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Following the adoption of the Stretch Energy Code by citizens at Special Town Meeting, the Energy Initiatives Advisory Committee was able to finalize Wayland's submission to the state Department of Energy Resources for consideration as a “Green Community.” The advisory committee was appointed by the Board of Selectmen nearly two years ago to pursue energy saving opportunities in Town and school buildings. The group has worked with staff for nearly 18 months developing baseline energy data, arranging energy audits, providing input on
town vehicle use and purchase policies, and participating in the planning and prioritizing for capital improvement projects that will yield significant reductions in energy consumption. The panel has also reviewed regulations to assure opportunities for research and development by alternative energy firms and educated the public on the value of adopting the stretch energy code for new construction and significant renovations of existing properties.
The Green Communities Act program recognizes municipalities who undertake five steps that will, over a five-year period, reduce energy consumption by 20% and encourage similar activities and efforts by companies and residents within our community.
Thirty-five communities earned recognition in the first round of review by DOER in the late spring and shared in $8.2M in grants toward completion of energy conservation measures. Last week, Wayland and seventeen other communities achieved similar status and will share $3.6M in grant funds. Wayland’s share is $131,775. We are hopeful that several of the capital projects identified in our long-range plan can be funded through the grant program. The deadline for applications is January 21, 2011. Linked here is the press release from the
Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs and the letter from the Green Communities program chief.
Citizens interested in learning more about the work of the Energy Initiatives Advisory Committee are encouraged to contact co-chair Anne Harris at arharris29@yahoo.com.
Fred Turkington
Town Administrator
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