leader by the Sponsors of Mass Save.
 
The award, given to 14 recipients, recognizes long-term energy efficiency commitment and dedication by leveraging the support and incentives the Mass Save program offers. 
 
"We are proud to live and work in the Commonwealth where we have a number of leaders to show us the pathway through decarbonization to a net zero future," said Tilak Subrahmanian, Vice President of Energy Efficiency and Electric Mobility at Eversource. "The Sponsors of Mass Save continue to see the strong efforts from this year's recipients and their dedication to honoring their own climate goals. We commend them as leaders and will continue to support them on their path to a decarbonized future."
 
Each Climate Leader has implemented operational changes to increase energy efficiency. These entities have demonstrated commitment to the climate in numerous ways, including investment in onsite renewable energy, completion of a 15,000 LED light fixture, and installation of a new energy management system that automatically lowers energy usage. Together they have saved tens of millions of kWh over the past five to ten years. For comparison, an average residential home in Massachusetts uses a little more than 10,000 kWh per year. These efforts not only impact their communities in a positive way but are essential to supporting the Commonwealth's clean energy goals.
 
Berkshire East installed onsite renewable energy, including a solar field and wind turbine that services 100 percent of electric requirements. They aslo created nearly 600,000 kWh of electricity savings and eliminated over 150 tons of greenhouse gas emissions through upgrades to more energy-efficient snow-making equipment, replacing diesel air compressors with new variable speed electric compressors, and replacing all night skiing lights with high efficiency controllable LEDs 
 
"Leading on building decarbonization is critical for the Commonwealth to meet its climate goals. I applaud these 14 institutional leaders for their efforts to address energy efficiency throughout their buildings," said Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony. "DOER will continue to work closely with the Mass Save Sponsors in support of these leaders and look forward to celebrating more of their successes."
 
 
 
 
 
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield's Sibaritas Restaurant Moving Downtown

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — After three years in business on East Street, Sibaritas is moving downtown.

On Monday, the Licensing Board approved a new annual downtown all-alcohol restaurant license for the eatery's new location in the former Trattoria Rustica at 27 McKay St.

"I couldn't be happier for you," board member Jon Lifergren said. "I think it's a win-win move and I'm really excited about it."

Other board members agreed and Chair Thomas Campoli coined the East Street operation as a "wild success."

Megan and Ronald Gomez opened the Italian restaurant with a Chilean flare in 2021 in the former Elizabeth's Restaurant at 1264 East St. Sibaritas — a Spanish word that refers to a person who appreciates good food — makes almost everything in-house. The menu includes fresh pasta, flatbreads, salads, breakfast pastries, and coffee.

Together, the duo has more than 30 years of experience in the field.

"We're moving Sibaritas to the new location and then once we are up and rolling successfully there then we will go back and revisit what we're going to do with the [East Street] building, if we're going to open up a new restaurant or if we're going to sell the location. It's still up in the air," Megan Gomez explained when asked about the former location that they own.

There was an inquiry about the fate of the former liquor license, as they can either operate two establishments or transfer it to another one.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories