Town of Marshfield

Energy and Climate Change Committee

Goals, and Objectives

(Revised after July 12, 2007 Meeting) 7/31/07

1)         Provide implementable recommendations to the Selectboard and town residents to reduce the use of energy, reduce carbon emissions and increase the use of renewable energy;

2)         Explore the potential to increase the use of renewable energy sources within the community and to develop local renewable energy sources promoting energy self sufficiency

3)         Consider strategies to improve Marshfield’s energy supply security;

Users implement energy/carbon reduction/ renewable energy measures and the Town considers the establishment of any feasible town-wide renewable energy projects.

5)         Provide a mechanism to track the accomplishments of the town and its residents in reducing energy use and conversion to renewable energy sources.

6)         Enhance the Town’s ability to experience significant economic benefits while reducing the impact on global warming by the town and its residents.

Objectives

Recommendations to the Town will focus on overall energy usage, carbon emissions and the potential for use of renewable energy in the areas of electrical usage, space heating, and transportation.

1)      Develop a baseline measurement of current energy use and carbon emissions by the town and its residents and a process to update these measurements as reductions occur.

2)      Assess and develop a list of energy use/ carbon emission reduction options, possible alternative/renewable energy sources for residences, public buildings and transportation with anticipated energy and emissions savings, net cost savings (life cycle cost estimates) and other potential incentives, using available information and programs at State and Federal levels. 

3)   Collect, develop and distribute pertinent, practical information to Marshfield residents and involve and educate residents in the work of the Committee seeking to achieve acceptance and implementation of the recommendations.

4)   Assess and develop specific projects to reduce energy use and carbon emissions

5)      Assess and develop specific feasible projects to produce renewable energy locally.

6) Assess the possibility of energy use reduction and alternative fuels in the maintenance of town highways and the use of municipal and private vehicles.

7) Review Marshfield’s town plan and the zoning and subdivision regulations from an energy reduction perspective and make recommendations.

8) Assess the feasibility of energy use reduction through local production and marketing of food thereby reducing transportation costs associated with food distribution for the town’s residents. 

9) Implement specific feasible projects approved by the Selectboard to achieve these goals and objectives, thereby reducing Marshfield’s dependence on traditional forms of energy and enhance the Town’s ability to experience significant economic benefits.