HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Selectmen Agenda 11 17 2010 Packet_201402061618407642
Town of Nantucket
DRAFT
A Climate Action
Plan for Nantucket
Island
A roadmap to achieving targeted reductions by 2020.
7/15/2010
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Table of Contents
Letter from the Nantucket Board of Selectmen ............................................................. 4
The International Council of Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) .................. 6
The Climate Action Plan: Vision, Strategies & Goals .................................................... 8
Transportation: Ground, Air, and Water ................................................................................. 10
Strategy Spotlights – Infrastructure .................................................................................................... 10
T.1. Increase Nantucket Regional Transit Authority (NRTA) Ridership (M) .................................. 10
T.2. Bike Friendly Nantucket (M) ....................................................................................................................... 11
T.3. Parking Management (M) .............................................................................................................................. 12
T.4. Alternative Fuels (M)....................................................................................................................................... 14
T.5. Trip Consolidation ............................................................................................................................................ 15
T.6. Encourage fuel conservation for recreational boating (M) ............................................................ 15
Strategy Spotlights – Policy and Education ...................................................................................... 16
T.7. Anti‐Idling Policy (M) ...................................................................................................................................... 16
T.8. School Bus Anti‐Idling Policy (M) .............................................................................................................. 16
T.9. Green Fleet Policy (M, GCR) .......................................................................................................................... 17
T.10. Carbon Offsets (M) ......................................................................................................................................... 17
T.11. Airport / Ferry Sustainability Fund (M) .............................................................................................. 18
T.12. Increase Town Police Bike Patrols (M) ................................................................................................ 19
T.13. Optimize School Transportation Flows and Alternatives (M) ................................................... 19
T. 14. Proper Tire Inflation Program (M) ........................................................................................................ 19
T.15. Food Miles Concept and Strengthening Local Agriculture ........................................................... 19
Heating and Green Building ......................................................................................................... 20
Strategy Spotlights –Efficiency Measures ......................................................................................... 20
H.1. Weatherization (M) ......................................................................................................................................... 20
H.2. Installation of Programmable Thermostats (M) ................................................................................. 21
H.3. Installation of Low Flush Toilets (M) ....................................................................................................... 21
H.4. Rain Barrels and Greywater Collection (M) .......................................................................................... 21
Strategy Spotlights – Policy and Education ...................................................................................... 22
H.5. Adoption of State Stretch Code (M, GCR) ............................................................................................... 22
H.6. Luxury Building Mitigation Fund (M) ...................................................................................................... 22
H.7. Low Interest Loans for Weatherization (M) ......................................................................................... 23
H.8. Promote Green Building Practices / LEED Certification (M) ........................................................ 23
Electricity ........................................................................................................................................... 23
Strategy Spotlights ‐ Efficiency .............................................................................................................. 24
E.1. Efficient Lighting (M) ...................................................................................................................................... 24
E.2. Install LED Streetlights (M) .......................................................................................................................... 24
E.3. Green Purchasing (M) ..................................................................................................................................... 25
Strategy Spotlights – Conservation ...................................................................................................... 25
E.4. Kill Phantom Loads (M) .................................................................................................................................. 25
E.5. Promote the Use of Energy Measurement and Management Tools............................................ 25
E.6. Participate in a Demand Response Program (M)................................................................................ 26
E.7. Implement Time‐of‐Use or Peak Demand Energy Pricing (M) ..................................................... 26
E.8. Promote water conservation through proper lawn maintenance (M)...................................... 26
E.9. Employee Energy Education Program (M) ............................................................................................ 26
E.10. Climate Change Curriculum and Community Education .............................................................. 26
E.11. Shade Tree Planting Program ................................................................................................................... 27
Strategy Spotlights – Renewable Energy Generation ................................................................... 27
E.12. Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) (M) ........................................................................................ 27
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E.13. Renewable Energy Generation from Wind Power (M) .................................................................. 27
E.14. Solar installations (M) .................................................................................................................................. 29
E.15. Residential and Commercial Wind & Solar ......................................................................................... 29
E.16. Zoning for Municipal Wind (M, GCR) ..................................................................................................... 29
E.17. Pilot Program for Plug‐In and Electric Vehicles Powered By Wind (See also T.4.) .......... 30
E.18. Wind Turbine Education Program, Nantucket Public Schools ................................................... 30
E.19. Planning Office and Renewable Energy Research (M)................................................................... 30
E.20. Geothermal heat pumps .............................................................................................................................. 31
Waste Management ......................................................................................................................... 31
W.1. Gasification (M) ................................................................................................................................................ 32
W.2. Waste to Energy (M) ...................................................................................................................................... 32
W.3. Transfer Station on the East Side of the Island (M) ......................................................................... 32
W.4. Reuse/Reduce Materials from Demolished Buildings (M) ........................................................... 32
W.5. Efficiency of Landfill Access and Uses (M) ........................................................................................... 32
Green Communities Requirements ........................................................................................... 33
Appendix A ..................................................................................................................................................... 35
Actions, Costs and Priorities for Reducing Emissions from Transportation ...................... 35
Appendix B ..................................................................................................................................................... 36
Actions, Costs and Priorities for Reducing Emissions from Heating and Green Building
............................................................................................................................................................................. 36
Appendix C ......................................................................................................................................... 37
Actions, Costs and Priorities for Reducing Emissions from Electricity Use and
Renewables ........................................................................................................................................ 37
Appendix D ......................................................................................................................................... 38
Actions, Costs and Priorities for Reducing Emissions from Waste Management ..... 38
Appendix E ......................................................................................................................................... 39
Emissions Inventory Breakdown ............................................................................................... 39
Appendix F ......................................................................................................................................... 40
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory for the Town of Nantucket Prepared for The
Town of Nantucket by Sustainable Nantucket ...................................................................... 40
This document was prepared by Sustainable Nantucket.
