Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, also known as the People of the First Light, has inhabited Massachusetts for more than 12,000 years. Its approximately 2,600 citizens share an abiding sense of community, as well as a time-honored respect for the environment. 

When the tribe began construction of its new 46,663 sq. ft. Community and Government Center, it was committed to using high-efficiency equipment. Tribe Chairman Cedric Cromwell calls the center “a hub for the well-being of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe”. He continues, “Not only is it a community center where the tribe will convene, but the community’s going to come here and see their state-of-the-art world-class building where their programs and services are delivered by their tribal government. And it also brings our culture forward into the mainstream.”

As an example, a portion of the center is used to house a food pantry, where members of the tribe help to provide for the pantry by means of hunting and fishing. The center also holds various community activities such as movie nights, basketball, and exercise classes.

Cape Light Compact partnered with the tribe every step of the way. “Without the tribe’s commitment to energy conservation, this achievement of excellence in energy savings would not have been possible,” said Maggie Downey, Cape Light Compact Administrator. Cape Light Compact worked collaboratively with the Tribe to meet the requirements of the nationally-recognized Advanced Buildings Core Performance Program. “The Compact provides incentives for program participants to go above and beyond state and local building codes as it relates to energy efficiency,” stated Downey.

Energy efficiency is a major part of this culture and comes naturally to the Tribe. The program required the Tribe to meet 13 core requirements in order to receive the incentive. Some of these requirements include, high efficiency HVAC systems; air barrier performance to control air leakage; efficient lighting fixtures and lamps; exterior, wall, roof and floor insulation; and high performance glazing for windows and doors. In addition, the facility also includes high efficiency sinks, closed loop waterfall reclaim, and double pane argon gas windows. All four break rooms feature Blue Star commercial kitchen equipment, and new refrigerators include compressors designed to be 35 percent more efficient than conventional compressors. Thanks to these far-reaching measures, the Tribe expects to save approximately $21,000 each year on their energy bills, with more than 95,000 kWh saved annually.

The Tribe is commended for their superior energy efficiency, responsible use of energy resources and supporting the well-being of building occupants.

The tribe’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainability extends far beyond their new hub. They have a new environmentally-friendly wastewater treatment plant that is capable of handling the tribal needs, and a portion of Mashpee’s municipal needs as well. The tribe is also committed to improving water quality in Popponesset Bay.

Future efficiency plans include LED lights and solar panels for the new center, and LEED green building standards for the tribe’s proposed First Light Casino.

The People of the First Light, in both words and deeds, shine a bright light on how energy efficiency can be successfully woven into the fabric of an entire community.