The Select board
The Environmental Sustainability Committee is an advisory committee to the Select Board.
The Environmental Sustainability Committee is an advisory committee to the Select Board.
Carlisle voted to become a Green Community in 2011. Since then it has gained $825956 in grants and incentives, and saved $743,503 in energy reduction costs and not leasing streetlights from Eversource
( through June 2022). Green Community grants are primarily for Municipal Buildings and vehicles. The ESC advises the town on possible grant use, but does not manage Green Community administration. :Why Adopt New Opt In Specialized Stretch Code.
The MA Climate Bill 2021 allows communities to opt for a net zero energy building code, that encourages all electric buildings, and Passive House buildings. This video explains Passive house principals. Any type of building can be a passive house, not just homes. The ESC is championing the adoption of this Opt-in Specialized Code for Carlisle. Several non profit organizations have crafted guides to the new code. The MA Voters Guide to the Opt-In Specialized Stretch Code FAQ about the stretch code and the Opt-In Specialized Code. NEEP Guide to Residential Opt-In Specialized Code. NEEP Guide to the Commercial Opt-In Specialized Code. There are videos that discuss the new code: Residential Code Commercial Code Why adopt the New Specialized Code |
Two members of the committee and the Sustainability Coordinator are part of the Community Choice Aggregation Contracts Administration team that negotiate with suppliers. The ESC promotes the adoption of renewable energy as the default.
Gas Leaks in Carlisle
There are more than 21 un repaired gas leaks in Carlisle that emit the equivalent of 605 metric tons of C02 into the atmosphere. National Grid are not required to fix small gas leaks, but these leaks still emit methane gas. You can check where gas leaks have been reported on the HEET maps. This month a former Selectman recorded an unreported gas leak in Carlisle as you could see the methane bubbles in the puddle and reported it to National Grid. If you smell gas anywhere, including in your home, go outside and call 1-800-233-5325 or 911 immediately. |
The ESC organize the Route to Sustainability Day, where the different departments and committees can showcase their achievements, and residents can learn about the municipal environment and sustainability initiatives.
Committees and boards can download the logo for RTSD. Greenough Barn Deconstruction
The ESC was instrumental in having the warrant article for the removal of the Greenough Barn altered from demolition to deconstruction, so that as many materials as possible can be salvaged as feasible. However the ESC recognize that it is best practice to find a use for existing buildings rather than removing them. New Municipal Buildings.
Carlisle is currently planning for a renovated Police Station and an expansion of the Fire Station. These buildings should be as Energy Efficient as possible. Check out Acton MA new Fire Station #4 close to Carlisle |
HANSCOM AIRPORT EXTENSION
Hanscom Airport Extension is not within the ESC remit, however we recognize the significant impact that 81 new private jet storage spaces would have environmentally and how it would increase carbon emissions within the state significantly. The Governor is the only person who have the ability to stop this expansion.
Below is a list of resources for residents to review before lobbying the Governor.
Stop Private Jets at Hanscom or Anywhere
This is a coalition of 22 non profit local organizations. The webpage has an extensive amount of information regarding this proposal.
Mass 350.org event on 21st June with Bill McKibben.
On line petition against the expansion.
Further Information:
MassPort Report 2022
Letter from the Select Board of Lincoln MA
Concord MA website
WBUR article, June 2023
Bedford Citizen , Feb 2023