Category Archives: Energy Committee

Stretch code at ATM

Posted on April 22, 2016 | Comments Off on Stretch code at ATM

This from the Energy Committee about the town meeting article looking to adopt the stretch code, thereby become a Green Community, and thereby get the DOER $148,000 grant for doing so –

MEC

Vote YES  on Article #34

 

Help Medfield qualify for a $148,000 Energy Savings grant.

 

Massachusetts regularly updates the State Building Code to improve quality, safety and energy efficiency of construction in the Commonwealth.  The Building Code is the “stick” to encourage improvements in construction. By adopting the Stretch Energy Code, Medfield, like 161 other Massachusetts towns, would be an early adopter of what eventually will become the next State Building Code.  The “carrot” for Medfield to be an early adopter is a grant of $148,000 which will be used to improve Town building energy efficiency.

 

Massachusetts has been recognized as the nations leader in energy efficiency for the past five years.*  As Governor Baker said “Energy efficiency is the most cost effective, accessible way for Massachusetts to meet our clean energy goals and help ratepayers manage their energy costs. “

 

The Green Communities program, run by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER), encourages towns in the state to cut their energy usage and to simplify siting of renewable energy.

Substantial dollar grants are given to towns that meet 5 Green Communities criteria:

#1 Provide siting for renewable energy

#2 Enable permitting within one year for renewable energy

#3 Develop a plan for reducing municipal energy use by 20% over 5 years

#4 Enact an energy efficient vehicle policy

#5 Minimize life-cycle cost for new construction

 

The Medfield Energy Committee has been working for 4 years to qualify Medfield as a Green Community and to earn a $148,000 grant with the potential of $250,000 annual grants thereafter.

Our progress:

  • Criteria #1 & #2 were met by the Solar Photovoltaic By-Law passed at the 2014 Town Meeting.
  • Criteria #4 was achieved when an Energy Efficient Vehicle Policy was adopted by the Select Board and School Committee in 2015.
  • Criteria #3, a plan for 20% reduction in Town energy usage, is being developed by the Town Energy Manager, Andrew Seaman.
  • Criteria #5, will be met by adopting the 9th edition of the Stretch Energy Code : Article #34

 

At the 2014 Town Meeting, a warrant article to adopt a Stretch Energy Code was voted down.

 

Now, in 2016, the situation has changed:

  1. The Massachusetts Building Code went into effect on July 1, 2014 with an updated Base Energy Code. The result is that today all new construction and renovation must meet a code that is basically the same Stretch Energy Code that was rejected at the April 2014 Town Meeting.
  2. The Stretch Energy Code does not include any new requirements for residential renovations or additions. The sole change from the Base Energy Code is the requirement for new residential construction to use a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index.  The HERS Index is the industry standard by which a home’s energy efficiency is measured.
  3. For new commercial buildings, the Stretch Energy Code requires the construction to be 10% more efficient than the Base Energy Code.
  4. 161 Massachusetts towns have adopted the Stretch Energy Code

 

 

In summary:  Building Energy Codes are a “stick” to make sure building life-cycle costs improve.  DOER’s $148,000 grant is a “carrot” rewarding early adopters of Stretch Energy Code.

 

  • Vote yes on Article #34 to get the “carrot” with the “stick”
  • Vote no on Article #34 only get the “stick”

 

Article #34 supported by

  • Board of Selectmen
  • Warrant Committee
  • Energy Committee

 Permanent Building Committee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

* American Council for Energy- Efficient Economy and the US Department of Energy.

 

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Posted in Energy Committee, Green, Town Meeting, Uncategorized

Solarize Medfield

Posted on April 20, 2016 | Comments Off on Solarize Medfield

Selectmen signed an agreement Tuesday this week to officially launch Solarize Medfield – http://www.solarizemedfield.org/ – great website.  This from the website –

Solarize Medfield

Medfield meets Solar

The Town of Medfield has been selected to participate in the “Solarize Massachusetts” grant program, which is designed to promote solar photovoltaic (PV) installations on homes and small businesses in selected communities across the state. The Solarize Massachusetts grant program is co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (Mass CEC) and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, Green Communities Division.

The Solarize Medfield team’s goal is to increase the adoption of solar energy systems through a grassroots educational campaign, driven mainly by Medfield volunteers, and partnered with an Installer to be selected, with a tiered pricing structure that increases the savings for everyone as more home and business owners in town sign up.

Mass CEC will provide us their technical and marketing expertise and guidance, to help bring us a wide variety of vender proposals. Our Request For Proposal (RFP) will be going out shortly so that vendors can begin bidding to be Medfield’s installer.

