Town by Town, Essex County Embraces Renewables:

Amesbury

Have you gotten wind of the new renewable energy project at Cider Hill Farm? We were recently awarded three grants from the Massachusetts Technology Cooperative that will assist us in the construction of three, 10kW wind turbines to provide on-farm electric power.

As strong believers in sustainable agriculture and renewable energy, we are delighted with the awards and look forward to sharing our enthusiasm and conservation information with our farm visitors. It is our hope that the turbine installations will be completed this summer, but wind farming is new to our town and our neighbors, so new rules and permitting procedures may have to be put in place before we proceed.

Andover

Town of Andover Energy Cost Budget Overrun 11/05

Hurricane Katrina & Global Energy Demands Have Caused Record Prices for Fuel & Utilities

The problem: " Town Electricity Supply Costs are Expected to Increase 95% Beginning in December 2005 " Natural Gas Supply Costs Will Increase 71% in November " #2 Heating Oil has Already Increased 52% During the Past Year and May Rise Higher " Unleaded Gas Prices have Dropped but are Still 32% Higher than Last Year " Diesel Fuel Continues to Rise and is 60% Higher than Last Year

What does all of this mean for Andover? In a report presented to the Selectman, School Committee & Finance Committee on October 24th by the Plant & Facilities Department these price increases represent a potential budget overrun in this fiscal year (FY 2006) of $579,000 ($318,000 Town & $261,000 Schools). This has the potential of being a bigger problem next fiscal year FY 2007 ($1,000,000 over the FY 2006 budget).

What is Andover Doing About it? An Energy Task Force has formed headed by Joe Piantedosi Plant & Facilities Director. All major Town and School Departments are represented. The Task Force has already met and is focusing on seven areas to try and reduce energy costs: 1. Buildings 2. Computers & related equipment 3. Employee information & awareness 4. Public Works 5. Night time use of facilities 6. Vehicles 7. Other. A number of steps are already underway to reduce consumption & costs by School & Town staff which includes: shutting off interior and exterior lighting when not required, reducing building heating occupancy times, installing more energy efficient lighting, thermostats & controls. Shutting off unnecessary equipment, curtailing vehicle engine idling, weather striping doors, closing doors & windows, & looking for utility buying opportunities.

What can you do to help us? The Task Force has determined that a substantial sum of money (possibly $200,000) can be saved if everyone helps out. Here is a list of simple things that everyone can do: Turn off lights and equipment including computers, monitors, copy machines, and other equipment at the end of the day and during the day when not in use (guidelines will be given for computers & other equipment but generally any non-use of lights 15 minutes or more and one hour for computers & equipment). Try shutting off some lighting during the day in office areas where possible. Shut lights off after leaving some public areas like the lunch-room, bathrooms, & conference rooms. Dress appropriately during winter months. Cold feet are common problems. Try wool socks & warmer shoes. Also have a sweater handy. Electric space heaters are banned unless approved by Plant & Facilities due to the serious fire hazard they pose as well as very high operating cost. During the coldest months shut blinds or shades at night and especially weekends. Make sure windows are closed and locked. If possible move desks and work spaces away from windows. Share your good ideas and suggestions on saving energy. Send to energy Task Force C/O Joanne Kempton 8280 or e-mail. Also report maintenance related problems to Plant & Facilities.

Joe Piantedosi 11/1/05

Beverly

GREENERGY PARK is being developed by Solar Now, Inc. in Beverly as an Eco-Tourist Destination and Renewable Energy Education Park, with the goal of educating the public on renewable energy.

This park, its walking trails and visitors' area is built around a functioning 100 kW photovoltaic array and 10 kW wind turbine. Solar Now conducts the hour long Site Tours on weekdays during the Spring, Summer and Fall seasons for a nominal fee (adults $10, young students $5). Site Tours can be scheduled by contacting Solar Now at their office by telephone at (978) 927-9786 or by email at solarnow@comcast.net.

