To the Editor:
Come find out on Sunday, April 7th, 1-3 p.m., at Sheffield’s Bushnell Sage Library, as well as get up to date on the Green Communities Act.
Becoming a Green Community requires fulfilling five criteria. In exchange, a town receives an initial grant to spend on addressing a variety of energy issues, such as: insulating a town building; installing a more efficient heating or cooling system; or installing energy efficient windows. A major goal is to make town buildings more energy efficient and reduce energy costs. After the initial grant is spent, a town may apply for competitive grants to do additional projects. Frequently, this is work that doesn’t get done, or is delayed, because there’s no money to do it. It can be a win-win for taxpayers – avoid paying for these energy efficiency upgrades and reduce energy bills. Maybe that’s why 240 out of 351 Mass communities have adopted it.
Jim Barry, Western Mass Green Communities Regional Coordinator, will answer your questions as he reviews the five criteria for becoming a Green Community, particularly the criteria on the stretch code vs. the building code. Representatives from three Green Communities will speak of their town’s experiences and how they spent their initial grant. A lively Q&A session is anticipated.
The event is free, light refreshment, including homemade cookies, will be served; there’s plenty of parking. Give a few hours and learn the facts. I look forward to seeing you there.
Rene Wood
Sheffield
