With a number of the energy conservation projects originally identified by Marion’s Energy Management Committee now completed, the members considered whether or not it was time to expand their role in the community and rebrand their committee. The idea of adding “climate” to the name of the committee inspired the discussion during the June 7 meeting.
The committee weighed whether or not they should drop the word “management,” as member Dr. Jennifer Francis noted, “We don’t manage the town’s energy.” They wondered aloud if adding the word climate makes sense. EMC member Alanna Nelson said that part of their oversight should be educating the public on matters of climate change and resiliency: “We want to encourage people to go electric.”
Francis said that as part of the Green Communities initiative adding climate-related matters to their focus is “a natural extension of what we already do.” EMC Chairperson Christian Ingerslev said a letter had been sent to the Select Board asking for guidance regarding the role of the committee, but no response had been received as of June 7.
Projects related to energy efficiency have been the focus thus far for the EMC. Such projects as identifying outdated heating and cooling systems in municipal buildings, programs for obtaining electric vehicles for town departments, and an overall push towards reduction in emissions as mandated by the state Green Communities Division. Ingerslev said that the town has committed to a 50-percent reduction in emissions by 2030 from the 1990 baseline that was established.
On the topics of municipal vehicles, Francis said those units slated for replacement should be identified so that an evaluation can be made to determine if energy-efficient alternatives are available.
Matters related to energy efficiencies in town buildings seemed to be lagging, it was noted, with no clear solution for the town-owned Music Hall. Other structures needing more study are the Town House and a sanitation building.
The concept of net-zero buildings that achieve an overall balance between emissions produced and emissions taken out of the atmosphere was discussed. EMC member Bill Saltonstall said he would like to see solar energy used on the proposed Marine Center as well as the Cushing Community Center, although he conceded that the COA facility roof is currently shaded by trees.
Saltonstall also urged that an energy audit be performed on the town’s sewer plant. While heat pumps were considered by the group as efficient equipment, the feasibility of utilizing them in older buildings might become cost prohibitive due to the need to upgrade old wiring systems, it was noted. Town Planner Gil Hilario said he has been seeking grant opportunities to study net-zero opportunities for Marion facilities.
The committee members also discussed the ramifications of the town adopting the state’s “Stretch Code,” an appendix to the state building code that is designed to result in cost savings and environmental benefits through improved building energy efficiencies.
On a bright note, Saltonstall said that one of the projects spearheaded by the EMC is the town’s inclusion in a wind energy program. Francis said that Saltonstall has been a prime mover in negotiating the agreement that has been returning $400,000 annually back to the town in the four years since it was inked. Future Generation Wind, located on the boundary between Bourne and Plymouth, produces energy that is then distributed through conventional channels to partnering communities. Hilario said Marion is reimbursed 20 percent per month for electric energy consumption of its municipal buildings.
The next meeting of the Marion Energy Management Committee is scheduled for July 26 at 5:00 pm.
Marion Energy Management Committee
By Marilou Newell