From Emily Lowney of the Medfield Energy Committee –
Medfield Energy Committee Announces Heat Pump Pizza Party
The Medfield Energy Committee will hold a Heat Pump Pizza Party on January 29th at 12:00 p.m. at the Center on Ice House Road, as part of the Council on Aging’s Lunch and Learn series. If you have ever wondered about incorporating heat pumps for heating and/or cooling your home, this is sure to be an informative community event.
Greg Sine, an energy efficiency consultant with Eversource, will discuss how investments in efficiency upgrades can make your home or business more comfortable and less expensive to operate. Greg will also discuss the technology behind heat pumps, what makes them so efficient compared to traditional systems, and how their adoption might impact your energy bill — with special consideration of the new residential heat pump rate.
The Energy Committee will also share information about a new Building Code that residents will be asked to vote on at Town Meeting in 2026. The Specialized Code, if adopted in Medfield, would require new homes to be built to increased energy efficiency standards.
Please pre-register for this event by calling the COA at 508-359-3665 by January 27th.
Posted onOctober 13, 2025|Comments Off on Energy Com. Info Sessions on Coming Specialized Energy Code – 10/22
From the Medfield Energy Committee –
Medfield Energy Committee Educates the Public about the Specialized Building Code
The Medfield Energy Committee will hold two public forums on Wednesday, October 22nd to discuss a new building energy code known as the Specialized Code. Medfield residents will likely be asked to vote on adoption of the Specialized Code at Town Meeting in 2026, and MEC is continuing to educate the public on this topic. Fifty-five other towns in Massachusetts have already chosen to adopt this code.
The Specialized Code requires new construction, only, to be built to increased energy efficiency standards. It is very important to note that the Specialized Code DOES NOT affect any existing homes, renovations/additions to homes, or historic homes. Under the Specialized Code, new buildings can comply by being built all-electric (meaning no oil, gas, or propane fuel is used anywhere in the home). If a new building’s design includes the use of some fossil fuels for heating, cooking, etc., this is still allowable under the Specialized Code, but the code requires that such buildings be pre-wired for future electrification, and to have on-site solar generation.
The Medfield Energy Committee supports adoption of the Specialized Code, given that it is an opportunity to ensure that new buildings in town are built to the best available energy efficiency standards. Additionally, enhanced state funding is available to towns that have adopted the Specialized Code and fulfilled other requirements, as part of the Climate Leaders Program, the next tier of the Green Communities program. Medfield has already received $666,000 in funding under the state’s Green Communities program, and would be eligible for continued and enhanced funding opportunities as a Climate Leaders community. These grants have allowed Medfield to install energy efficient upgrades in municipal buildings and schools when equipment needed replacing, leading to energy savings and reduced carbon emissions.
The forums on October 22nd will be held via Zoom, and will offer two separate sessions. Session 1, beginning at 5:00 p.m., will be geared towards construction professionals, and will include technical information and time for feedback. Session 2 will begin at 7:00 p.m. and is intended for the general public. The Zoom links for these sessions can be found at the MEC website: https://www.town.medfield.net/2308/Specialized-Code
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Posted onAugust 21, 2025|Comments Off on Medfield Energy Committee Educates the Public about the Specialized Building Code
From the Medfield Energy Committee –
Medfield Energy Committee Educates the Public about the Specialized Building Code
The Medfield Energy Committee held a public forum on June 30th to discuss a new building energy code known as the Specialized Code. Medfield residents will likely be asked to vote on adoption of the Specialized Code at Town Meeting in 2026, and MEC is starting early to educate the public on this topic. Fifty-five other towns in Massachusetts have already chosen to adopt this code.
The Specialized Code requires new construction to be built to increased energy efficiency standards. It is very important to note that the Specialized Code DOES NOT affect any existing homes, renovations/additions to homes, or historic homes. Under the Specialized Code, new buildings can comply by being built all-electric (meaning no oil, gas, or propane fuel is used anywhere in the home). If a new building’s design includes the use of some fossil fuels for heating, cooking, etc., this is still allowable under the Specialized Code, but the code requires that such buildings be pre-wired for future electrification, and to have on-site solar generation.
