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The meeting was called to order at 7:02 by Pam Harty, Chair.
Pam provided an overview ICLEI and updated the committee on the progress of the Hingham carbon footprint report.
Russ motioned and Brian seconded keeping the prior committee mission.
Pam undertook a review of the goals of the prior committee (see below).
Goal #1: standards for use/generation. It was noted that the School Department has agreed to use 5% bio-diesel fuel for buses in 2008/09 (the goal that had been discussed was 20%). The School Department reported to committee members that to move beyond 5% would significantly raise the cost. It was noted that the HLP fuel mix is already 12% from renewable fuel sources (the goal that had discussed was 20%).
Goal #2: work to establish ‘green’ building codes. It was noted that if Hingham were to require buildings to be ‘LEED’ certified the increase in cost could drive some developers out of the market – which would be counter productive. It was suggested that the EAC work with the building commissioner and that we should examine recent changes in the Massachusetts building code to see if they are encouraging building that is more environmentally friendly.
Goal #3: work to establish zoning by-laws that promotes alternative power generation. It was noted that Hingham is without any zoning regulations that govern the installation of windmills: micro (residential) or macro-sized. After discussion it was suggested that the Zoning Board be encouraged to use the EAC as a resource in the drafting of new regulations. Otto noted that Cohasset has already drafted zoning regulations that could be of use in Hingham’s efforts.
Goal #4: examine the efficacy of energy performance contracting programs. After a informative discussion led by Brian and Russ, it was agreed that energy performance contracts could be of value to Hingham, but one had to read the details very carefully.
Goal #5 & 6: identify private, state and federal sources of funding that would support capital projects and/or the operation of renewable energy projects.
Goal #7: establish outreach programs and communication. Russ moved (Brian seconded) that the EAC work to publish a monthly ‘energy tip’ in the Hingham Journal. The motion was unanimously supported. Victor agreed to write a small article that would describe our first meeting, publish our mission and goals. It was also noted that the Town of Hingham maintains a webpage and the EAC should make use of this resource.
Goal #8: establish benchmarking standards. The ICLEI report will provide Hingham’s carbon footprint and national averages for communities of our size. These results should be available soon.
It was agreed that the committee should prioritize its goals at our next meeting. A tentative meeting schedule was established as the first Monday of the month – September 8, October 6, and November 3.
It was agreed that the EAC secretary would rotate, following an alphabetical order.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:08.