Centerville School

In 2002, the City of Beverly received $623,000 from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (http://www.masstech.org) to renovate the Centerville Elementary School into a signature, high performance, energy efficient, green school. Building features incorporated into the school include:1) a skylight system that enables natural light to enter into classroom areas and works in conjunction with photo sensors to dim lights automatically when not needed; 2) 10 kilowatts of solar photovoltaic cells; and 3) a 10 kilowatt wind turbine. The monitoring station in the lobby displays output from the solar panels and turbine, encouraging learning how renewable energy can help transform the way we obtain electricity. Predicted energy savings 2002: $11,000 per year.

Danvers

The Holten Richmond Middle School in Danvers, Ma was just opened last year as a "green school". The school has many features which make it an environmentally friendly building. To start with our students are in charge of recycling paper in every classroom. Students also are in charge of recycling bottles and cans in the cafeterias.

The actual building was given a green school grant through the state of MA. There are many elements of the design which enabled the school to acquire this grant, included photovoltaic collectors which help to power the school. These panels also serve as sunshades to reduce air conditioning in the warmer months.

In addition the south facing side of the building contains large windows for natural lighting and heating. Classroom lights in fact dim when natural light is available and turn off when the room is not in use.

Natural light is also available through light wells which allow sunlight to travel from the roof to interior classrooms.

A cistern collects rainwater to irrigate exterior plants. Landscapers also chose xeroscape landscaping to lessen environment impact.

Anyone interested in the green school feel free to contact John Hodsdon at johnhodsdon@danvers.org

Danvers to get serious about recycling next month

Salem News September 21, 2006
by Patricia Cronin

Beginning Oct. 1 recycling will become mandatory for Danvers residents, as the town tries to reclaim about $70,000 that would otherwise be spent taking recyclable plastics and paper to the dump this year.

High energy costs have driven up the price of carting away trash.

"Presently only 34 percent of residents put their green or blue recycle containers outside on collection day. It's very important that people participate." Town Manager Wayne Marquis said.

To educate residents about recycling, reminders will be put on residents' door knobs, advertisements will run on local cable access and on the town's website. A hotline has been established to answer questions about recycling and sixth graders have been asked to make posters with a recycling theme which will be featured in a calendar about recycling.

Materials accepted by the recycling program in Danvers have been expanded to include number 4, 5, 6 and 7 plastics, butter containers, foam meat trays and plastic plates and cups.

Gloucester

Jun 15, 2006 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX News Network) -- Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSEA) announced today it received a grant of $575,000 from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC) Renewable Energy Trust for the design and construction of two wind turbines at its world headquarters property at 35 Dory Road, Blackburn Industrial Park, Gloucester, Massachusetts.

The proposed wind turbines could provide Varian with up to half of its electricity supply. "Receiving the grant from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative will help us reduce our operating overhead while also protecting the regional environment by using a non-polluting renewable energy resource," said Rick Johnson, Director of Facilities at Varian Semiconductor.

"Varian is in a highly competitive industry -- one that requires companies to look for new methods of reducing costs. Varian is pleased the Renewable Energy Trust of the MTC has supported our project to design and install the two wind turbines at our headquarters. Varian's wind project is an example of corporate social responsibility -- the Company will improve its bottom line while protecting the environment, improving local power quality and helping the region reduce its reliance on imported oil."

Gloucester and Manchester to Purchase Big Belly Solar Trash Compactors

Essex County communities Gloucester and Manchester-by-the-Sea are using their Clean Energy Choice community matching grants to purchase BigBelly solar trash compactors. Using the power of the sun, the BigBelly system automatically compacts trash and reduces collection trips by four times or more. In addition to cutting collection costs, they reduce fuel consumption and diesel exhaust emissions. City and town officials are looking to the solar compaction system to help keep their communities cleaner, to educate the public about practical and cost-effective solar energy applications, and to save time and fuel through more efficient trash collection operations.

Hamilton

Hamilton Public Works director, Steven Kenney says that Hamilton town trucks and landscaping equipment are now powered by biodiesel, a mixture of cooking oil and diesel fuel.

Kenney totes the environmental benefits of using biodiesel including reducing dependence on foreign oil and the fact the biodiesel emits 40 percent fewer greenhouse gases than diesel. Because biodiesel burns more efficiently, engines are cleaner and fuel mileage per gallon is improved.

