Daily News

Center for EcoTechnology Hosts Blue Jean Ball

SPRINGFIELD — More than 50 contractors, builders, and green specialists filled EcoBuilding Bargains in Springfield last Friday, Oct. 2, for the first-ever Blue Jean Ball. The event, which featured food, beer, a raffle, and live entertainment, was created to thank partners who have helped the Center for EcoTechnology build a greener community.

“We wanted to have a space to genuinely thank all of our partners who help us save energy and reduce waste,” said Green Building Sales Manager Susan Ash. “It’s because of them that we are able to have such an impact on this community.”

The raffle featured prizes like a wheelbarrow full of beer, a 60-inch smart TV, passes to local ski resorts, and more. Entertainment was provided by the Crescent Dancers, the Pioneer Valley’s premiere Middle Eastern dance troupe. The event was emceed by Hits 94.3 personality Meghan Rothschild, and Iron Duke Brewing Co. sponsored the beer. The event was sponsored by Broan-NuTone and Integrity Development & Construction Inc.

The Center for EcoTechnology offers a host of services to new-construction contractors who want to build green. Services include HERS ratings, LEED certification and LEED AP services, passive-house certification, code testing, infrared scanning, Energy Star certification, energy-performance design consultation, modular-plant Energy Star certification, and more. Details can be found at www.cetonline.org.

Some current projects that the New Construction department is working on include performing commercial diagnostic testing for the Hitchcock Center in Amherst and LEED services for Christopher Heights (84 units on Village Hill in Northampton), affordable-housing development Leyden Woods in Greenfield, and 38 multi-family units for Parsons Village in Easthampton.