HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-10-08-ECC2-min
MEETING MINUTES
Board/Committee Name:
Energy Conservation Committee.
Date, Time and Location
: Wednesday October 8, 2006 6:00 Town Hall Room 111
Members Present:
Bill Hartigan
Alessandro Alessandrini
Steve Kropper
Christopher Haines
Keith Ohmart
Ravi Sakuja
Paul Chernick
Record of Votes.
Meeting opened
Vote on eliminating purchase of incandescent bulbs as recommended town policy
Meeting adjourned
DPW
Bill Hadley (via email) advises that when the mechanical engineers (SAR) for the DPW Facility
make their presentation to the PBC, the Energy Conservation Committee will be invited.
Discussion of energy aspects of the plan. Joint PBC/CEC meeting showed that
No model of building energy use has been developed
No estimate of energy operating costs yet.
Committee determined that energy modeling needs to be completed before a proposal is
brought to Town Meeting.
Concern that enclosed (heated) spaces is not required for proper vehicle storage.
Committee can not make a proper evaluation prior to modeling and presentation of
options.
ECC offers to review the energy modeling and advise on whether design is prudent.
ECC needs guidance on the investment hurdle rate that should guide how much to invest
in energy saving features.
Draft letter to BoS has been prepared and will be circulated to the ECC for comments
Street Light Replacement
So far DPW has installed 48 compact fluorescent lights. The bulb model installed thus far are no
longer being manufactured so we are looking for a similar light to install.
Recomendation on incandescent bulb purchases:
Paul Chernick moved, and Alessandro Alessandini seconded a motion as follows:
That the town remove incandescent bulbs from the approved procurement list, and that purchase
or use of incandescents bulbs be prohibited except where no other feasible alternative exists.
The motion passed unanimously.
GWAC (Global Warming Action Committee)
20/20 Committee Sustainable Lexington Task Force will meet next Monday and address energy
issues. Keith Ohmart advised that membership in ICLEI’s Cities for Climate Protection program
is of significant interest to this Task Force. LPS reporting on energy use (all schools by 1/1/07)
will support the effort.
Keith reviewed the GWAC “Lexington Challenge to be carbon neutral” campaign where
residents would reduce their energy use and contribute to the New England Wind Fund.
Successful participation levels by the town’s citizens may qualify Lexington to receive one or
more 2Kwh PV panels through a joint program between New England Wind and the Mass
Technology Collaborative. Discussion was held on placement options of said panels on LPS
building to serve as an instructional tool for teachers and students.
Kropper mentioned his proposal that building permits for over $100,000 be required to be carbon
neutral. Ravi suggested that compliance may contribute to the efficient light bulb program.
Discussion on how to publicize the town’s energy saving efforts. Proposal that any photovoltaic
generating have a publically visible meter that runs backwards.
Heat Pumps
Various Town groups want help to understand whether heat pumps (including groundwater
powered) are an appropriate heat source. What are the economics of the Harrington and Fiske
installations. The discussion was deferred.
Fuel and power procurement and energy production planning
Topic deferred.
ECC Plan for the next Year
Committee has worked with the School Department to set reporting goals, and DPW on street
light replacement. The Committee will develop additional goals and schedules for energy saving
steps in Town.
Meeting closed at 7:30 PM.
Next monthly meeting
: Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Recorder
Steve Kropper, Humble Secretary