With the end of another year comes the notion to reflect and make adjustments in our lives; a time in which we are all given the opportunity to choose whether we want to tackle those projects we’ve yet accomplished. Whether it is finally painting those shutters, deciding to change your eating habits or simply taking more time for yourself, the New Year gives us replenished energy to make improvements.
Aside from the emotional energy it takes us to muster up the confidence to follow through on a New Year’s Resolution, let’s pay some tribute to the energy that enables us to live our lives each and every day. Energy turns on the lights so we can read that great novel we’ve been waiting to pe into, it keeps us warm (and cool) during the seasons so we can enjoy time with friends and family, it gets us from our driveways to the mountains so we can go on that hike we’ve been motivated to take, and it helps us cook those healthy recipes we’ve been anxious to taste. Energy is interwoven with nearly every single aspect of our lives, and for that, we should all save a place for its use on our list of resolutions this year!
The Concord Energy and Environment Committee has made some energy resolutions of its own for 2014, and it’s not alone. Towns, businesses, and inpiduals everywhere are seeking ways to save money on their energy bills, curb their participation in creating carbon emissions and invest in renewable energy systems that are locally maintained and distributed.
In 2013, our committee successfully drafted and presented to the city councilors a new chapter to the master plan solely focused on the city’s energy usage. This overview of our current state and plan of actions will help to guide energy resolutions for the decade to come! In it, we have addressed actions not only for the municipality, but for inpiduals and business owners alike.
Here are a few things that we plan to be resolute about in 2014:
∎ Complete Streets project.
With the numerous public hearings and committee meetings behind us, the time has come to start digging on Main Street’s redesign. Even though most of the big picture details have been decided upon, there are still many fine details that we can voice our opinion on. What types of trees will be planted and how will they be cared for in their early days? How many recycling bins will be available and where will they be positioned? Can we incentivize the use of electric vehicles with reserved parking spots?
∎ Energy efficiency ordinances.
Many of the new buildings downtown have been constructed with LEED Certified standards, which essentially means they use less energy than comparable buildings. The developers behind these projects voluntarily chose these options because they saw the potential for long term returns, among other marketable features. With new construction projects on the rise, how can we share positive testimonies about energy efficiency and renewable energy implementations with other developers? Similarly, how can we create zero-cost incentives to encourage the use of fuel efficient vehicles and energy star appliances?
∎ Large scale solar energy projects.
Concord’s municipal buildings use vast amounts fuel and electricity to keep our city running smoothly. As we’ve seen nationwide, municipal facilities like water treatment plants are prime candidates for implementing the use of solar electricity because of their large and consistent energy demands. Solar electricity is now more affordable than ever, and with a down payment on future energy uses, the city could potentially help to reduce (or at least stabilize) the tax base while reducing our carbon emissions.
∎ Accessible financing programs.
The one hurdle that developers regularly face is the upfront cost of implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Even though these projects have proven long-term cost savings, conventional financing programs are lagging behind. With the onset of national programs such as PACE Financing (or Property Assessed Clean Energy Financing), commercial developers can now have the opportunity fund such projects. Concord needs to join the program to help make these tools possible.
The opportunity to save money, support local jobs, and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels (especially imported fuels) is worth investigating and acting upon. We all have a choice in 2014 to make clear distinctions between our energy choices. We can choose to use energy more conservatively through behavioral changes or decide to invest in more efficient appliances. We can choose to invest in a wood stove or a solar energy system for the majority of our heat and electricity needs. Even if you’ve already done some of these things, you can choose to share your stories with friends and co-workers and help them better understand the benefits of such resolutions.
Energy is embodied with everything we do, so let’s take some time this January to reflect on how we can make improvements with how we utilize the resources that make it happen.
The Concord Energy and Environment Committee contributes a monthly column to the Insider. The members of CEEC aim to inform and engage the citizens of Concord about energy, environmental, and sustainability issues and policies. CEEC works with city administration and the Concord City Council to identify and implement sustainability programs and strategies. If you have questions or you would like to become involved in the committee, please contact us at 225-8500.