Wind Turbine Proposal

Boston Globe North

Sunday, Oct. 29, 2006

Wind Turbine Proposal - The Air Force is considering building a wind turbine at the Sagamore Hill Solar Observatory. Captain James Bono, Commander of the observatory, wrote a letter to the Board of Selectmen stating that the turbine would provide clean, renewable energy for the community. Selectmen plan to discuss it further.

Ipswich

Green Roof Sprouts on Top of Whipple Annex

by Natalie Miller

Ipswich Chronicle

October 19, 2006

A thick layer of soil now covers the Whipple Annex roof. Come spring it will look more like a Chia Pet than a traditional roof.

The installation of a "green roof" on the soon-to-be senior housing complex at the Annex has been completed and will sprout this spring! The green roof is a joint effort by the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation and the North Shore Housing Trust, which purchased the building from the town.

Green roofs consist of a waterproof membrane, a water-storing drainage mat, light weight soil and hardy, drought tolernant plantings. The rainwater is absorbed and pollutants are filtered through the living plants before the water is returned to the ground.

The roof provides thermal insulation which helps decrease heating and cooling costs.

A green roof will outlast a traditional roof.

Globe North: Energy Savings at Ipswich Schools and Municipal Buildings 

Across the region, school districts are feeling the sting of rising energy costs and trying to lessen the financial pain by using energy conservation grants and incentive programs.

By the end of 2006 Ipswich will have made energy-saving changes in its administration building, both elementary schools and its high school-middle school.

"Our electricity costs for the high school-middle school are $220,000 and gas heat another $200,000. Money used for energy takes away from educational programs, that's why we are trying to reduce our costs," said Superintendent Rick Korb.

Starting in October, contractors will install insulation and air selants in the high school-middle school. In January, they plan to install a computerized energy management system and control panel to identify and regulate heat flow throughout the facility. During April vacation, the multi-vapor lights in the gym will be replaced with more efficient fixtures.

The insulation project will cost $15,000 - $20,000 and with a savings of $4,500 per year will pay for iteslf in less than four years. Replacing the multi-vapor lights will cost $40,000 and save $7,020 annually. The energy management system will have a four year pay-back period.

by David Rattigan, Globe Correspondent

Lawrence

Geothermal heating/cooling at Merrimack Loft condos 

Monarch on the Merrimack Loft condominiums was once a working mill in Lawrence. Currently it is being developed into a mixed-use space and will utilize one of the largest geothermal heating and cooling project in the United States. Geothermal exchange, also called geoexchange, is the most efficient and environmentally-friendly way to heat or cool buildings, according to the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Residents of a 1,200 ft square unit will be projected to save 13% on their air conditioning bill and 32% on heating costs.

The former Wood Worsted Mill which once utilized coal burning power for industry will have a green future. In addition to the geothermal heating and cooling system the renovated mill will boast 2,100 thermally insulated windows as well as green roof space. For more information on this project please contact Robert Ansin

Lynn

North Shore Community College: Steps to Energy Conservation

1) North Shore Community College has recently purchased hybrid Chevy Silverado truck. This hybrid technology improves the truck's fuel economy by 10% over a conventional pickup and reduces CO2.

2) The College has participated in the Division of Energy Resources' (DOER) facility screening process to determine the feasibility of installing photovoltaic panels at the College. In March 2006 DOER's consultant, Timeless Technologies of Exeter, NH, prepared a feasibility report for the installation of a 62.2 kW system at the Lynn campus. The report estimated annual energy produced kW ac of 74,726 with a first year savings of $12,171. The simple payback period will be 8 years. Based on the EOEA's and DOER's review of the report, Mass Development has included the College's project in its funding request to the IRS. If funded this project will help the Commonwealth meet its Million Solar Roofs commitment.

Lynn approves green building order, passes unanimously in April 2005

"Ordered that all future designs and plans for construction projects of municipally owned buildings incorporate the renewable energy principals and practices adopted by the United States Green Building Council to the maximum extent feasible."