How the program works

Once a vendor is selected, each homeowner will contact the vendor for a free evaluation and quote to install solar on their property. The vendor will explain the details of the install and evaluate the homeowner’s property. Some properties may not be optimally situated for solar.

The vendor will then install the system, provide training, manage all the paperwork needed, and handle all owner issues directly. It is because the quality of service really matters that only top rated vendors will be considered.

Once your contract is signed, the system adds to the tiered pricing formula. If following tiers are reached after you sign, the vendor will refund the difference to you.

The Solarize Medfield program will have two Solar Coaches available to help you through the process. The Solarize Medfield team will also be hosting live information events as well as producing informational videos. This website will also be updated regularly to keep the information current.

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Posted in Energy Committee, Uncategorized

Image

Solar PV ribbon cutting

20160419-Medfield Solar Ribbon Cutting

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Posted on April 19, 2016 in Energy Committee, Green, Uncategorized, Water & Sewer

Stretch Code

Posted on April 11, 2016 | Comments Off on Stretch Code

MEC

 

Letter to the Editor

 

Help Medfield qualify for a $148,000 Energy Savings grant. Vote YES on Article #34.

 

The Medfield Energy Committee has been working for 4 years to designate the Town of Medfield as a Green Community.  To qualify the Town needs to approve the Stretch Energy Code at the April 25th Town Meeting.  Once Medfield is a Green Community it will receive an award of $148,000 with the potential of $250,000 annual grants thereafter from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources.

 

 

The Massachusetts State Building Code includes a Base Energy Code.  Massachusetts regularly updates the State Building Code, including the Base Energy Code, to improve quality, safety and energy efficiency of construction in the Commonwealth.  The Building Code is the “stick” to encourage improvements in construction. By adopting the Stretch Energy Code, Medfield, like 161 other Massachusetts towns, becomes an early adopter of what eventually will become the next State Building Code.  The “carrot” for Medfield to be an early adopter is a grant of $148,000 which will be used to improve Town building energy efficiency.

 

 

Medfield can get the “carrot” by approving the Stretch Energy Code if we vote yes on Article #34 of the Town meeting warrant.  If it is voted down, Medfield gets the “stick” anyway in following years as the Base Energy Code is updated.

 

At the 2014 Town Meeting, the Stretch Energy Code warrant article was voted down.

 

In 2016, the situation has changed:

  1. The Massachusetts Building Code went into effect on July 1, 2014 with an updated Base Energy Code. The result is that today all new construction and renovation must meet a code that is basically the Stretch Energy Code that was rejected by the town at the April 2014 Town Meeting.
  2. The Stretch Energy Code we will vote on at this year’s Town Meeting does not include any new requirements for residential renovations or additions. The sole change from the Base Energy Code is the requirement for new residential construction to use a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index.  The HERS Index is the industry standard by which a home’s energy efficiency is measured.
  3. For new commercial buildings, the Stretch Energy Code requires the construction to be 10% more efficient than the Base Energy Code.

 

The Energy Committee, the Warrant Committee and the Board of Selectman all support the Stretch Energy Code article.

 

Please plan to attend the April 25 Town Meeting and vote YES on Article #34.

 

Fred Bunger, Chair Medfield Energy Committee

 

 

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Posted in Energy Committee, Green, Uncategorized

On being a selectman

Posted on April 7, 2016 | Comments Off on On being a selectman

BoS

Tired this afternoon – home for dinner at 10PM last night, 9:30 PM the night before, and 9:00PM tonight, for meetings respectively of the –

  •  Board of Selectmen
    • Schools seeking approval of application to the Massachusetts School Building Authority to start the process to replace Dale Street School, perhaps with an addition onto the Wheelock School, making Wheelock a grades 2 – 5 school.
    • Met with Liz Sandeman to receive a her donation of a flag and for recognition of Donate Life Month – organ donation promotion.
    • declared a snow emergency.
    • reviewed the warrant articles for the town meeting to assign speakers.
  • Medfield State Hospital Master Planning Committee
    • planning for its 4/11/16 public forum at the MHS auditorium.
  • Medfield Energy Committee
    • update of stretch code article for the town meeting
    • update on the solar installation at the WWTP
    • update of solar at the Public Safety Building and the DPW Garage
  • Met Tuesday morning with the Larkin Brothers about their Hospital Road 40B.
    • Their plans now down to 48-52 units,
    • 75% with first floor master suites,
    • they are continuing to plan to target the empty nesters market (no shared playground for kids).
    • Meeting again in two weeks with them and their architect.
    • Sunday I saw the open house sign out at their North Street, Grove Place development, Michael Larkin toured me through a three bedroom unit there with a first floor master suite.  It had nice details, with both angled and right angle bays, windows of different sizes, and good looking quality in the kitchen and baths.
  • Met this morning with the Medfield Cares About Prevention (MCAP) (www.MedfieldCares.org) leadership team.  Report on the recent member survey, and upcoming Hidden in Plain Sight event to take place at the Natick Mall from 10-2 on May 19 and 5-9 on May 20.  Invited three millennials to join the group.

