Brian Crounse, Chair
Sally Hughes
Vivian Myers-Marowitz
Sean Detweiler
Tyke Crowley
Arthur S. Fulman
Pamela Hathaway
Paul Mahoney
This standing committee has a three-pronged strategic approach to achieving a sustainable energy future: energy conservation- choosing not to use energy; energy efficiency- using energy wisely; and renewable energy – energy generated from the sun (solar), wind, water (hydroelectric) and biological sources.
The role of the Committee is to assist the Town with identifying, designing, and implementing programs and projects for fostering sustainable energy practices by the Town and all segments of the community. The Committee will track and report on the financial and environmental impacts of such programs. These programs and projects will address all forms of energy use: electricity, natural gas and heating oil, and transportation fuels. The benefits of pursuing sustainable energy solutions include: cost savings and reduced exposure to future energy cost increases, decreased reliance on imported energy sources, reduction of “greenhouse gas” emissions and energy-related pollutants, and stimulation of local sustainable energy businesses.
Highlights of the Committee’s work include:
1) spoke at the November Special Town Meeting in support of the “green” design elements in the new Willard Elementary school. Some of the key design elements and their cost/benefits include:
· Lighting makes full use of sunlight (which is free and generates no pollutants) in the building interior.
· The ventilation system provides excellent indoor air quality while minimizing the amount of energy required.
· Cost savings due to green design elements cost approximately $150k and the expected payback through energy cost savings is six years. The less energy we use, the less we are exposed to energy price increases; sustainable energy is better for our health, pocketbooks, and the environment.
2) held the first of a series of public education events on Climate Energy’s Freewatt Micro-Combined Heating and Power system, other green resources for the home, and how a resident transformed his house in Lincoln, MA, into a Green Energy Home.
3) began coordination efforts for the Lights Out America /Lights Out Concord event scheduled for March 29, 2008, a nationwide energy saving/energy efficiency event. All components of the community are invited to turn off all non-essential lights for one hour to save energy. Street lights will remain on during the event for safety. The Selectmen have been asked to approve a proclamation urging Concord’s participation in the event.
To promote long-lasting energy savings, we ask that everyone install at least one compact fluorescent light bulb.
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