EnergyTeachers.org

2004, Shawn Reeves started EnergyTeachers.org to help lessons and ideas about renewable energy, and an understanding about all energy production and use, spread more quickly. Shawn has been demonstrating solar cooking to classrooms, starting with Pickering MS in Lynn over a year ago. EnergyTeachers.org (ETO) has sponsored a table at several energy-related events and has partnered with SolarNow, H.O.B.B.E.S., Salem State College, and many other organizations. ETO sends a newsletter free to teachers in MA and hosts a web site designed to help teachers share ideas quickly and efficiently. The links pages and calendar on line are useful also to the general public, covering all energy information, organizations, and events anyone submits.

Marblehead

Nahant

Newbury

Solar panels at the Joppa Flats Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary

Newburyport- On August 14, 2006, solar panels at the Joppa Flats Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary in Newburyport began providing clean, renewable energy to the facility! According to Bill Gette, Director of Joppa Flats Education Center, the first month-to-month energy cost savings comparison, (Sept05 prior to the solar installation vs. Sept 06) showed a significant savings of 60% and dramatically reduced the facilitys dependence on fossil fuels.

Visible from the Plum Island Turnpike, the 60 solar panels mounted on the roof of the Nature Center provides 9.9 Kw of electricity. On sunny days visitors can view the electric meter spinning backwards.

The Joppa Flats Education Center is the gateway to the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge one of the countrys most productive, year-round, wildlife viewing areas. Joppa Flats is located at One Plum Island Turnpike in Newburyport; hours are Tue  Sun and Monday holidays 8:30 am  4 pm.

The solar project was funded in part by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative and the Renewable Energy Trust.

Revere

Potential Wind Power in Revere

The Chelsea Record

Thursday, March 8, 2007

To date, a windy day in Revere is nothing more than a good reason to wear a scully cap, but to one major South Shore developer, Revere's windy days might be a valuable energy commodity.

Jay Cashman Inc. of Quincy is exploring sites in Revere for a potential wind farm, and although the idea is in its infancy, the company is preparing to meet with city officials....

"The company has informally requested a meeting with me, but it hasn't happened yet," said the mayor Tom Ambrosino. "I wouldn't be surprised if our coastline or marshlands didn't present opportunities to really develop wind farms."

Rockport

Wind measuring device installed at Rockport High School

Salem News - September 5, 2006 by Jason Simpson

ROCKPORT - Rockport High School may soon have a wind tower in its backyard. The Department of Public Works and the School Committee approved an area near the school's softball field as an appropriate site to install a 164-ft wind data collection tower to see if a wind turbine will generate enough energy for adequate use.

This comes nearly one year after a committee was formed to research the possibilities for a wind tower in Rockport. School Committee members Carl Engel and Debra Bloomingdale said the proposed tower on school ground would be a "wonderful idea," not only because of the initiative to bring renewable energy sources to town, but also for the educational possibilities the tower could produce for the children at the schools.

Rockport's Wind Technology Committee is in the second of multiple phases in the goal of creating a wind turbine for town uses with the help of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative.

Salem

Wind project gaining ground

Group explores city for turbine sites

By John Laidler, Globe Correspondent
July 19, 2007

Salem wants to help lead the way when it comes to tapping the power of the wind.

As a first step, the collaborative recently agreed to provide Salem with a preliminary analysis of eight potential sites for wind turbines identified by the city's Renewable Energy Task Force.

Today, representatives of the Renewable Energy Research Laboratory at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, which is undertaking the analysis, will be in Salem to meet with the task force and visit the sites.

The survey, which is being done at no cost to the city, should be completed within 45 days.

"I am thrilled," said Mayor Kimberley L. Driscoll, who appointed the task force in March to explore renewable energy opportunities for Salem. "We really feel this is the direction we should be heading in."

Driscoll noted other "green" initiatives Salem has already put in place, including the purchase this year of a hybrid vehicle for the Fire Department and six solar-powered trash compactors for parks and downtown areas. The city is also planning to install a 2-kilowatt solar array at the high school.

"Particularly since we do host a coal-fired plant," Driscoll said, "it's even more important for us to be concentrating on ways we can help the environment."