The Medfield Energy Committee supports adoption of the Specialized Code, given that it is an opportunity to ensure that new buildings in town are built to the best available energy efficiency standards. Additionally, state funding is available to towns that have adopted the Specialized Code and fulfilled other requirements, as part of the Climate Leaders Program, the next tier of the Green communities program. Medfield has already received $666,000 in funding under the state’s Green Communities program, and would be eligible for continued and enhanced funding opportunities as a Climate Leaders community. These grants have allowed Medfield to install energy efficient upgrades in municipal buildings and schools when equipment needed replacing, leading to energy savings and reduced carbon emissions.
At the forum on June 30th, attendees viewed a previously recorded presentation given by representatives of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources. Audience feedback was favorable to adopting the Specialized Code in Medfield, with commenters citing the overall cost savings to consumers, the opportunity for continued grant funding to the town, and the importance of addressing climate change. The DOER presentation was recorded on June 17th before the Medfield Select Board and can be view ed on Medfield TV, starting at 1:17hours. Select Board Members raised concerns about additional regulations placing a burden on builders.
The Medfield Energy Committee will continue to seek feedback from stakeholders as we approach our next Town Meeting in 2026. MEC can be reached at medfieldenergycomm@medfield.net, and monthly public meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month.
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Posted onOctober 21, 2024|Comments Off on Medfield awarded $61K EECBG for windows upgrade at Town House
Shared today by Penni Conner, Chair of the Medfield Energy Committee –
Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $1.75 Million in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants
45 Communities Across Massachusetts Awarded Funds for Clean Energy Projects that Reduce Emissions, Advance Energy Equity
BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today awarded $1.75 million in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) competitive subgrants to 45 municipalities across Massachusetts to fund 29 clean energy initiatives that help municipalities meet their own climate goals and share the benefits of climate action equitably.
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program is a $550 million grant program funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The program is designed to help states, local governments and Tribes cut costs, reduce energy use, lower fossil fuel emissions, and advance environmental justice.
Medfield
Central
Town House (Town Hall) Window Replacement
$61,739.00
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From Emily Lowney of Lowney Law and the Medfield Energy Committee –
Electrify your Home with Medfield Energy Committee
The Medfield Energy Committee (MEC) is excited to be partnering with Sustainable Medfield for the next Action of The Quarter this fall: “Electrify your Home.” Climate change is a problem that we are all concerned about, but the good news is that there are solutions. We need to transition away from burning fossil fuels and towards renewable power sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal. In 2021, the Town of Medfield Climate Action Plan identified residential buildings and passenger vehicles as the two largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions. For this action of the quarter, MEC is encouraging residents to take action to reduce emissions from our residential buildings.
What do we mean when we say “Electrify your home?” Basically, the goal is for all of the energy usage of the home to eventually come from electricity, including heating/cooling, domestic water heating, appliances, lights, and cooking. That way the home no longer relies on gas or oil. If the home is suitable for solar panels, that is a great alternative way to provide the power for the home. But even if it doesn’t have solar, the electric grid is also getting greener at the same time, so that eventually, all of the sources of power are renewable, and all of the homes are using only that renewable energy for all of their power needs. At the same time, technology is helping make our homes more efficient in how they use energy.
Another important aspect of Electrifying homes in Medfield has to do with NEW homes. There is a new building code having to do with energy efficiency that towns in Massachusetts can choose to “OPT IN” to. This is called the Specialized Code, and Medfield would have to vote at town meeting to adopt this code. Again, this only applies to NEW construction, not any existing homes, renovations/additions to homes, or historic homes. The Specialized Code encourages new homes to be built all-electric so that in the future, homeowners will not have to pay to transition those homes. The Specialized Code still allows homes to be built that use some fossil fuels, but requires that they be pre-wired for future electrification, and have on-site solar generation.
The Energy Committee is seeking public input on whether Medfield should adopt the Specialized Code. Please help us by taking a short, four-question survey here: https://forms.gle/QmuJCQ34Jk5PMMFFA
If you are not planning on building a new home, there is still a lot you can do to Electrify your Existing Home. Check out the following Actions at sustainablemedfield.org: Green Heating & Cooling, Rooftop Solar, No-Cost Energy Assessment, Switch to Induction Cooking, and more.
