Green Needham MeetingJanuary 21st, 2010

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Agenda

• 3:35 - Introduction

• 3:40 – What’s under the Umbrella?

• 4:15 – Questions

• 4:30 – Needham in Motion

RTS Solar Photovoltaic

• Preliminary site survey shows potential to install 1 MW of solar PV

2009:

2010: • Completed feasibility study• Financing plan and options

• Develop actionable plan through feasibility study ($5,000)• Secure community commitment• Evaluate financing options (public, private, incentives)

Wind Feasibility Study

• Town Commitment• $24,000 raised

2009:

2010: • Tower installed and measurements underway

• Zoning by-law (May Town Meeting)• Finalized installation plan (plus any additional fundraising needed)• Active high school project

HEEI - Home Energy Efficiency Improvements

• Homeowner seminar developed and piloted2009:

2010: • Five or more seminars hosted by new community partners

• Published success stories

• Recruit partner organizations and volunteers• Bring on additional domain experts• Solicit external support

Green Community

• Put Green Community on the radar of key stakeholders

• Developed plan for each required community commitment

2009:

2010: • Needham commits to achieving Green Community status

• Municipal energy use reduction and commitment to energy-efficient vehicles

• Siting for renewable energy R&D, generation or manufacturing• Stretch energy building code

Houses of Worship

• Environmental Stewardship Workshop attended by 8 Needham Houses of Worship

• Publication of 3 Mass Interfaith Power & Light case studies

2009:

2010: • Houses of Worship host HEEI workshops (2 – 3)• Houses of Worship participation in “Needham in

Motion”

10% Energy Challenge

• Taken by 464 households • Commitments removing 4 million pounds of

CO2 from the atmosphere each year

2009:

2010: • Double the number of households taking the challenge – reach 1,000

• More contact with those who’ve taken the challenge – information, prizes

• March: Coordinate with Needham Unplugged - reduce phantom energy

• July: Coordinate with Community Farm – local produce• October: Weatherization Month

Needham Friends of Woods and Waters

• Proposals for community improvements submitted proposals to Park & Recreation Commission and the Planning Board

• Sunday afternoon guided walks through town’s open spaces

2009:

2010: • Continue expert-led walks through the town. • Develop a companion booklet to our 2008

"Ferns & Fins Guide to Sidewalk Journeys through Needham"

Green Kids

• Earth Day Celebrations• Green Kids Clubs• No Idling Campaigns

All:

By School:• Safe Route to School Programs• Recycling Efforts - Nike Program, Cell phones• Tap Water Project• Reuse Project• Letter Writing - Hasbro, Dunkin Donuts

PTC-run groups at Needham Elementary Schools

Pollard Environmental Action Team

• Junk Mail elimination project• Pollard Paper Recycling and planning for

conversion to single stream• Collaboration with custodians and food service

2009:

2010: • Classroom impact for worm composting project• Web site• Ongoing projects

• Reuse projects - Passive Solar Heating Panel Demo, CSL Reports• "Turn 'em Off!" light switch cover decorating contest• CFL sales to staff

Umbrella for “All things green” at High Rock and Pollard

High School Environmental Club

• In-school improvements – more trash & recycling bins in hallways, cafeteria

• Awareness – Club forums, NHS Student News• Events – Maple Syrup Fundraiser, PTC Craft Fair

2009:

2010: • Successful Stream Recycling at NHS• Open an environmentally friendly school store• In-school improvements - reduce hallway and

classroom light usage, recyclable cafeteria trays

• 4th Annual Maple Syrup Fundraiser• 4th Annual Faculty Appreciation Pancake Breakfast• Field trip to newly built energy efficient home in Norfolk

Grow – Olin Student Sustainability Team

• Formed as an organization • Demonstrated charcoal burn technique for

developing countries

2009:

2010: • Demonstrate wind-belt technology • Train students to run home energy audits• Join Massachusetts Power Shift and participate

in events with Wellesley College

Needham Community Farm

• Educational/Community Offerings, Food Pantry donations• Community Farming Forum• School Collaborations

– Mitchell “Food for Thought” Program– Eliot & Broadmeadow planning– EPA Grant Application for Teacher Training Program

2009:

2010: • Obtain use of Brewster Drive location to expand production and educational offerings

• Collaborate with Olin College to build “Living Lab”

• Upcoming Event: Sustainable Harvest: Local Food Initiatives in Needham

Needham Bikes

• Needham Bikes formed & web site created• Over 230 members signed up• Two Family Fun Rides, with over 80 riders total• Town approval to implement first phase of bicycle plan

2009:

2010: • Non-profit corporation with 501c3 status• Complete phase 1 – installation of bike signs• Drive awareness and participation through

events such as Needham Bike Week and Tour de Needham

with your participation now…in 2010

Needham will be a sustainability leader as we celebrate our 300th year in 2011

Green Needham Collaborative:– www.GreenNeedham.org

• Green Needham Collaborative Wiki– wiki.GreenNeedham.org

• 10% Energy Challenge– challenge.GreenNeedham.org