Townsend Energy Committtee

Townsend Energy Committee

On the Road to Becoming an Energy-Efficient Community

Townsend is hoping to join 74 other communities including Ayer, Gardener, Chelmsford, and Tyngsboro that have already become Green Communities.Designation as a green community would give Townsend to access grants and funds through the Green Community Designation and Grant Program for energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives here in town. The smallest grant awarded to a Green Community in Massachusetts, to date, was $130,000!

These programs open the door to improving Townsend’s energy-efficiency, by providing grants for energy efficiency projects like improved heating and cooling systems, upgraded lighting, etc.

On November 15, 2011 7:00 pm at Memorial Hall Townsend will vote on adopting the Board of Building Regulations and Standards Stretch Code

The Stretch Code will allow Townsend to take meaningful action on energy use, yield significant cost savings for local residents, businesses and the town by reducing energy use.

For more information on Stretch Code visit our FAQ!

Still have questions? Email the Townsend Energy Committee!

Why Go Green?

By taking advantage of programs like the Green Community Designation and Grant Program, Townsend will become less susceptible to energy price fluctuations – saving the town money and reducing uncertainty when budgeting for energy use (electricity, heating, etc.).

In September, 2010 the Townsend Water Department installed a small Solar Array using funds from the Massachusetts’ State Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. With the system the Water Department used 50,237 fewer kilowatt hours (kWh) from September 2010 - August 2011 compared to the year before – saving the town $2,600.00 in the first year of operation alone!

But this effort is not about going green, installing renewable energy, etc. It’s about doing what’s best for our community, reducing our dependence on energy and the impact of erratic energy prices.

To become a Green Community, Townsend Must:

1. Provide as-of-right siting in designated locations for renewable/alternative energy generation, research & development, or manufacturing facilities

Townsend’s old landfill and some old industrial and municipal facilities could receive a second life as a site for solar development.

2. Adopt an expedited application and permit process for as-of-right energy facilities

Townsend’s departments are committing to review permit applications for renewable energy systems in a timeline and expedient manner – no short cuts will be made.

3. Establish an energy use baseline and develop a plan to reduce energy use by twenty percent (20%) within five (5) years

Townsend is participating in Mass Energy Insight to track and identify potential energy savings in our municipal facilities!

4. Purchase only fuel-efficient vehicles

Exceptions are made for police cruisers, fire trucks, ambulances, plows, and other similar equipment that do not have a fuel-efficient option.

2. Adopt an expedited application and permit process for as-of-right energy facilities

Townsend’s departments are committing to review permit applications for renewable energy systems in a timeline and expedient manner – no short cuts will be made.

3. Establish an energy use baseline and develop a plan to reduce energy use by twenty percent (20%) within five (5) years

Townsend is participating in Mass Energy Insight to track and identify potential energy savings in our municipal facilities!

4. Purchase only fuel-efficient vehicles

Exceptions are made for police cruisers, fire trucks, ambulances, plows, and other similar equipment that do not have a fuel-efficient option.

5. Adopt the new Board of Building Regulations and Standards Stretch Code

Townsend will vote on November 15^th on adopting the Stretch Code, which will save residents, businesses, and the town money and energy.

2. Adopt an expedited application and permit process for as-of-right energy facilities

Townsend’s departments are committing to review permit applications for renewable energy systems in a timeline and expedient manner – no short cuts will be made.

3. Establish an energy use baseline and develop a plan to reduce energy use by twenty percent (20%) within five (5) years Townsend is participating in Mass Energy Insight to track and identify potential energy savings in our municipal facilities!

4. Purchase only fuel-efficient vehicles Exceptions are made for police cruisers, fire trucks, ambulances, plows, and other similar equipment that do not have a fuel-efficient option.

5. Adopt the new Board of Building Regulations and Standards Stretch Code

Townsend will vote on November 15th on adopting the Stretch Code, which will save residents, businesses, and the town money and energy.

3. Establish an energy use baseline and develop a plan to reduce energy use by twenty percent (20%) within five (5) years

Townsend is participating in Mass Energy Insight to track and identify potential energy savings in our municipal facilities!

4. Purchase only fuel-efficient vehicles

Exceptions are made for police cruisers, fire trucks, ambulances, plows, and other similar equipment that do not have a fuel-efficient option.

Townsend will vote on November 15^th on adopting the Stretch Code, which will save residents, businesses, and the town money and energy.