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Energy Action Committee

Meeting Minutes

Committees: Energy Action Committee

2011 Annual Report

Mission: To serve the residents of the Town of Hingham by establishing energy policies that will promote the efficient use of energy, increase awareness and that will reduce adverse environmental impact.

Work Product: The Energy Action Committee, successor to the Energy Policy Committee, identifies, promotes, and implements energy savings opportunities for municipal and community-wide operations and residences, and raises energy awareness on issues of concern to Town residents.

Work Agenda: Monthly meetings and periodic reporting to the Board of Selectmen to solicit feedback on suggested policies and structure.

In 2011, the Committee:
-worked with the Hingham Municipal Light Plant to conduct energy audits of the Hingham Public Library, Town Hall and High School. After the audits were conducted, the Committee worked with Hingham Public Library administration and Town management to determine what measures identified in the audits were cost effective and readily able to be implemented, and further assisted in the implementation. According to these criteria, an expected savings across the buildings of almost $100,000 can be realized with an expenditure of about the same, for a simple payback of one year.

--worked with the School Building Committee to research and assess the possible use of photovoltaics in the design of the new Hingham Middle School, and also reviewed other energy efficiency possibilities for the Hingham Middle School within the confines of the Town's participation in the Model School program (MSBA).

--piloted "Kill A Watt" devices in the Hingham Public Library, which allows Town residents to check-out the devices and measure energy consumption in the home.

-authored multiple articles in the Hingham Journal, alerting Town residents to various energy programs and raising awareness of energy issues of concern.

-hosted presentations on the financial aspects of photovoltaics and solar energy within the municipal and residential context.

-applied for a grant for technical assistance for Energy Action Planning through the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC).

Goals for 2012 include:
• Finalize the Committee's assistance with the School Building Committee regarding the new Hingham Middle School.
• Secure the Town's participation in "Earth Hour"
• To prioritize with the Town Administrator and School Business Director opportunities for energy efficiency measures.
• To continue to educate the residents and businesses of Hingham about energy issues, as well as rebates, audits and opportunities available from the federal and state governments, as well as our municipal electric utility, Hingham Municipal Lighting Plant, and natural gas utility, National Grid.
• To set an emissions reduction target based on realistic and feasible actions, including education and outreach initiatives (see above).

Any individuals interested in serving on the committee or offering expertise on energy related matters are welcome to contact us through energy@hingham-ma.com

Energy Action Committee:
Otto Harling
Pam Harty, Chair
Paul Heanue, Hingham Municipal Lighting Plant
Virginia LeClair
Brad Moyer
John Bewick
School Business Director ex-oficio
Finance Director ex-oficio