Committee: Hinesburg Sustainability and Energy Planning
Co-Chairs: Dawn
Francis, Kevin Francis
Facilitator: Paul Costello
Resource Team Members: Ellen Kahler, Deb Sachs
A
Task Force should be developed to consider the community and economic
development sustainability of Hinesburg.
The committee would work in community energy planning and consider
actions that will enhance the long-term viability and welfare of the town and
its residents.
Action Steps:
PLEASE
INDICATE ACTION STEPS IN ORDER OF PRIORITY.
1. Build a common definition of sustainability
and identify its key components.
2. Determine Hinesburg’s baseline by conducting
an energy use assessment.
3. Create a light bulb exchange project to get
compact fluorescents into all homes.
4. Identify elements necessary to develop a
PR/communications plan, including the papers,
town web site, speakers, and electronic
components like the Front Porch Forum.
6. Compile a set of resources to be housed at
an accessible site, such as the library.
Resources may include books, videos, and
website links.
7. Address issues within the transportation
system, including school bus ridership, and end
the idling of vehicles. A theme could help promote this: “Hinesburg
is no place for
idlers.” A commuter parking lot could be an eventual goal.
8. Establish a subcommittee in priority areas
to research and take action.
Additional Steps to be Considered:
1. Provide educational opportunities for
committee members and the community to learn
more about conservation and
sustainability.
2. Create a motto, like “Hinesburg, the Green
Town” and build excitement around the issues
and the sustainability campaign. Establish a Speakers Bureau as part of the
community
education..
2. Communicate with existing governmental and
private organizations by participating in
meetings with or individual memberships
on the DRB, Conservation Commission and
other committees.
3. Conduct an efficiency inventory of town
buildings to determine current status and address
deficit areas.
4. Investigate existing models of community
planning around sustainability and energy.
5. Work to get Energy Star requirements for new
building permits. Send a letter as a
committee to selectboard recommending
this regulation. Provide support around
attaining grants or other incentives to
support new builders in constructing energy
efficient buildings.
6. Connect with youth to utilize their skills
and ideas.
7. Set small goals and a yearly goal for carbon
reduction in Hinesburg, and celebrate
progress every step of the way.
8. Network with other groups and stay informed
about the economic and social impacts of
actions.
Resources
1. Grants for up to $2,500 can be obtained from
the New England Grass Roots
Environmental Fund (NGEF)
2. NRG Systems
3. VT Energy and Climate Action Network/10% Challenge
4. Empowerment Institute
5. Local publications like the South County
Sentinel, Hinesburg Record, the town web site
and Front Porch Forum could be used for
public relations.
6. Interfaith Power and Light
7. Efficiency Vermont
8. Contact utilities to help identify key
energy users.
9. Hinesburg Businesses and Professional
Association, and the Town Plan
10. VT
Earth Institute provides a course on climate change that was beneficial for
legislators.
11. VT Association of Realtors
12. Chittenden Solid Waste District.
13. Green building information can be obtained
from the Renewable Energy Resource
Center of VT (which also has incentives
funds for solar development), Buildings for
Social Responsibility, and the Green
Building Network.
14. Contact the University of Vermont to explore
placement of an intern.
Next Meeting Date, Place and Time: January 10 - 7:00 pm, Place TBD