The Medfield Energy Committee met last night.
- looking to proceed to have Medfield opt to become a Green Community at the next annual town meeting (ATM) under the 2008 Massachusetts Green Communities Act. The GCA requires a (1) commitment to a plan to effect 20% savings on energy use, (2) as of right for energy projects, (3) use of energy efficient vehicles, (4) adoption of the stretch building code, and (5) adoption of expedited permitting for energy saving items. In exchange for becoming a Green Community, the state awards grants, usually around $100,000 the first year. Being a Green Community is the right choice both to save the town monies, as well as to reduce the town’s carbon footprint.
- solar PV installations – a municipal installation on land at the Waste Water Treatment Plant, and an exploration of other sites. They will apply for a state DOER Owner’s Agents Technical Grant of $12,500 for assistance in determining best locations to site solar PV arrays in town.
- executed a plan to provide for energy saving inclusions in the planned municipal buildings – a list of items will be created and shared with the Building Committee, an da member will attend Building Committee meetings.
- since the Medfield Energy Committee started work in 2008, the town has reduced its energy usage by about 28-29%
- interesting websites = DSIRE.org (lists all incentives available via energy saving items)
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