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LETTER FROM THE NANTUCKET BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Open letter to the community of Nantucket:
We, the Nantucket Board of Selectmen, have made the commitment to make climate
action and carbon emissions reduction a priority for our Town government and
community. In March of 2008, we voted to join the International Council of Local
Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) and participate in their Cities for Climate Protection
(CCP) Campaign. On March 25, 2009, Nantucket achieved the first two milestones of the
Climate Protection Campaign process. We accepted the Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Inventory report completed by Sustainable Nantucket on behalf of the Town, and
approved the suggested targets for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions detailed in
the report (See Appendix for full copy of report with approved targets).
The third milestone of the CCP Campaign is the development and approval of a Climate
Action Plan (CAP or Plan) for the Town of Nantucket. A CAP is a collection of initiatives
designed to reach the target reductions. These initiatives will address both primary and
secondary sources of carbon emissions. Through adoption of this Plan, the Town
articulates possible strategies designed to increase energy‐efficiency in Town buildings,
improve departmental practices, encourage the use of cleaner fuels, and invest in
renewable energy within the municipal and community infrastructure. The Town will
develop community policies, as well as educational and incentive programs in
collaboration with schools and local non‐profits, designed to encourage participation in
the CAP by year‐round and seasonal families, visitors and guests.
There are many reasons to draft a CAP, not the least of which are the potential
economic and environmental benefits (cleaner air, cleaner water, reduced traffic and
pollution) derived from energy conservation and reduced dependency on fossil fuels.
Nantucket has strong, practical motivations for joining the CCP Campaign and making a
definitive commitment to reducing fossil‐fuel use and carbon emissions. In addition to
reducing high‐energy costs, our unique geographical situation makes us particularly
vulnerable to the potential effects of climate change – advanced flooding and erosion
should the sea‐level rise as predicted, and devastating storm damage if the wind and
water currents are altered.
Adoption of the CAP identifies and supports utilization of the significant renewable
energy resources (wind‐power ‐‐land‐based and sea‐based‐‐ and tidal‐power) that are
available all around us to possibly achieve energy independence, as referenced in
Nantucket’s Master Plan, approved by the Planning Board and adopted by Town
Meeting in April of 2008. Adoption of the CAP and implementation of certain specific
actions will fulfill criteria set by the Massachusetts Green Communities Act, thereby
making the Town of Nantucket eligible to receive state funding toward renewable
energy development. In addition, as a resort destination for many influential seasonal
residents and visitors, Nantucket’s CAP can serve as an inspiration – the foundation of a
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model of sustainability – which other communities across the nation may wish to copy.
Successful implementation of the CAP initiatives and achieving target reductions could
make us a destination for visitors beyond our traditional summer season and lead to
economic benefits for our community in the form of eco‐tourism and job creation.
As the elected leaders of the community of Nantucket, we strongly feel that is also
incumbent upon us to envision, plan for, and safeguard the future of the Island, in as
strategic and forward‐thinking a manner as possible. Our acceptance of, and support for
the CAP, actively demonstrates our commitment to reaching the benchmarks stated
herein and we urge all residents to work collectively with us to reach the Plan’s goals.
Sincerely,
__________________________
Patricia Roggeveen, Chairperson
_________________
John “Rick” Atherton
_____________
Brian Chadwick
____________
Michael Kopko
______________
Whiting Willauer
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THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES (ICLEI)
ICLEI is an international member association of local governments who are dedicated to
climate protection and sustainable development. The council was established in 1990
when 200 local governments from 43 different countries came together at the United
Nations in New York. In 1995 the USA branch was created, which now includes as
members, over 500 towns and cities that are working towards greenhouse gas
reductions and sustainable development.
