The Greenburgh Town Board will approve the following resolution at our July 9th Town Board meeting creating a Greenburgh Climate Action Task Force. This is the latest in a series of action steps that the Town Board has taken to address energy conservation initiatives. According to the July, 2008 issue of NEW YORK HOUSE “in 2002 Greenburgh became the first town in New York State to pass a law stating that all new residential houses and townhouses built in the municipality must meet federal and state energy star guidelines for energy efficiency. Since the law went into effect, 62 new homes have been built in Greenburgh with features and systems that make them, on average, 20 to 30% more energy efficient than a home built to prior codes.”
The new task force will assist our new energy conservation coordinator, Allegra Dengler & energy conservation outreach coordinator Deann Cartwright with their efforts promoting new green/energy conservation initiatives. Allegra & Deann are currently reviewing initiatives to extend Greenburgh’s energy star code to commercial properties. They also are planning energy conservation outreach efforts around the town.
Residents interested in serving as members of the Greenburgh Climate Action Task Force are invited to submit resumes to the townboard@greenburghny.com. We hope that Greenburgh will continue to be a leader in the energy conservation/green movement.
A copy of the resolution that the Town Board is expected to approve and a summary of some of the accomplishments of the energy conservation office (which was headed by Nikki Coddington from 2002-2008) is posted below.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CREATION OF A
TOWN OF GREENBURGH CLIMATE ACTION TASK FORCE CHARGED WITH CREATING AN ACTION PLAN
WHEREAS, the Town of Greenburgh has a long history of leadership on the environment and energy conservation; and
WHEREAS, there is an urgent need to reduce the use of greenhouse gases due to the impact on the climate and global warming; and
WHEREAS, spiraling costs of fossil-fuel based energy supplies are impacting all sectors of the economy of the Town of Greenburgh, highlighting the need for energy independence from foreign sources of fossil fuel energy; and
WHEREAS, there is a need to mitigate the increased risks associated with the increased intensity and severity of local weather events; and
WHEREAS, a transition to clean energy will create new, sustainable jobs in Greenburgh; and
WHEREAS, a Climate Action Task Force would address the issues raised above;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Greenburgh hereby creates a Climate Action Task Force charged with developing an action plan to reduce green house gas emissions in the unincorporated area of the Town of Greenburgh and that can serve as a model for other municipalities to follow; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Task Force shall be made up of representatives from government, business, educational institutions, faith communities and the environmental community so that each sector can help identify and address both short-term and long-term actions specific to their sector as well as to the larger community; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the action plan shall:
1. inventory total greenhouse gas emissions produced in the unincorporated area of the Town of Greenburgh;
2. recommend a greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal and a strategy to achieve the goal;
3. identify possible actions to achieve the goals specific to each sector as well as actions individual households can take;
4. recommend a sustainability program to reduce energy consumption through conservation and efficiency, increase the use of renewable sources of energy such as wind and solar, reduce solid waste and increase recycling, and promote land use and transportation alternatives compatible with these priorities; and
5. include a means to monitor progress in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Task Force shall assist all sectors with their changes.
PREVIOUS ENERGY CONSERVATION ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Obtained $36,400 grant for solar PV system at Town Hall
Coordinated energy efficiency retrofit of Town Hall for estimated annual savings of $26,000
Obtained donation of 3 electric GEM cars from NY Power Authority
Created and organized annual Green Living Fair (and many other events)
Created and produced “The Energy Show” on Greenburgh cable TV
Created “Green Your Miles” campaign to reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled
Initiated Woodlands HS art project on energy & global warming displayed in Town Hall meeting room
Created and maintained Web page of resources
Facilitated Town participation in “Operation Save NY” energy curtailment program
Organized recognition event for Energy Star® Homes completed in Greenburgh
First Town in New York State to pass a law stating that all new residential houses and townhouses built in Greenburgh must meet federal and state energy star guidelines.
