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Reading Advisory Committee on Cities for Climate Protection

(ACCCP)

Reading Climate Action Plan Update

Report to the Reading Board of SelectmanOctober 6th, 2009

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Mission

The Advisory Committee on the Cities for Climate Protection Program is an official town advisory committee, comprised of concerned citizen volunteers seeking to achieve environmental, economic and societal sustainability by raising public awareness and influencing the community, including its government, to reduce energy use and foster environmental stewardship in a cost effective manner.

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Goals1. Minimize Reading’s contribution to climate

change by reducing our green house gas emissions.2. Reduce Reading’s dependence on fossil fuel by

promoting energy conservation and efficiency, renewable energy purchase and generation and alternate modes of transportation.

3. Ensure the longevity of our local and global ecosystem by fostering responsible stewardship.

4. Enhance public health by improving air quality and protecting the earth’s natural resources.

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Methods• Educate and our citizenry…• Implement the 5-milestone program of ICLEI’s

Cities for Climate Protection Program…• Look for grant opportunities…• Partner with local business…• Influence the town’s bylaws, policies and codes, …

master plan…• Encourage state and federal officials…• Foster discussions on climate change…• Reach out to neighboring communities…

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1. Conduct a Green House Gas Emissions Inventory

292,000 tons CO256% Transportation

2. Set an Emission Reduction Target10% Reduction of 2000 levels by 2012

3. Develop a Local Action Plan: Complete Feb 2008

4. Implement the Local Action Plan

5. Monitor Progress and Report Results

CCP Program Milestones

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Modes of Transportation

Vehicle Fuel Efficiency

Energy & Buildings

Lawns, Trees and Water Conservation

Education & Outreach

Awards and Recognition

Action Plan Groupings

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Community No-Idling

• Builds on the Municipal and School-wide No Idling Campaign

• Survey town to determine best location for signage

• Mandated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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Residential Energy Efficiency

• HEET- Cambridge Based, Grant Funded, Barnraising Model to reduce carbon footprint through energy efficiency

• The Arc of East Middlesex- Provides services for persons with intellectual disabilities- Hopkins Street Property

• RCTV Show

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Residential Energy Efficiency &Community Renewable Energy

• RMLD Has Hired an Energy Efficiency Engineer: Jared Carpenter

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Residential Energy Efficiency

• Kill-a-Watt Kits

• Related Books

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Sustainability Workshop

• Seeks local solutions to climate and energy issues through regional collaboration

• October 21st, 2009• Partnering with Wakefield Climate

Action Network • Melrose, Lynnfield, Wilmington,

Woburn, North Andover, North Reading, Stoneham, District

• 350.org Planetary Climate Action Day

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Questions?