Cabot Hosiery Mills Celebrates Energy Efficiency Upgrades with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
October 23, 2024 | VPPSA Public Affairs
NORTHFIELD, Vt. — On a warm and sunny autumn afternoon, Cabot Hosiery Mills, home to the renowned Darn Tough socks, hosted a private ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 23rd to celebrate significant energy efficiency upgrades at its facility on Whetstone Drive. The event, attended by select leadership and staff from Cabot Hosiery Mills and the Vermont Public Power Supply Authority (“VPPSA”), along with WCAX and WPTZ news agencies, highlighted the installation of a new energy-efficient roof, made possible through a partnership with VPPSA and the support of federal funding.
Courtney Laggner, the communications and community manager for Cabot Hosiery Mills, welcomed guests to the celebration, noting the long history of the company in Northfield and its commitment to the Green Mountain State. "Doing business and staying deeply rooted in Vermont is in our DNA," Laggner said. "Thanks to Senator Sanders and the support of our community, we are able to make these critical improvements and continue growing."
Kristen Graf, global director of environmental and social responsibility at Cabot Hosiery Mills, also addressed the crowd. Graf emphasized the importance of taking meaningful steps to reduce the company’s carbon footprint, both on-site and across the supply chain. "This roof represents more than just a physical upgrade," Graf said. "It is a commitment to our responsibility as a company to support Vermont’s local economy and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions."
VPPSA general manager, Ken Nolan, spoke about the critical role the organization plays in helping small utilities in Vermont achieve energy efficiency goals. Nolan outlined how VPPSA collaborated with Cabot Hosiery Mills to design the Business Energy Repayment Assistance Program (BERAP), which provided the funding for the project.
"We’re proud to be partnering with Cabot Hosiery Mills to create impactful projects that reduce emissions and support our local economy," Nolan said. "This project will reduce 6,300 gallons of propane use annually and provide long-term environmental benefits for the entire community."
The roof replacement was funded in part through a $625,000 low-interest loan through VPPSA, part of $1 million secured through federal funding advocated by Sen. Bernie Sanders. The project is expected to significantly reduce the facility’s energy consumption, with savings reinvested into future renewable energy projects.
Though Sen. Sanders could not attend the event, his outreach director, Haley Perro, shared remarks on his behalf. "This program demonstrates the power of local organizations working hand-in-hand with federal funding to drive positive change," Perro said. "Senator Sanders is proud to support innovative projects like this one, which serve as a model for clean energy initiatives nationwide."
Following the speeches, the official ribbon cutting took place, with Cabot Hosiery Mills leadership, VPPSA representatives and staff, and local utility partners gathered at the forefront. Attendees were then invited to enjoy light refreshments, including coffee and doughnuts, under the warm autumn sun.
Cabot Hosiery Mills has long been a fixture in Northfield, known for its premium Darn Tough socks, which have earned a loyal following for their durability and lifetime guarantee. The energy efficiency upgrades are part of the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and community investment.
As Vermont continues to confront the impacts of climate change, partnerships like this one offer hope for a more sustainable future. The BERAP program, spearheaded by VPPSA, is expected to be a model for other Vermont businesses looking to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to the state’s clean energy goals.