Green Communities Act Committee

Purpose of Committee:

SA formed this committee in 2009 in order to take an active role in pursuing Green Community Status. This initial goal has been reached. The committee will remain intact and available, as needed, to be a supportive voice for implementation of the emission reduction plan laid out in Arlington's GC application.

Arlington's Energy Working Group (AEWG) will take on much of the oversight of the emissions reduction plan. Two Sustainable Arlington members sit on this working group. Please visit the AEWG page for more information about their responsibilities and activities.

Committee Contacts:

• Lisa Weil
• Gail McCormick
• Ryan Katofsky
• Shelly Dein
• David Landskov
• Charlotte Milan
• Scott Samenfeld

Below is the initial explanation of Green Communities published on this site:

Why should Arlington become a Green Community?

• When the town saves energy, the town saves money

• The energy consumption by town-owned/operated buildings targets a 20% reduction within 5 years

• Our town will qualify for grants and loans towards energy conservation and renewable/alternative energy projects

• We will be recognized as a leading sustainable community in Massachusetts

What does it mean to be a Massachusetts Green Community?

As a result of the 2008 MA energy legislation signed into law and called the Green Communities Act, The Green Communities Program was established to serve as the hub for all MA cities and town on all matters related to energy. For more information visit: www.mass.gov.

To qualify as a MA Green Community, a city or town must meet five criteria:

• Adopt as-of-right siting, in designated locations, for renewable and alternative energy (R/A energy) generation, research and development, or manufacturing

• Adopt expedited (12 month) application and permitting process for R/A energy projects.

• Establish an energy use baseline inventory with a program to reduce baseline by 20% in 5 years

• Purchase only fuel-efficient vehicles for the town

• Require all new residential construction >3000sq’ and new commercial and industrial real estate construction to minimize energy costs for the life of the building, accomplished through the adoption of the building code called “Stretch Code”.

How far is Arlington in the GCP process?

• Arlington was awarded a regional planning grant in partnership with Lexington and Lincoln

• A GCP planning consultant met with Arlington officials in December 2009

• State Rep. Sean Garbally hosted a public forum in November introducing the GCP to town residents

• The Board of Selectmen heard a presentation by Marc Breslow, Director of Transportation & Buildings Policy, MA Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs, at their 12/14/09 meeting.

How can residents get involved?

• Attend meetings in town and show your elected and appointed officials that you support energy conservation in Arlington’s municipal buildings

• Stay updated about Arlington’s progress and find out when meetings are happening by visiting the Sustainable Arlington’s website.

• Learn more about the Green Communities Program online through the MA Department of Energy Resources website, www.ma.gov/doer

• If you want to be even more involved, contact Lisa Weil ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) to join a working group dedicated to supporting the town’s progress towards becoming a Green Community and educating the public about the benefits of the GCP for our town.