Interest in wind power is picking up across the state, with the controversial 420-megawatt Cape Wind project in Nantucket Sound just the most notable of a number of sizable projects proposed or in place.

Others include a 1.5-megawatt facility to be dedicated next month at the Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in the Berkshires; a 100-kilowatt turbine installed in 2005 on the South Boston site of the Local 103 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; and a 660-kilowatt facility installed by the Massachusetts Maritime Academy at its Buzzards Bay site in April, according to Emily Dahl, a spokeswoman for the collaborative.

Among municipalities, Hull installed a 660-kilowatt turbine in 2001 and a 1.8 megawatt facility last year, and is proposing four additional turbines off shore. About 30 communities in all are working with the collaborative on wind projects.

Among local communities, Lynn is exploring the possibility of a turbine at its regional waste-water treatment facility.

There have also been smaller-scale wind projects. One of them is a plan by Groom Energy Solutions to install a 1.8-kilowatt turbine at its new Swampscott Road site in Salem.

The project, which recently received approvals from city boards, will allow the firm to meet some of its electricity needs, but also to demonstrate to its commercial customers the use of wind power technology, according to the company's CEO, Jon Guerster.

Salem is interested in turbines that produce up to 1 megawatt of electricity, or enough to power 1,000 homes, said Rob DeRosier, vice chairman of the task force.

"We would all be tremendously proud of Salem if we could make this happen when a lot of other cities and towns have had so much trouble getting these things done," DeRosier said.

The survey will identify whether the sites are good candidates for wind projects.

The city could then apply to the collaborative to have a more in-depth feasibility study done on the best site or sites, said Chris Clark, senior project manager for a program at the collaborative that helps cities and towns evaluate wind energy options on municipal sites. The study would include recording wind speeds for a year.

DeRosier said the Bertram Field and sewerage district sites may be the leading candidates for further study because they best meet the criteria of being somewhat removed from homes and offering the potential of making onsite use of any power generated. He said the alternative to using power onsite is to sell it to the regional power grid, which would not yield as much of an economic benefit.

Since the South Essex district site may not strictly qualify as a municipal one, Clark said, if it is identified as a good candidate for a turbine, his agency would determine whether its community program or some other collaborative program would be the appropriate one to study it further. DeRosier said the city plans to seek the support of the sewerage district for placing a turbine on its property.

DeRosier said if the city decides to go forward with a turbine project, it would hire a private firm to install it. Among the questions a feasibility study would explore is whether the city or some other entity would end up owning the turbine project.

After the feasibility study, Salem could seek $150,000 from the collaborative to pay for legal and other costs associated with developing a turbine project To obtain guaranteed income from the turbine, the city could also apply to have the collaborative purchase renewable energy certificates that the agency could auction to firms selling electricity.

DeRosier said many challenges still lie ahead before a turbine project gets built -- including addressing potential concerns residents might raise about noise and other impacts.

But he said the project is worth pursuing.

"We all hear about global warming," he said. "We hear about pollution. We know that renewable energy should be the way of the future. That's what's driving this."

Catch the wind: Turbine plan OKed

Salem News by Tom Dalton

    In a city where a coal-fired power plant is visible from almost every vantage point, it is easy to forget that another energy source  wind off the ocean  powered the sailing ships that put this historic seaport on the map.

    While the Witch City is not about to start calling itself the Windy City, there are signs that Salem is taking a serious look at the wind at its back. Groom Energy Solutions, a new company on Swampscott Road, recently won approval to put a 33-foot-tall wind turbine in its parking lot. Although this turbine, which costs about $15,000 to install, is largely a demonstration model for residential use, it is one of the first such structures approved here in years. In addition to what the company hopes are business possibilities, its value is also symbolic.

    If a little wind turbine is possible, can a big one be far behind? A few days ago, the city's Renewable Energy Task Force submitted an application to a state agency to explore the possibility of building a large wind turbine somewhere in the city. Although dimensions vary, such turbines can be 300 feet or taller and cost $1 million to $2 million. The sites suggested include Winter Island, Salem Willows, Forest River Park, the South Essex Sewerage District plant on Fort Avenue and several schools: Salem High/Bertram Field, Saltonstall School and Bentley School.

