Natick Sustainability Committee Shifts To Net Zero Natick Committee

NATICK, MA — The Natick Sustainability Committee is no more ... sort of.

At the Select Board's most recent meeting, four members of the Sustainability Committee submitted their resignation as the committee is set to transition to a new committee with a new name: Net Zero Natick Committee.

"After discussion with Natick’s Sustainability Director, current Sustainability Committee members and other engaged supporters of Natick's sustainability work, such as EcoNatick, I am reaching out to propose that the Sustainability Committee be transitioned to a new Net Zero Natick Committee," wrote Leo Ryan, the former Chair of the Sustainability Committee.

Ryan continued:

"This transition is critical to helping Natick focus on advancing its net zero goal. Whereas the Sustainability Committee has primarily served an advisory role, the newly formed Net Zero Committee would be tasked with taking action to accelerate the adoption of strategies defined in Natick’s Net Zero Action Plan and future priorities as identified. This may include activities such as: facilitating research studies, projects, and collaborations; enlisting the support of residents and businesses; recommending changes to local laws and regulations; seeking state and local funding; and taking any other actions necessary for Natick to achieve net zero emissions by 2050."

As Ryan mentions, Natick has already established a net zero emissions goal with a proposed deadline — or maybe goal deadline — of 2050.

The new committee will be responsible for keeping the town on pace with different facets of that larger goal, including tracking and reporting greenhouse gas emissions, providing comprehensive updates every five years and serving as an advisor to the Select Board.

Net Zero will be a committee comprised of five members and a youth representative, with each member responsible for one specific area of the Net Zero plan. Those include:

• Renewable energy deployment
• Energy efficiency and electrification of commercial buildings
• Energy efficiency and electrification of residential homes
• Transportation decarbonization
• Waste reduction

The Select Board will make all appointments to the committee, and the application process is currently underway.