Wilton Makes Strides in Effort To Go Green

WILTON, Conn. – Going green isn’t simply about changing light bulbs or recycling items, as Wilton residents are learning. There is a lot more to it.

The town is one of 14 across the state participating in a program called “Neighbors to Neighbors Energy Challenge.” Wilton is ranked No. 3.

“Wilton is really being seen as a leader in how it can be done in other places,” said Jessica Bergman, clean energy lead organizer with Neighbors to Neighbors. With its coalition of public and private organizations, the town has shown how the state-offered programs can be used effectively, she said.

A highlight for Wilton is how the town reaches out to residents, Bergman said. Jana Bertkau, president of Wilton Go Green, said her group is all about education. The Wilton Library has been hosting a series of lectures called “Home Energy Basics,” which focus showing residents how to make their homes more energy efficient.

Changing just 25 light bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs could save a household about $150 a year, Bergman said. Getting a $75 home energy assessment, Bergman says, could save $400 a year in energy costs. Wilton Selectmen Hal Clark and Ted Hoffstatter have both said that getting their home energy assessments was both informative and useful.

A Wilton-based construction company has been making homes green for more than a decade.

“People think that green building is all about recycled materials  and solar and geothermal heat. Those can all be good things and important things, but they don’t hold a candle to energy efficiency,” said Mark Trolle, a co-founder BPC Green Builders.

One of the best ways to make your house more energy efficient is to ensure that the insulation is doing its job, Trolle said.

Have you made your house greener? Email Alissa Smith or leave a comment below.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Wilton and receive free news updates.