NORTHAMPTON — Bombyx Center for Arts and Equity has been accredited Carbon Conscious, an award offered by CET, for implementing carbon-cutting measures at the performing-arts venue. This accreditation recognizes Bombyx’s dedication to combating climate change and fostering sustainability.
“With the measures we have implemented, we have reduced over 800 lifetime tons of carbon and hope to increase that number in the future,” said Cassandra Holden, executive director of Bombyx. “We need to be looking at resources and impacts. It’s inescapable. Those aspects are so interconnected that we can’t pull them apart.”
The Bombyx Center for Arts and Equity is the first organization to achieve CET’s Carbon Conscious Business Accreditation, leading the way for businesses across all sectors to integrate sustainability as a core part of their operations. Their impact of 800 lifetime tons of carbon is equivalent to the yearly carbon sequestration provided by 36,666 mature trees.
“We are thrilled to recognize Bombyx as a Carbon Conscious Business. By committing to concrete, measurable steps, Bombyx demonstrates the power of local businesses to model a future where sustainability and operational efficiency go hand-in-hand,” said Ashley Muspratt, president and CEO of CET. “Carbon Conscious businesses like Bombyx show what’s possible when organizations make climate action a priority in their operations.”
The performance venue, art exhibition space, and community gathering place is housed in a historic church. Churches are often energy-inefficient due to aging infrastructure, large open spaces, and high ceilings, which makes weatherization crucial for reducing energy costs and enhancing sustainability in these important community spaces.
CET worked closely with Bombyx to implement a range of impactful sustainability measures through both the Mass Save program and RecyclingWorks, a program CET administers for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Custom weatherization services, including pipe insulation and other energy-saving upgrades, were provided to reduce energy loss. Additional efficiency upgrades, such as duct sealing and modifications, further optimized energy use throughout the facility. To tackle waste reduction, CET helped establish a food-waste diversion program in the multi-use kitchen and supported community recycling events, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.
To qualify for the award, businesses must demonstrate a strong commitment to decarbonization through measurable actions and outcomes. The program operates on a three-star system, awarding stars for achieving 15%, 65%, and 90% of identified measures, respectively. By implementing strategies for waste reduction and energy efficiency, these improvements not only enhance organizational sustainability, but also bolster community efforts in combating climate change and promoting environmental stewardship.
CET supports businesses like Bombyx in systematically reducing their carbon output while enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
In Massachusetts, the commercial and industrial sectors collectively account for approximately 35% of the state’s greenhouse-gas emissions, highlighting the significant role businesses play in decarbonizing communities.
To learn more about the Carbon Conscious Business Accreditation program and how your business can benefit from personal, no-cost assistance and support, visit cetonline.org/carbon-conscious-business-accreditation or call CET at (413) 586-7350.