Posted onSeptember 30, 2024|Comments Off on “Medfield Decarbonizers” webinar, 7:30 PM, 10/8 via Zoom
From Helen Dewey of Medfield Environment Action =
Climate Action in Medfield
Thinking about installing heat pumps in your home or getting solar panels? Maybe your current car needs to be replaced and you are thinking about purchasing an electric vehicle? These are the most impactful actions one can take to decrease their carbon footprint as well as greenhouse gas pollution in the town of Medfield. Many fellow residents have done just that, and you can hear from some of them on Tuesday, October 8th at 7:30 pm. The Medfield Energy Committee dubs them “Medfield Decarbonizers”. Who are they, you might ask? They are Medfield neighbors who drive electric vehicles, have installed solar panels or heat pumps and they are a great resource for anyone considering these investments!
Medfield Environment Action (MEA) and the Medfield Energy Committee (MEC) are hosting a “Medfield Decarbonizers” webinar on Tuesday, October 8th at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Medfield Decarbonizers have taken action to reduce the carbon output of everyday activities such as driving a car, heating and cooling a home or using electricity. Hear the experiences of fellow neighbors regarding their purchases and everyday use of these sustainable technologies and ask them your questions. In addition, learn why one panelist chose to opt up to “Medfield 100”, which supplies 100% renewable electricity through Medfield Community Electricity.
Preregister for the free webinar at tinyurl.com/decarbonizers and the Zoom link will be sent to you. For more information visit meamedfield.org or email MEAMedfield@gmail.com with any questions. Visit the MEA website to see videos of previous, educational webinars. MEA is proud to network with Sustainable Medfield and MEC working together towards Medfield’s Net Zero 2050 Goal.Climate Action in Medfield
Thinking about installing heat pumps in your home or getting solar panels? Maybe your current car needs to be replaced and you are thinking about purchasing an electric vehicle? These are the most impactful actions one can take to decrease their carbon footprint as well as greenhouse gas pollution in the town of Medfield. Many fellow residents have done just that, and you can hear from some of them on Tuesday, October 8th at 7:30 pm. The Medfield Energy Committee dubs them “Medfield Decarbonizers”. Who are they, you might ask? They are Medfield neighbors who drive electric vehicles, have installed solar panels or heat pumps and they are a great resource for anyone considering these investments!
Medfield Environment Action (MEA) and the Medfield Energy Committee (MEC) are hosting a “Medfield Decarbonizers” webinar on Tuesday, October 8th at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Medfield Decarbonizers have taken action to reduce the carbon output of everyday activities such as driving a car, heating and cooling a home or using electricity. Hear the experiences of fellow neighbors regarding their purchases and everyday use of these sustainable technologies and ask them your questions. In addition, learn why one panelist chose to opt up to “Medfield 100”, which supplies 100% renewable electricity through Medfield Community Electricity.
Preregister for the free webinar at tinyurl.com/decarbonizers and the Zoom link will be sent to you. For more information visit meamedfield.org or email MEAMedfield@gmail.com with any questions. Visit the MEA website to see videos of previous, educational webinars. MEA is proud to network with Sustainable Medfield and MEC working together towards Medfield’s Net Zero 2050 Goal.
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Posted onApril 24, 2024|Comments Off on MEA’s EV Car Show Sunday 1-3 – test drives & ice cream!
From Chris Gordon, Medfield Energy Committee.
I just wanted to give you our latest flyer that has updated information, including we will have EV BMWs for test drives, and what my kids are most excited about, an ice cream truck.
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I started this blog to share the interesting and useful information that I saw while doing my job as a Medfield select board member. I thought that my fellow Medfield residents would also find that information interesting and useful as well. This blog is my effort to assist in creating a system to push the information out from the Town House to residents. Let me know if you have any thoughts on how it can be done better.
For information on my other job as an attorney (personal injury, civil litigation, estate planning and administration, and real estate), please feel free to contact me at 617-969-1500 or Osler.Peterson@OslerPeterson.com.
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