    "From the very first meeting, we knew that wind was one of the primary objectives of our task force," said Cindy Keegan, a Salem resident and private environmental consultant who chairs the new group. "Salem has a very good wind resource. To not take advantage of it, or at least see if it is possible, was silly. " A big wind turbine in Salem, even its backers concede, is years away. But there are reasons, they say, to explore the possibility. The price the city pays for electricity went up 50 percent this year. It will cost $1.4 million alone to power the city schools next year.

    "It's definitely PC, Mayor Kim Driscoll said of her interest in wind power, "but I think there's real value for us to see whether PC can turn into dollar savings. 

Really taking off

        Salem is not the only community investigating. "Over 40 cities nd towns are exploring wind projects," said Chris Kealey, a spokesman for the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, a quasi-public economic development agency that provides financing and technical assistance for renewable energy projects. The city filed its wind turbine application with the agency. The agency works with large companies, like Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates in Gloucester, which is seeking city approval to erect two large turbines that will supply half of its electricity. The agency also works with homeowners, offering rebates and tax incentives.

     "Our wind and solar rebates have really taken off, Kealey said. "We're seeing an increase, a dramatic increase in the interest in wind (turbines) for homeowners."

     Thomas Dowd of Beverly, who runs North Shore Solar & Windpower, supplied the wind turbine for Groom, the Salem company on Swampscott Road, and also has residential customers. Business, he says, is good.

    "We're making money," he said. Wind turbines are not new in Salem. The city had windmills more than 300 years ago, and two large wind turbines on the Salem Hospital grounds as recently as two decades ago. The hospital project was abandoned, a hospital spokeswoman said, when it proved hard to service and not economically feasible. But the times might be changing. With global warming in the headlines, there are more private companies, public officials and private citizens paying attention to their  carbon footprint. "You're starting to see consumers say,'I want to personally offset the damage we do to our environment,'" said Jonathan Guerster of Groom Energy."In the corporate world, we're finding companies starting to do that. The City gets greener Since Driscoll took office."

The site below allows you to view the solar and wind power output generated at the Carlton School. Also, there is YTD data on the pollution saved and YTD renewable energy output.

Cut and paste the link below into your browser.

http://salem.k12.ma.us/schools/carlton

New garage lights brighter, less costly

By DAVE GERSHMAN
Salem News

SALEM -- Local environmentalists are applauding the city's move to replace all 391 lights in the East India Square parking garage with more energy-efficient fluorescent lights. The $96,438 cost of the project is being offset by $57,863 in rebates from Massachusetts Electric Co. The city's share of the tab will be $38,575. Because the new lights use 56 percent less electricity than the old fixtures, the city's electric bills will be lower and the lights will pay for themselves in less than two years.

"The city is making huge advantages in saving money in electricity and also at the same time being much more environmentally friendly," said Pat Gozemba, a Willows resident and member of Salem Alliance for the Environment. "If you're using less electricity, you're putting less greenhouse gas into the environment."

At the urging of SAFE, Mayor Stanley Usovicz and the City Council passed in September 2002 a resolution designating Salem as a "city for climate protection." Salem State College students Ben Walsh and Darryl Stafford, working with John Hayes, a faculty member in the college's geography department, performed an energy audit. They met with city electrician John Giardi and pinpointed the garage as a place where the city could get the most "bang for its buck," mayoral aide Tom Philbin said. SAFE raised $700 to buy a special software package to do the audit. "With the ongoing budget reductions at the state level, we have been looking for ways to reduce our operating costs," the mayor said. "SAFE has helped the city to do this while also reaching our common goal of protecting our environment. This shows what we can accomplish when we all work together."

Work to change the lights began last week. Giardi said the new fixtures are more durable than the old ones and will require less maintenance. They also come with a waterproof seal. In the last two years, the city has had to spend roughly $10,000 to replace faulty lights.

