Sherwood Lumber Infrastructure Projects Highlight Investment in Local Palmer Economy

Sherwood Lumber Corp. (“Sherwood Lumber”), Ecogy Energy and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (“MDOT”) have been hard at work implementing two industrial-scale projects with a focus on improving local rail distribution and cleanenergy infrastructure.

New England Central Railroad Rail Siding Extension

In April of 2013, local wholesale lumber distributor, Sherwood Lumber Corporation, was awarded half a million dollars by the MDOT via the first round of their Industrial Rail Access Program (“IRAP”) to subsidize a $1.7-million-dollar investment towards a new onsite rail siding project. This project, completed in late 2018, consisted of the construction of a new rail siding to increase the number of simultaneous rail cars handled from 3 to 20 and other improvements to loading dock and laydown areas. The project is expected to increase operational efficiency by 30 percent, reduce operating costs by 30 percent and potentially increase carloads by 100 percent.

Consistent with the overarching goals of MDOT’s Industrial Rail Access Program, this infrastructure project aims to expand rail access for Commonwealth industry partners,
stimulate local economic development and increase the shipment of goods using freight rail. “This rail spur extension project is a testament to progressive policy and leadership across the board.” Said Palmer Town Manager Ryan McNutt, “We are thrilled by the positive economic impact this will have in our community and are proud to continue our longstanding relationship with local Sherwood Lumber Corporation.”

Sherwood Lumber’s investment truly highlights their focus on supporting local business and being leaders in materials distribution. “MassDOT is pleased to see the completion of this project which was supported by IRAP funding to help increase rail access and economic growth throughout the local community,” said MassDOT Rail and Transit Administrator Astrid Glynn. “We are proud to partner with companies to leverage private and public resources for rail infrastructure projects which not only strengthen our transportation systems, but also help reduce congestion, minimize greenhouse gas emissions, and promote job growth and economic opportunity.”

Ecogy Energy Community Shared Solar System

Ecogy Energy’s 542 kW DC Rooftop Community Shared Solar Project Located on Sherwood Lumber’s Warehouse in Palmer, MA

In early 2018, Sherwood Lumber partnered with Ecogy Energy to pursue the development of a 542 kW DC rooftop solar installation. This distributed energy infrastructure project, worth more than $1.5 million dollars, will be fully financed by Ecogy Energy and sited on the rooftop of Sherwood Lumber’s Palmer warehouse. The construction, operation and maintenance of this solar system will create jobs in the renewable energy industry while providing local community members with access to clean, low-cost energy generated right in Palmer, MA.

Other than providing their roof space, Sherwood Lumber will not be responsible for anyaspect of the solar system. Instead, the obligations of financing, building, monitoring, and maintaining the array are all handled by Ecogy Energy and local MA partner, Invaleon Technologies Corp. Sherwood Lumber will simply generate a new revenue stream for their property while facilitating access to clean energy for their neighbors. “We’re honored to partner with such an experienced and dedicated solar developer, financier and owner-operator.” said Andrew Goodman, President and CEO of Sherwood Lumber. “Ecogy provided a comprehensive and unique solution to fit our needs here in Palmer and we applaud for them for taking into consideration local concerns.” “With this well-sited solar installation, our local partner Sherwood Lumber is reaffirming their commitment to sustainability,” says Jack Bertuzzi, principal at Ecogy Energy.

This solar project, currently in the final stages of construction, received a Statement of Qualification in late February 2019 through the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (“SMART”) program and is expected to be operational later this Summer. The SMART program is a long-term sustainable solar incentive program in Massachusetts which encourages strategic siting of solar generation particularly on rooftops and parking lots. With many ground-mount projects already built in Palmer, Ecogy Energy’s mission to utilize wasted roof space to avoid clear cutting forests, allowed for a perfect solution to site a solar energy system. Town Manager Ryan McNutt went on to say, “As proud leaders in the state’s transition to clean energy, the Town of Palmer is excited to see a company like Ecogy work and partner with a local business to bring solar to our community in a way that not only reduces costs to industry, but for residents as well.”

The rooftop solar system will function as a community solar array, allowing anyone in Palmer to sign up for solar energy credits. The solar energy credits are sold at a discount, which means local residents save money on their utility bills while doing their part for the environment. “As a company, we are invested in bettering the environment while bettering local communities,” said Jack Bertuzzi. “Palmer is a Massachusetts leader, and we look forward to completion of the project so that Palmer residents and businesses can start saving on their energy bills.”

About Sherwood Lumber Corp.

Sherwood Lumber Corp., founded in 1954 is a national leader, innovator and solution provider to the Lumber and Building Materials Industries specializing in quality lumber and panel products. Sherwood’s commitment of superior service and quality with the utmost of integrity will gain the trust that is essential to a quality business relationship. (www.sherwoodlumber.com)

About Ecogy Energy

Ecogy Energy is an experienced developer, financier, and owner-operator of distributed generation systems. Based out of Brooklyn, New York, Ecogy specializes in providing rooftop and canopy solar solutions for commercial businesses, non-profits, and municipalities. Visit our website to learn more about our solutions
(www.ecogyenergy.com)

Contact:

Joel Santisteban – Development Manager, Ecogy Energy – joel@ecogyenergy.com – (516) 754-8518

Source: Sherwood Lumber Corporation