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Energy Action Committee

Meeting Minutes

Committees: Energy Action Committee

2010 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, is developing an Energy Action Plan outlining strategies for both municipal and community-wide operations to reduce overall energy consumption.

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

In 2010, the Committee:
-worked with town management to explore prioritizing municipal properties that warrant an energy audit, in order to recognize areas where buildings can benefit from equipment replacement or improvement to yield energy savings and attendant cost savings.

-reviewed a wind energy by-law presented by a town resident and developer. While the by-law was not optimal in our estimation for the town, it prompted discussion (ongoing) regarding the appropriateness and necessity of a by-law applying to commercial scale wind power.

-determined with town management that energy efficiency improvements through the method of performance contracting are not optimal financially for the town, but that methodical auditing is necessary to understand where cost saving strategies may lie. Also determined with Hingham Municipal Lighting Plant that cogeneration (heat and power) is not advantageous at the library or high school.

Goals for 2011 include:
• To secure funding to initiate energy efficiency initiatives.
• To prioritize with the Town Administrator and School Business Director opportunities for energy efficiency measures.
• To educate the residents and businesses of Hingham about energy 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).
• To continue review of appropriateness of energy-related by-laws, such as for wind energy and a building 'stretch' code.

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