The new lights also produce more "white" light, making the garage brighter, city officials said. "Your eyes can see objects much more clearly," said Doug Wagner of the electric company, who negotiated the city's rebates.

"You can notice a difference," Parking Director Jim Hacker agreed.

Other projects are planned. Giardi is also replacing the bulbs in some traffic lights with more energy-efficient LED lights.

Salem Evening News November, 2003.

Cities for Climate Protection Resolution Salem, Massachusetts

WHEREAS, a scientific consensus has developed that Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (ghg) released into the atmosphere have a profound effect on the Earth's climate; and

WHEREAS, scientific evidence including the Third Assessment Report from the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the U.S. Global Change Research Program's (USGCRP) First National Assessment indicate that global warming has begun, with the 1990s the hottest decade in recorded history; and

WHEREAS, scientific evidence indicates that global warming is already beginning, with the 1990's and 1980's the hottest and second hottest decades in recorded history; and

WHEREAS, more than 160 countries pledged under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and

WHEREAS, in 2001, at the request of the Administration, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) reviewed and confirmed the concerns of the environment and public health communities and declared global warming a real problem, caused by humankind and impacting key vulnerable populations; and

WHEREAS, energy consumption, specifically the burning of fossil fuels--e.g.: coal, oil and gas--accounts for more than 80% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions; and

WHEREAS, local governments greatly influence the community's energy use by exercising key powers over land use, transportation, building construction, waste management, and energy supply and management; and

WHEREAS, local government actions taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency provide multiple local benefits by decreasing air pollution, creating jobs, reducing energy expenditures, and saving money for the City government, its businesses and its citizens; and

WHEREAS, the New England States have joined together in a regional compact with the Eastern provinces of Canada to reduce green house gas emissions in our region; and

WHEREAS, the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign, sponsored by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has invited the City of SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS, to become a partner in the Campaign;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the CITY OF SALEM commits to participate in the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign and, as a participant in the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign, SALEM pledges to take a leadership role in promoting public awareness about the causes and impacts of climate change. The CITY OF SALEM will undertake the Cities for Climate Protection programs 5 milestones to reduce both greenhouse gas and air pollution emissions throughout the community, specifically:

* Conduct a greenhouse gas (ghg) emissions inventory and forecast to determine the source and quantity of ghg emissions in the jurisdiction;

* Establish a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target;

* Develop an action plan with both existing and future actions which when implemented will meet the local greenhouse gas reduction target; and

* Implement the action plan; and

* Monitor to review progress toward reducing green house gas emissions.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the CITY OF SALEM requests assistance from the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) Cities for Climate Protection Campaign (CCP) as it progresses through the milestones.

Passed unanimously by the Salem City Council in September 2002.

Salem's Carlton Eentary School features 31 kW of solar photovoltaic cells, including 30 kW of flat panels mounted on the school roof and 1 kW of photovoltaic-insulated windows for the schools greenhouse. A small 1 kW wind turbine, provides power to the greenhouse. In addition, there are a variety of energy-efficiency features, inlcuding: a computerized energy monitoring station for the students, harvesting natural light panels in the gym, sensor detectors for lights and an educational program with elements designed to teach students about green, energy-efficient and renewable technologies. Predicted energy savings beyond code: 20.6% Predicted avoided energy costs (2002): $10,000/year.

Swampscott 

Town Hall looks at Geothermal Heating System

The Daily Item By David Liscio September 13, 2006

Swampscott Town Hall may soon have something in common with Boston's Trinity Church.

If a newly sanctioned feasibility study offers positive results, the Town Hall's heating and cooling would be controlled with geothermal energy.

Statistics compiled by the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium indicate that a geoexchange systems uses markedly less energy than the conventional heating and cooling systems, and can cut heating and cooling costs by 25 to 40%.

Swampscott Traffic Lights Converted to Energy Saving LEDs

All traffic lights in Swampscott have been converted to LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). The town paid $17,000, National Grid paid $10,000. Payback is expected to be 7 years.

Geothermal, ground source and geoexchange heat pumps have been providing home, commercial, and industrial owners and operators lowest cost conventional heating, air conditioning and domestic hot water heating, environmental benefits, comfort, durability, and low maintenance for over 60 years.