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Posted in Energy Committee, MCAP - Medfeild Cares About Prevention, Medfield State Hospital, Select Board matters, Uncategorized

Stretch Code forum 4/12

Posted on April 6, 2016 | Comments Off on Stretch Code forum 4/12

MEC

Public Forum :

Green Communities / Stretch Energy Code

 

The Medfield Energy Committee invites you to attend a forum to present and discuss the plan to qualify Medfield as a Green Community.  Representatives from the Department of Energy Resources will be on hand to address any questions or concerns regarding the Stretch Energy Code.  Adoption of the Stretch Energy Code will be voted on at Town Meeting April 25.  If you are a builder, developer or realtor please plan on attending this forum.

 

 

When:        April 12 at 4 PM

Where:       Town Hall Chenery Meeting room  –  2nd floor

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Posted in Energy Committee, Green, Uncategorized

Solarize Medfield! – town chosen

Posted on March 17, 2016 | Comments Off on Solarize Medfield! – town chosen

Marie Zack Nolan lead the Medfield Energy Committee effort for Medfield to be named to the one of the few Solarize Mass slots.

doer

State Energy Officials Announce New Communities to Join Solar Program

Media Inquiries

Katie Gronendyke (DOER) (617) 626-1129  katie.gronendyke@state.ma.us
Matt Kakley (MassCEC) (617) 315-9339 mkakley@masscec.com

Program Will Lower Costs of Installing Solar Electric Systems for Bolton and Medfield
Mar 17, 2016 –
Boston

State energy officials today announced the selection of two additional communities, Bolton and Medfield, to participate in Solarize Mass for 2016.  The community-based solar energy group-buying program is currently underway in Somerville, Natick and Shelburne, Colrain and Conway, with the latter three communities participating as a group.

“As Massachusetts looks to diversify its energy mix, partnering with local communities on programs like Solarize Mass drives down costs while reducing our carbon footprint and helping reach our goal of 1,600 megawatts of solar by 2020,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton.

A partnership between the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and local communities, Solarize Mass reduces the overall cost of solar in communities across the state, helping residents save as much as 20 percent on solar pricing (compared to the statewide average).  Through a competitive bidding process, communities select designated Solarize Mass installers that feature the most attractive pricing, outreach and community education packages.

“Reducing the cost of solar makes the technology more affordable for homeowners across the state and DOER is proud to partner with these communities on this initiative,” said DOER Commissioner Judith Judson.

“Solar electricity provides environmental and economic benefits for homeowners and our communities,” said MassCEC Interim CEO Stephen Pike. “Solarize Mass makes solar electricity even more affordable and accessible for residents in cities and towns across the Commonwealth.”

Since its launch in 2011, 51 cities and towns have participated in Solarize Mass, which has led to the contracting of more than 2,600 new small-scale installations at homes and businesses resulting in 18 megawatts of contracted solar capacity. To date, systems installed under Solarize Mass have reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing 1,500 cars off the road annually.

Massachusetts currently has 1,058 megawatts of solar capacity installed statewide, more than halfway to the Commonwealth’s goal of 1,600 megawatts installed by 2020 and enough to power more than 161,000 homes. MassCEC and DOER are currently accepting applications from communities interested in participating in the 2016 round of the Solarize Mass program. More information on the application process can be found here.

“I want to congratulate the town of Bolton on their participation with Solarize Mass,” said State Senator Jennifer Flanagan (D-Leominster). “Clean energy solutions are certainly starting to lead the way, and programs such as Solarize Mass are the perfect opportunity for communities to not only benefit from the cost effectiveness of solar, but to also get excited about clean energy in general.”

“The Town of Medfield has once again shown their commitment to forward-thinking cost-saving efforts for their citizens,” said State Senator Jim Timilty (D-Walpole). “There were many proposals for the Solarize Mass project submitted and I am thrilled that MassCEC and DOER saw fit to bring this important state program to my district.”

