UNI-SOLAR® Integrated Solar Roof Panels

Residential Grid-Connected System of 4Kw

UNI-SOLAR® shingles were honored with the prestigious Popular Science Grand Award, “Best of What’s New (Environmental Technology,” and Discover Magazine’s “Technological Innovation Award” for best innovation (Environment). This photovoltaic roofing is installed instead of roofing material.

100% Biodiesel-fueled Budaris boiler heating radiant baseboard system and domestic hot water

Biodiesel fuel is a cleaner burning and more renewable fuel than home heating oil emitting 78 percent less carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions than petroleum diesel according to a 1998 biodiesel lifecycle study jointly sponsored by the US Department of Energy and the US Department of Agriculture. It greatly reduces the amount of harmful particulates released. Biodiesel reduces the compounds linked to cancer by 80 percent to 90 percent compared to petroleum diesel, according to the National Biodiesel Board (NBB). NBB asserts that biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to successfully complete the Tier I and Tier II health effects testing required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Air Act. In studies to determine the toxic levels of various fuels, biodiesel was the only one that didn’t kill the laboratory rats exposed to it. Biodiesel offers similar performance to petroleum diesel while providing superior lubricity. It has the highest positive energy balance of any liquid fuel – 320 percent.

Solar hot water

Solar hot water rooftop system planned in 2009-2010

Toto Aquius dual flush water saving toilets

With two flush volumes for solid and liquid waste, these toilets save an average of 26% more water than single flush toilets.

Natural Convection Ventilation design with Windows that open in every room

Getting back to basics with facets of the original natural convection ventilation design of the old inn from the days before air conditioning. Rob Blanchard, Green architectural designer of the Architecture Team has provided for plenums that will act in concert with the openable windows in every room to provide natural cooling and ventilation to rooms the old fashioned way.

Rain Garden

Installed by HooRWA, Hoosic River Watershed Association. 20 native species plants were planted around the building for storm water management. These include Elderberry, Witchazel and New Jersey Tea.

LED and low voltage lighting instead of toxic mercury containing fluorescent

With LED lamp life of up to 100,000 hours there is less toxic volume for the landfill and less maintenance for us and less inconvenience due to burned out bulbs for the visitor.

Stabiligrid Driveways

Advanced pervious, water-permeable alternative to concrete or asphalt paving. This system has helped our storm water management and reduces carbon emissions becasue it allows us to plant native grass in organic soil on the driveway. It is made of recycled plastic. www.stabiligrid.com

Porch to encourage community interaction between artists, visitors and neighbors

Bryant Evolution Model 598B Air Conditioner

Incorporates innovative 2-speed compressor technology with Puron (410A) refrigerant providing quiet, efficient cooling performance. SEER ratings of up to 16.5 can be reached and the unit is Energy Star.

FV4B Premium environmentally sound fan coil is the premium air handler combining the provien technology of Bryant fan coils with the environmentally sound refrigerant Puron. Achieves an operation advantage because the ECM (Electronically Commutated Motor) combined with a Quantum Plus heat pump with Puron is highly efficient at all possible operating speeds, and delivers the precise amount of airflow desired over a wide range of duct srtatic pressure conditions. Humidity control and preimium comfort are further improved when the Bryant is used with the Thermidistat Control. High SEER abd HSPF performance.

Coyuchi Organic Linens

All of the bathrooms have linens made from 100% organic cotton.

Organic mattresses

Organic mattresses from the only third party certified eco-factory in the United States. Guests will be able to choose from three different types of organic mattresses based on their needs. Some rooms are furnished with natural Talay latex foam mattresses with three customizable layers depending on their firmness preference designed to relieve pressure point discomfort and to increase circulation allowing for a deeper and more restful sleep. Other rooms feature a mattress with a Talalay-process 100% natural rubber core, covered with certified organic cotton and premium Eco-Wool quilted between two layers of certified organic cotton fabric. Other rooms will feature quilted inner spring mattresses with stainless steel innersprings wrapped in certified organic cotton canvas and then layered with certified organic cotton batting. Box spring foundations on these beds feature steel springs and cabinet grade, untreated wood slats wrapped and upholstered.

American Clay earth plaster

All the walls of the Inn on the first and second floors are covered with American Clay. American Clay Natural Earth Plasters use natural clays, recycled and reclaimed aggregates, and vibrant natural pigments in three beautiful finishes that surround your family or workplace with the warm beauty of soothing texture and rich color - far exceeding the interior surfaces produced by traditional paint, stucco, or other finishes. Earth Plasters are non-dusting, mold and fade resistant, repairable and moisture controlling. Natural Earth Plasters from American Clay are easily adapted to do-it-yourself projects. The Traditional and Classic method of creating American Clay surfaces is non-toxic, easy to repair, easily reworked, and exciting to learn.