For more information go to the Geothermal heating and cooling systems go to the Geothermal Consortium website at www.geoexchange.org

If you are building a new house, renovating an old heating or air conditioning system, or installing radiant floor heating - Why not consider the most efficient system available, a geothermal heat pump?

Tierney forum focuses on energy savings

By Kaitlin Melanson/ kmelanso@cnc.com

Thursday, August 24, 2006

    Congressmen John Tierney (D-Salem) hosted his third energy forum last Wednesday, this time focusing on educating members of municipal governments from around the North Shore of ways in which they can save both energy and money. Nearly 100 attendees, including some from Swampscott, filled the auditorium of the Carlton Elementary School in Salem, a "green" building featuring several of the innovative energy saving tools discussed during the assembly. Attendees were primarily municipal light department and school officials, as well as local selectmen. Representing Swampscott were Tara Gallagher of the Renewable Energy Committee and Martha Dansdill of locally based HealthLink. "As energy costs continue to climb, we wanted to bring together key experts on energy efficiency opportunities for local communities and schools so that they can take advantage of valuable energy saving and cost cutting options," Tierney said.

    Keynote speaker Warren Leon, director of the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust, shared tips on how to bring energy efficiency and renewable energy to the forefront. "It is obvious we need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and imported oil, but it's hard to get people to focus on energy, because they have the psychology of it all wrong," Leon said. "When people recycle their [big bulky newspaper] at the end of the week they feel accomplished. When you fill up your tank however you don't feel or see the pollution it's causing." Leon added, "What's even worse is electricity. A light switch feels so safe and clean, but we don't see the coal mines firing up every time we flip the switch. Anything we can do to make it feel more tangible makes a difference." Among many suggestions Leon made for lowering energy usage and cutting costs to focus on bigger, one-time projects rather than taking baby steps. "Buying a more energy-efficient refrigerator would have more of an impact than telling the kids to close the door faster," Leon said. "[Also], remember that some buildings can last over 50 years so it would be worth something to put more money up front and then save in on going operating costs."

    Aside from cost-saving opportunities, Bill White, senior analyst for the Environmental Protection Agency, reminded attendees of another long-term effect of high-energy use. "The energy we use is the No. 1 source of air pollution," White said. "Superior energy performance is important for reducing strain on energy supplies to avoid blackouts and national gas shortages."

    One way White suggested to achieve superior energy performance was by taking the Energy Star Challenge. Energy Star, a joint program of the EPA, challenges building owners to improve existing building efficiency by 10 percent or more. To help with achieving this goal, Energy Star offers a tool called "Portfolio Manager" to structures such as schools and office buildings, which helps set goals, measure progress over time and recognize high performance buildings.

    "Our nation's 14,300 kindergarten through 12th-grade school districts spend over $5 billion annually on energy, with one-third of this money being unnecessarily spent on high energy bills," White said. "This money could instead be invested in energy efficiency to improve lighting, acoustics, and air quality which would in turn create a better working and learning environment."

    Other events of the day included a panel discussion among representatives of major utility companies, including NStar, National Grid and Keyspan, sharing tips on programs and incentives currently available, with a great focus on finding out what can be done despite the costs so they will know what they can do when the money is available. For those who wondered how they could possibly implement such tools on their town's bud

Swampscott Selectmen Appoint Renewable Energy Committee

In May of 2005, the Swampscott Selectmen officially appointed a Renewable Energy Committe to help the town explore renewable energy options and energy efficiency issues. The issues we have worked on over the past year include: 1) Identifing potential locations for renewable energy installations and interfacing with the UMass Renewable Energy Lab for their expertise. 2)Enlisted National Grid to do an energy audit walk-through of all town buildings. Presently recommendations are being reviewed with decision makers. 3) Submitting "Ask the Energy Miser" monthly column to the weekly newspaper. 4) Co-sponsored with HealthLink a free educational public forum on Geothermal Energy and Systems. 5) Began a dialogue on creating a satellite communter parking lot for train users and installing bike racks in public areas.