In 1993, ICLEI began the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign (CCP) to assist local
governments that have committed to addressing the issues surrounding increased
greenhouse gas emissions and the resulting global climate change. The CCP is a global
campaign aimed at slowing the earth’s warming trend by enlisting cities to prepare and
enact plans to reduce energy consumption and associated greenhouse gases.
Nantucket Joins ICLEI
In March of 2008, at the request of a local non‐profit, Sustainable Nantucket,
Nantucket’s Board of Selectmen unanimously voted in favor of joining ICLEI and the
Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) Campaign. At this time, the Board accepted the offer
from Sustainable Nantucket, to assist in the CCP process in collaboration with the
Nantucket Energy Study Committee.
The Cities for Climate Protection Campaign (CCP) Milestone Process
The CCP involves a five‐milestone process to achieve greenhouse gas emissions
reductions. The five milestones are as follows:
Milestone One: Conduct a baseline emissions inventory for the entire community and
municipal operations. From the baseline data, emissions growth or decline is forecasted
assuming no actions are taken to address greenhouse gas emissions. The primary
emission sources examined in the Milestone One Inventory are:
• Transportation ‐ Emissions from personal and commercial vehicles
• Energy Use ‐ Energy for residential, commercial, and municipal facilities
• Solid Waste ‐ Methane and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) contribution of waste disposal
operations
Milestone Two: Set an emissions reduction target. Many local and international targets
have been set at twenty percent of the base year emissions level and use their
projection year as the target year for obtaining these emissions reductions.
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Milestone Three: Develop a local action plan or a collection of initiatives to reach the
target reductions. These initiatives will include finding efficiency and technological
improvements available to the municipality.
Milestone Four: Implement actions. This milestone involves municipal government to
formally adopt emission reduction initiatives. Further, various municipal departments
may be called upon to coordinate and implement the adopted initiatives.
Milestone Five: Monitor emission reductions. Monitoring and verification of progress on
the implementation of actions to reduce emissions is an ongoing step that begins once
measures are implemented. ICLEI's software tool assists in the quantification of
emissions reductions and allows for convenient reporting of results.
Nantucket Emissions Inventory
On March 25, 2009, Nantucket achieved the first two milestones of the CCP Campaign
process. The Board of Selectmen accepted the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory
report completed by Sustainable Nantucket on behalf of the Town, and approved the
suggested targets of greenhouse gas emissions reduction detailed in the report. A
breakdown of total emissions is shown on the chart below. For detailed information on
the inventory and targets, please see Appendix E, on page 37.
Municipal + Community Emissions Inventory in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
in 2007. See source data in Appendix E and F.
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THE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: VISION, STRATEGIES & GOALS
Goal: The Town has adopted the goal of reducing total Nantucket Island
greenhouse gas emissions by 10% below 2000 levels by 2020.1
The purpose of this Climate Action Plan (CAP) is to identify actions that both the
municipality and the Island’s private community can take in order to reduce Nantucket’s
total greenhouse gas emissions to 10% below 2000 levels by 2020. We estimate that
emissions have increased 10% since 2000, and project that in the absence of any
mitigation measures, emissions will increase 3% per year through 20202, therefore
achieving the 2020 goal will require reductions of 20% from the 2007 baseline across all
major categories.
As the following content will demonstrate, achieving Nantucket’s reduction targets will
require extensive participation and commitments by the community, especially private
citizens, and the Town. The plan is designed to give stakeholders a comprehensive view
of the scope and scale of actions that will be necessary in achieving the goal. The
initiatives listed are a broad menu of possible steps and the list is illustrative and
flexible. In order to reach the targets however, bold steps will need to be taken, possibly
involving changes in current behavior patterns and will require sacrifices at both the
individual and collective community level.
Strategy Overview
The strategies in this CAP are grouped into the following major energy use / emissions
source categories:
• Transportation
• Heating
• Electricity
• Waste Management
• Green Communities Requirements
Each category contains a summary of its impacts relative to other sources followed by
select “Strategy Spotlights” which detail actions that can be taken to reduce emissions,
and in some cases, consideration of the cost and benefits associated with a specific
reduction strategy. Some programs are either existing measures or are currently in the
development stages, others are totally new initiatives. Many of the new initiatives
follow the example of other local government emission reduction efforts.
1 For a further discussion of the reduction goals see the Inventory in the Appendix 2 Nantucket’s residential population increased 10% between 2000 – 2007, forward looking assumptions are
based on the US Energy Information Administration’s projection of 3% per year emissions growth between
2008 – 2035.
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Nantucket’s 2020 goal will not be feasible without significant reductions in the largest
emission sources, namely private vehicles and residential heating and cooling.
