2022-11-29-SLC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Sustainable Lexington Committee Minutes of November 29, 2022 and noted a few things that have been modified since our last discussion. These include the inclusion of ground-mounted solar and not just building-mounted solar in reporting, air quality details, additional detail on toxics, pesticides and IPM, and trees. Issues that were brought up by committee members and discussed: accounting for stand-alone solar (i.e., energy sent to the grid) v. behind-the-meter solar (i.e., energy used by the building) and the recommendation to stay aligned with the approach used for BEU-D; concern about use of artificial materials that can be proven later to contain toxics v. natural materials (e.g. grass v. artificial turf).- Mike Cronin clarified that this policy is focused on Facilities not on fields, and the committee member commented that maybe there should be a parallel effort for DPW and Recreation; current and desired indoor measurements of CO2 and particulate matter. •Waste: trash and recycling; food waste; zero waste plan: A new waste contract continues to be discussed with the task force. DPW is reviewing various proposals, some of which are not at a workable price point, and they are exploring how to bridge the next year while looking ahead to larger waste disposal changes in the year following. Questions were asked about how to counter the perception among some residents that materials separated from the other waste for recycling are not, in fact, being recycled, and about the pilot Black Earth composting program in DPW’s Program Improvement Request budget, which will target about 700 new customers in addition to the 1300 existing ones. The draft of the Zero Waste Plan has been received from the consultant and is being reviewed by the task force. •BEU-D: the town’s reporting guidance is being finalized, and Maggie is planning a training program next year for affected owners. •Heat Smart: The town’s heat pump program is about to launch, with eight volunteer advisers/ coaches now trained and ready to go. Maggie hopes to have it live in a week or so. •LexHAB: Maggie and Cindy are working with LexHAB on a two-session event for LexHAB residents on how to lower energy costs through a variety of available programs, including community solar and hope to eventually expand it to the Lexington Housing Authority and other eligible town residents. •Green Fleet Policy: The policy was adopted in 2021 and calls for maintaining an inventory and preparing a transition plan. Maggie has begun to work on both. •Climate Action Plan: The branding committee has completed its work, and there is a logo and tag line: “Resilient Lexington: Our Pathway to a Sustainable Future”. SustainabLY update: Tanay reported that they have been researching possible projects, including the application to the library, and are brainstorming issues they want to promote or advocate for, such as small business composting, electronic waste recycling, and single-use plastics. Integrated Building Construction and Design Policy. Celis reported that they have met with the Permanent Building Committee to present the current draft and are getting good feedback. Over .2