Sustainable Energy Report

The selectmen heard a report from Charlie Parker representing CSEC, or the sustainable energy committee, that is setting goals for municipal energy use into the future.

Parker said CSEC is drafting a "Sustainable Concord Master Plan" that will be available to town department heads, and later may apply to residents.

CSEC is seeking a 20 percent reduction in energy consumption in the municipal buildings by 2015, the summary that Parker presented on Monday stated.

The municipal light plant will assist the town in devising strategies for reducing demand and consumption and using renewable energy, Parker said.

"We recommend that policy posigtions and plans be developed in each area for presentation at a public hearing before the end of 2010," Parker's report said.

Parker said CSEC developed baseline municipal gas, oil and electrical use using 2008 data, and will use the data for setting goals for 2015.

"We think it is doable," said Parker.

"The overall CSEC strategy is to support energy efficiecy and conservation in municipal facilities and behicles in order to position the town as a leader and steward of energy resources," the report said. "After we gain the commitment from the town for muicipal buildings, we will seek a similar commitment from the Concord schools as the second step and with civic and nonprofits as the third."

"This is a work in progress," said Parker at the Monday night meeting.

The report was met enthusiastically by the selectmen who praised CSEC's hard work in gathering the data and developing strategies.

"We need tools to educate the public around sustainable energy practices," said Parker. He said the town could set an example for other communities.

"We are seeing results already with the street light program (removing street lights from poles in residential areas)," he said. He wants to develop "common sense opportunities" to reduce consumption, extending to the libraries and schools.

Parker said the commercial sector in town poses "a big nut, a big challenge."

But for now, Parker said he hopes the selectmen back CSEC's initiatives.

"We need 100 percent participation," said Parker. CSEC wants to formalize the goals by the end of 2010. "Public involvement is key."

He said window weatherization is another practical solution for curbing energy use. And new, more efficient boilers such as the one at 51 Walden Street, Friends of the Performing Arts in Concord, that achieved a 20 percent savings in one year, Parker said.

"It's going to be a challenge," said Whelan of the 2015 reduction plan.

"It's laudable," said Selectman Stanly Black. "This is a great draft."

Selectman Elise Woodward agreed.

"This is thoughtful and comprehensive," said Woodward. She said the Town Manager had a goal of 5 percent reduction in one year, which would wind up 20 percent by 2015.

"This is wonderful information," said Selectman Carmin Reiss. "It will be a challenge in its implementation."