“I am proud to see that the Town of Bolton will be participating in the next round of Solarize Mass,” said State Representative Kate Hogan (D-Stow). “Our region has long been committed to clean energy solutions and Bolton’s participation in this program will further increase local solar power opportunities. Thank you to all of the stakeholders, volunteers, and committed citizens who worked together to achieve this goal.”

“The Town of Medfield is a leader in its commitment to provide choice and opportunity to residents seeking a variety of energy sources,” said State Representative Denise Garlick (D-Needham). “This initiative aids the homeowner and also strengthens the Commonwealth’s environment and economic development through employment opportunities.”

“Medfield is excited to be selected for the next Solarize Mass program,” said Andrew Seaman, Energy and Facilities Manager for the Town of Medfield. “The Town has made great strides towards diversifying their electric supply by developing solar on Town land, and we are happy to have a similar initiative in place for residents to add solar to their property.”

“Bolton is delighted to be recognized as a Solarize Massachusetts community by MassCEC and DOER,” said Tony Jagodnik, Bolton’s volunteer solar coach. “We look forward to increasing education, awareness, conservation, and local adoption of solar via a best-quality and value group purchase for our homes and businesses, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and making the grid more-robust for everyone.”

– See more at: http://www.masscec.com/about-masscec/news/state-energy-officials-announce-new-communities-join-solar-program#sthash.Q1dxGSjV.dpuf

http://www.masscec.com/about-masscec/news/state-energy-officials-announce-new-communities-join-solar-program doerdoer

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Posted in Energy Committee, State, Uncategorized

Energy Committee from 2/11

Posted on March 14, 2016 | Comments Off on Energy Committee from 2/11

MEC

Town can save $34,740/year by buying our streetlights, and switching to LED streetlights.  The selectmen said we want the town meeting to make the decision, but let’s not wait a whole year and lose that much money in the interim.

We save money, we get better, safer lighting too – it’s a no-brainer.

 

MEC Meeting Minutes-February 11, 2016

Attendance: Andrew Seaman, Lee Alinsky, Cynthia Greene, Pete Peterson, Maciej Konieczny, Fred Davis, Marie Nolan

  1. January 13 meeting minutes accepted with additions.
  2. High School Students – not in attendance.
  3. Energy Manager’s Report
    1. WWTP Solar – Could start generating next week. PV system will be accepted by Town 3/1/16. On wait list for SRECs.
    2. 60 kW system is being considered for Public Safety Building. Roof weight and conduits sized for this system. Dore & Whittier drawing up plans. About a 7 to 9-year payback with SRECs. Options include having it done by GC or going out to bid later. Building construction estimated to be done October 7, 2016. Awaiting word on expansion of SREC program before moving forward with these plans.
    3. LED streetlights – Revised analysis provided by Fred D and Andrew S. Fixtures and installation costs $104,864 ($88,677 after incentives). Results in savings of $34,740/year including utility incentives and installation. Simple payback of 2.6 years to replace all 347 lamps with new LED fixtures after purchasing old HID fixtures for $1. Andrew confirmed $1 price from Eversource, offer good until April after Town Meeting. If Medfield did not purchase streetlights, likely replace with high sodium fixtures like existing on as need basis. Concluded best to replace all 347 streetlight all at once. Westwood used this approach with grant money from Green Communities. Andrew S. will investigate adding line item for streetlight purchase in this year’s capital budget or adding a warrant article. If wait one year, then forgo the $34,000 savings for one year. Streetlights are mounted on Verizon poles. Town owns arm and lamp itself. LED light warranty is 10 years. Money could be set-aside annually in reserve fund to pay for replacement in 15 years.
  4. Solarize Massachusetts’ status – Marie N. presented proposal at last week’s Selectmen’s meeting.   The program received endorsement by them and a letter of support was written. Andrew S. is to submit application with attachments to Mass CEC tomorrow. It could take 4-6 weeks to learn whether application is accepted.
  5. Community Shared Solar – similar to virtual net metering. Lee A. described the renewable Mass based program and will present possible projects for Medfield residents to consider at a future meeting.
  6. Next steps for Green Communities: MEC presented at Warrant Committee and Hospital Reuse Committee. Warrant committee will vote on stretch code article at their February 23rd MEMO meeting cancelled due to snow. Andrew S. scheduled to present at Permanent Planning & Building Committee but he may be on leave at the time. COA meeting to be scheduled. Recommended that at least I MEC member joins Andrew S at these meetings. Other community groups to present at: Lions, New in Towne, Medfield Green, and Legion. Andrew S will develop 5-year Energy Plan pending stretch code approval at Town Meeting. Press Release to be written on town energy-related initiatives. Looking into a possible writer to interview Andrew S.
  7. MMA Annual Meeting, Energy Session attended by Fred D. – Reported out the remarks made by the ISO-New England representative and the MA Energy Commissioner.   General sentiment was that new natural gas pipelines are not needed in the state.   Also reported at the meeting that over half (155) of MA towns are designated Green Communities.

