NAHANT — The town could soon get greener, provided it can land some green from the state.
Nahant’s Green Community Exploration Committee will host meeting at Town Hall on Wednesday to explain how the town could use state energy efficiency programs to benefit the community. The meeting starts at 7 p.m.
Selectman Enzo Barile said he’d like to help get Nahant involved with the program, and make improvements to town buildings and the Johnson Elementary School as priorities.
“We could change our lighting out for LED lights and streetlights,” said Barile. “I think the school would be one thing that would be targeted and I think (Superintendent) Tony Pierantozzi and (Principal) Kevin Andrews would be delighted.”
The state’s Green Communities Division helps Massachusetts cities and towns find clean energy solutions that reduce long-term energy costs and strengthen local economies. Eligible cities and towns receive technical and financial support for initiatives to improve energy efficiency and increase the use of renewable energy in public buildings, facilities and schools.
The town’s exploratory committee was founded last month to research the benefits and feasibility of achieving Green Community status.
“There are 185 green cities and towns in Massachusetts that are Green Communities,” said Barile. “Nahant should be one.”
Malden, Medford, Revere, Saugus, and Swampscott have all been designated green communities.
Medford has received more than $1.1 million in grant money to fund projects ranging from the conversion from oil to natural gas at Chevalier Theatre, energy conservation measures at five municipal buildings and schools, and LED lighting upgrades at six schools and one municipal facility. The city also received money for LED streetlight conversion.
Revere has received $456,000 for energy conservation measures at City Hall, the Senior Center, and the Youth Center, including pipe and attic insulation, weather sealing, and controls on vending machines. The money has also helped the city purchase four electric vehicles and install two charging stations.
Similarly, Saugus has received more than $451,000 for projects including the installation of an electric car charging station, the purchase of two electric cars, and lighting upgrades at Veterans Memorial Elementary School and Belmonte Middle School.
Funds received last month will go towards energy conservation measures in town buildings, including the Public Safety Building and the Saugus Public Library.
Swampscott has received more than $800,000 since 2010 for a complete, town-wide LED streetlight conversion, and LED lighting in the Clarke School, Swampscott High School, Swampscott Public Library, the police station, and Town Hall, in addition to other energy saving initiatives.
