Swampscott – The Renewable Energy Committee reviewed their 2022 accomplishments on Tuesday and set their plan for 2023 to make Swampscott greener and more sustainable.
The committee promoted three projects this year. The first was the adoption of electrification and efficiency for residential buildings, and residential customers. Electrification means replacing gas-powered appliances with electric ones.
“I think our residential is both our biggest opportunity as a town and probably our biggest area of activity as a committee,” said Ryan Hale, Chair of the Renewable Energy Committee.
The second project was the start of a climate action resolution and climate action plan. The third project was the electrical vehicles (EV) car day and EV first procurement policy. According to Hale, the EV demonstration showcase day was a great event to engage the public.
The committee also set an ambitious goal, according to Hale, to have 300 homes complete their home energy audits. For each audit, the town and committee will get a $35 donation. They are reaching the 100-home milestone, which will bring in $3,500 for the town and the committee to spend. They plan to collaborate with schools to find student volunteers for home energy audits.
A home energy assessment is sponsored by MassSave and can help to save residents on their monthly energy costs. An energy specialist will assess a home’s current energy use and install energy-saving products at no cost. Residents will also receive a custom list of energy-saving recommendations.
The project that the committee is planning to start in 2023 is to get commercial property owners involved in EV charging stations such as the commercial properties in Vinnin Square or the waterfront area. The Renewable Energy Committee will start by reaching out to business owners for negotiation.
The committee also argued about whether to have a separate climate action plan committee, but more consideration should be made according to Hale, and the decision needs to be made by the Select Board.
Hale believed that the committee is heading in the right direction to address car and house emissions as these are the most significant emission issues in Swampscott.