Next month’s meeting – tentatively scheduled for March 17, 2016. Location and date to be confirmed.

 

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Posted in Budgets, Energy Committee, Safety, Uncategorized

Energy Committee on 2/11

Posted on February 16, 2016 | Comments Off on Energy Committee on 2/11

MEC

MEC Meeting Minutes-February 11, 2016

Attendance: Andrew Seaman, Lee Alinsky, Cynthia Greene, Pete Peterson, Maciej Konieczny, Fred Davis, Marie Nolan

  1. January 13 meeting minutes accepted with additions.
  2. High School Students – not in attendance.
  3. Energy Manager’s Report
    1. WWTP Solar – Could start generating next week. PV system will be accepted by Town 3/1/16. On wait list for SRECs.
    2. 60 kW system is being considered for Public Safety Building. Roof weight and conduits sized for this system. Dore & Whittier drawing up plans. About a 7 to 9-year payback with SRECs. Options include having it done by GC or going out to bid later. Building construction estimated to be done October 7, 2016. Awaiting word on expansion of SREC program before moving forward with these plans.
    3. LED streetlights – Revised analysis provided by Fred D and Andrew S. Fixtures and installation costs $104,864 ($88,677 after incentives). Results in savings of $34,740/year including utility incentives and installation. Simple payback of 2.6 years to replace all 347 lamps with new LED fixtures after purchasing old HID fixtures for $1. Andrew confirmed $1 price from Eversource, offer good until April after Town Meeting. If Medfield did not purchase streetlights, likely replace with high sodium fixtures like existing on as need basis. Concluded best to replace all 347 streetlight all at once. Westwood used this approach with grant money from Green Communities. Andrew S. will investigate adding line item for streetlight purchase in this year’s capital budget or adding a warrant article. If wait one year, then forgo the $34,000 savings for one year. Streetlights are mounted on Verizon poles. Town owns arm and lamp itself. LED light warranty is 10 years. Money could be set-aside annually in reserve fund to pay for replacement in 15 years.
  4. Solarize Massachusetts’ status – Marie N. presented proposal at last week’s Selectmen’s meeting.   The program received endorsement by them and a letter of support was written. Andrew S. is to submit application with attachments to Mass CEC tomorrow. It could take 4-6 weeks to learn whether application is accepted.
  5. Community Shared Solar – similar to virtual net metering. Lee A. described the renewable Mass based program and will present possible projects for Medfield residents to consider at a future meeting.
  6. Next steps for Green Communities: MEC presented at Warrant Committee and Hospital Reuse Committee. Warrant committee will vote on stretch code article at their February 23rd MEMO meeting cancelled due to snow. Andrew S. scheduled to present at Permanent Planning & Building Committee but he may be on leave at the time. COA meeting to be scheduled. Recommended that at least I MEC member joins Andrew S at these meetings. Other community groups to present at: Lions, New in Towne, Medfield Green, and Legion. Andrew S will develop 5-year Energy Plan pending stretch code approval at Town Meeting. Press Release to be written on town energy-related initiatives. Looking into a possible writer to interview Andrew S.
  7. MMA Annual Meeting, Energy Session attended by Fred D. – Reported out the remarks made by the ISO-New England representative and the MA Energy Commissioner.   General sentiment was that new natural gas pipelines are not needed in the state.   Also reported at the meeting that over half (155) of MA towns are designated Green Communities.

Next month’s meeting – tentatively scheduled for March 17, 2016. Location and date to be confirmed.

 

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LED streetlights are even better

Posted on February 12, 2016 | Comments Off on LED streetlights are even better

LED streetlights

The Energy Committee met last night, and Fred Davis circulated an updated analysis of the savings from buying our streetlights from Eversource and installing LED streetlights.  Eversource has now set the price for the town to buy the streetlights at $1.00, due to the streetlights having been depreciated over time – we have probably paid a good price for them already in the annual $41K/year current cost.

The new analysis included

  1. that buy out price,
  2. a calculation correction, and
  3. the now known annual maintenance cost.

Yearly savings with the LED streetlights are $34,740 and the pay back period is 2.6 years for the $104K cost – plus we get better lighting.  I am hoping that Mike can get this done ASAP.

LED streetlight analysis-20160211

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Posted in Energy Committee, Uncategorized