HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-09-04-SLC-minTown of Lexington
Sustainable Lexington Committee
Minutes of Meeting of September 4, 2012
A meeting of the Sustainable Lexington Committee (SLC) was held on September 4,
2012 at Cary Hall. A quorum of six was present.
Members Present: Mark Sandeen, Chair
Rick Abrams, Ken Moraff, Rick Reibstein, Todd Rhodes, Dan
Voss
Members Absent: None
Other Attendees: None
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm.
• Mr. Sandeen provided an update of Next Step Living (NSL) activities.
• Mr. Sandeen presenting information from California indicating that "Green" homes
achieved significant (9 %) increase in sales price over standard homes. The increase in
sales price was 15 to 20 the cost to implement energy efficiency improvements. The
committee discussed opportunities to communicate energy efficiency opportunities to
realtors, Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce.
• Mr. Rhodes summarized the meeting that he and Mr. Sandeen held with Melisa
Tintocolis, Lexington Economic Development Director, and Lisa Hadaya or NSTAR.
Ms. Hadaya presented the NSTAR program to implement energy efficiency
improvements for commercial customers and Lexington. Ms. Tintocolis will work to
communicate this program to Lexington businesses.
• Mr. Sandeen provided an update of the Viridian opportunity. Viridian is a supplier of
electricity produced from renewable wind power sources. The company has a
program that provides non -profit organizations with a residual check each month for
every active customer that the organization refers. While the SLC could not receive as
part of the program, it would be open to PTAs, houses of worship, GWAC, etc. While
Viridian costs for either 20% or 100% renewable power have increased to a level
closer to NSTAR basic rates, the committee discussed that it would be a good
program to promote to non -profit organizations to encourage participation by their
members and small businesses that could promote their business as "powered by the
wind" — possibly with a SLC endorsed decal on the store window.
• Mr. Sandeen made the committee aware that the Selectmen received an email from
Andrew Gupta regarding the Earth Hour Program and competition. Mr. Sandeen will
respond to the Selectmen.
Mr. Voss reported on the Solar Energy Task Force activities. The Task Force met
recently and it is looking to get a warrant to Town Meeting get approval to look into
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the question of whether a direct buy or a power purchase agreement for solar power
would be most be most beneficial to the town.
• Mr. Moraff reported that a new report by Environment America highlighted the
impact of more intense storms due to Global Warming.
It was also mentioned that Arlington is installing a parking lot with pervious
pavement behind Trader Joes.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm
Respectfully Submitted,
Todd Rhodes, Scribe
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