Williamstown is working to become a Green Community

May 18, 2010

Williamstown is attempting to satisfy five criteria to become designated a Massachusetts Green Community.  As a Green Community, Williamstown will reduce energy costs and carbon emissions, and be eligible for grants for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

 What are the Five Criteria to become a Massachusetts Green Community?

  1. Renewable Energy zoning: Adopt as-of-right siting for renewable energy facilities that allow generating, manufacturing or research and development of technologies, such as solar photovoltaic cells and wind turbines. As long as these facilities meet standards set by the town they would not require a special permit.
  2. Renewable Energy expedited permitting: Adopt an expedited application and permitting process for such renewable or alternative energy facilities to guarantee that applications are approved within a year of being submitted.
  3. Town Energy Reduction Plan: Conduct an inventory of the town’s municipal energy use (School, Town Hall, DPW, Fire Station, town vehicles) and develop a plan to reduce energy use by town-owned buildings, vehicles and streetlights by 20 percent within 5 years.
  4. Fuel Efficient Vehicles: Purchase fuel-efficient vehicles when available and practical for the town’s needs and vehicle performance.
  5. StretchEnergy  Code: Adopt amended energy building code to ensure new construction follows energy efficient practices.

At the 2010 Annual Town Meeting Tuesday, May 18, at 7:00 pm in the Williamstown Elementary School, Warrant Articles pertaining to becoming a Green Community will be presented:

1. Article 25 – Stretch Energy Code – An appendix to the MA energy portion of the building code that allows towns to choose a more energy efficient option. Voting yes on this article means that the Stretch Energy Code would go into effect January 1, 2011. Over 30 communities in Massachusetts have passed the Stretch code including Becket, Belchertown, Lenox, Pittsfield, Greenfield and Springfield.  See “Frequently asked Questions” on reverse side.

2. Article 32 – Renewable By-Right Siting – By-right siting of facilities that allow manufacturing or research and development of renewable energy technologies in the limited industrial zoning district.

 Green Communities Task Force:  Stephanie Boyd, Michael Card, Pat Dunlavey, Tom Ennis, Peter Fohlin, Andrew Groff, Tim Kaiser, Jason McNair, and Wendy Penner, with lots of support from Nancy Nylen of CET.