Current Carpets designed by Hansine Pedersen Goran and hand woven of Pure New Zealand Wool

"My designs are a reminder of the signs of life in nature and humanity. They are about the joy, beauty and continuity of the currents of life in current time" says Hansine Pedersen Goran designer of Current Carpets. Each carpet is individually handmade using the best of old and new world craftsmanship, using the highest grades of materials and the most ecologically advanced production methods. And each carpet is made with great joy and care.

FSC Certified Wood Flooring from EcoTimber and Massachusetts Woodlands Cooperative

Massachusetts Woodlands Cooperative is a forest landowner management, processing and marketing cooperative organized by and on behalf of forest landowners in western Massachusetts. The mission of the Cooperative is to maintain the environment and character of western Massachusetts through the protection, enhancement and careful economic development of one of the region's most plentiful resources, the forest. Other FSC certified wood includes Brazilian Cherry, River recovered Black Wild Cherry, bamboo, teac and more.

IceStone recycled glass countertops

IceStone® durable surfaces are strong like granite, not as porous as marble and heat-resistant like stone. The chemical composition is benign and 99.5% inorganic making it a very safe material from the standpoint of toxicity and fire resistance.

Green no VOC airbath spa tubs

Inert urethane (Lucite) tubs eliminate the offgasing of conventional fiberglass reinforced acrylic spa tubs. These tubs feature chromatherapy using ultra efficient LED solid state lighting. Air-jets are a more sanitary solution than water-jetted tubs.

Long lasting and locally-sourced slate roof

a nontoxic alternative to asphalt shingles

Greenroof on the 3 porch roofs

a green roof atop the 3 porch roofs will improve the air quality under the top floor guest rooms, reduce heat island effects in summer, and decrease storm water runoff while adding a unique look to the building

Natural wood pine clapboard and cedar shingle siding with AFM SafeChoice stain

low VOC finish on natural wood

Recycling and Composting

We recycled the old Inn itself, using 100% of the original building's wood structure;

and added...
homosote floor underlayment with recycled paper;
natural cotton batt insulation made of recycled denim;
IceStone countertops with recycled glass;
EcoTerr Stabiligrid walkway and parking area pervious pavers with recycled HDPE plastic;
recycled HDPE component grid for greenroofs of porches (pending);
recycled HDPE component grid for green fence (pending);
recycled kitchen cabinets;
recycled and reclaimed aggregates in American Clay earth plaster;
most of original furniture and new recycled material additions transformed by artists.

We also compost all organic waste from the kitchen and recycle all possible trash.

AFM SafeChoice paint, adhesive, sealants, caulk, cleaning supplies and soaps

Formulated with low or no VOC content, these products are some of the least allergenic products available.

Jaaco Fire and Draft Sealer

Alternative to VOC emitting fire rated caulk, the product is inorganic and does not support the growth of mold. JACO Fire and Draft Sealer is Classified by UL in accordance with ASTM-E136 and is non-combustible, with excellent acoustical properties and is non-toxic.

Homasote sound board for floor underlayment and fireproofing

locally sourced as well as recycled material

Living Fence

a fence engineered to provide a habitat of live plants will add to our efforts at net zero emissions while creating better air quality and an aesthetic natural environment for our guests while decreasing any noise

Rain Barrels for Watering Plants

Another back to basics move involves the installation of rain barrels at strategic roof drainage points to collect rainwater with which to water the native plants on the property.

Ultratouch cotton batt insulation

A nontoxic alternative to formaldehyde containing traditional fiberglass insulation or VOC emitting foam products, UltraTouch Natural Cotton Fiber insulation is the successful combination of 25 years of insulation experience and a revolutionary patented manufacturing process
 
UltraTouch is made from high quality natural fibers. These fibers contain inherent qualities that provide for extremely effective sound absorption and maximum thermal performance. UltraTouch DOES NOT ITCH and is very easy to handle and work with. UltraTouch contains no chemical irritants and requires no warning labels compared to other traditional products. There are no VOC concerns when using UltraTouch, as it is safe for you and the environment. 
 
UltraTouch is also a Class-A Building Product and meets the highest ASTM testing standards for fire and smoke ratings, fungi resistance and corrosiveness and doesn't emit toxic fumes in case of fire like foam
 

UltraTouch contains 85% post-industrial recycled natural fibers.