Together, these account for 79% off all on‐island emissions. It will be very difficult to
achieve the overall goal without a significant reduction in fuel usage for vehicles and
significant improvements in heating and electricity use in buildings.
In an effort to facilitate Nantucket’s application for the State of Massachusetts Green
Communities Grant Program, the last section of the Plan highlights the five
requirements for qualification, which include a 20% reduction in municipal energy use.
Where those requirements are featured in the body of the Plan, they are noted as a
Green Communities Requirements with the letters “GCR” next to the strategy. If
Nantucket successfully meets the five requirements for the Green Communities
program, the town will be eligible to receive a portion of the approximately $7M in
annual grant awards to fund energy efficiency and conservation programs in the state.
Appendices A – D list each strategy along with its anticipated cost and impact on a
relative basis. Appendices E and F provide emissions inventory summary and details
respectively. All actions with high or medium impact should be thoroughly investigated.
The Town’s Role
The town can help facilitate the rapid development and deployment of reduction tactics
by adopting the following strategies:
9 Use Town leadership to inspire community action
9 Build on existing efforts in the community
9 Create a position, contract for services, or department assigned to:
o Monitor progress of emission reduction programs and report the
results
o Coordinate implementation and funding
o Manage energy contracts for the Town
o Network with other communities and organizations who are
participating in CCP Campaigns in order to learn from their
experience and programs
o Engage the community by developing education campaigns
9 Maintaining openness to innovation and policy‐making
9 Evaluate and implement emissions reduction strategies under municipal
control (noted herein with a (M) in the subject heading).3
3 Strategies are noted with an “M” if the Town can either implement the strategy for its municipal
operations OR institute policy towards the desired goal.
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It is important to keep in mind that direct municipal emissions are less than 4% of the
total. Drastic reductions by the municipality will have an insignificant effect on reaching
the established goal.
The Community’s Role
Over 95% of the Island’s total emissions are generated from private, commercial and
industrial gasoline, fuel oil and electricity consumption. Town leadership can build
infrastructure, set policy and live by example, but members of the community will need
to be personally accountable for the conservation and efficiency actions suggested in
the CAP in order to achieve the Island’s emissions reduction goal.
In many cases, the greatest challenge to action is inertia and lack of information. We
hope that this plan will be a valuable step along the path to empowering members of
our community to identify ways to reap measurable cost savings from reductions in
gasoline, fuel oil, or electricity usage through efficiency, conservation and new
technologies. We encourage members of the community to get involved in the
evolution of this plan and to follow the Town’s lead in taking action.
TRANSPORTATION: GROUND, AIR, AND WATER
Transportation related activities (ground, air and water) account for 60% of the island’s
total emissions. It will be nearly impossible to accomplish the 2020 reduction goal
without substantial reduction in fuel consumption for transportation, and specifically in
ground transport as 83% of emissions in this category come from fuel consumed by
vehicles on the island. Fuel consumption by ferries and planes make up the remaining
17% of transportation related emissions. Long‐established patterns of development,
behavioral activities, practical efficiencies and cultural practices support personal
vehicle use and altering these practices will be a substantial challenge.
The following strategy spotlights are categorized according to improvements in (1)
infrastructure, and (2) policy and education.
Strategy Spotlights – Infrastructure
T.1. Increase Nantucket Regional Transit Authority (NRTA) Ridership (M)
A significant increase in the number of NRTA riders would go a long way in achieving
reductions in emissions from transportation if riders transitioned away from private
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vehicles. A small bus carrying as few as 5 to 10 passengers can displace 5 cars and result
in a 60% reduction in fuel use for every mile traveled.4
In order to achieve significant reductions in fuel consumed for vehicle use, the Town
must support the use of public transportation in a variety of ways, such as:
9 Provide incentive programs for Town employees and private citizens to use
public transportation.
o Cash‐Out Program – offer employees a cash allowance in lieu of parking
in or around the core area.
o Provide passes to employees.
9 Fund supplemental public transit operations and capital needs annually through
local sources.
o Add direct routes from additional satellite parking areas.
o Increase frequency on heavily used routes.
o Add service to areas where service currently does not exist.
9 Expand service and add direct routes from additional satellite parking areas.
9 Create policies that prioritize a reduction in car usage on the Island.
9 Improve facilities including waiting areas, bus shelters and modernize vehicles
and equipment.
9 Marketing campaigns that encourage the use of efficient vehicles or alternative
forms of transportation for vacationers, as well as summer and year round
residents.
9 Include costs for improving waiting areas and adding bus shelters in an annual
capital plan
9 Increase marketing efforts
9 Expand methods for providing service information to users
9 Offer Traffic Demand Management mitigation in exchange for parking waivers.
9 Seek supplemental funding to expand the hours of operation of the downtown
and beach routes.
T.2. Bike Friendly Nantucket (M)
Every trip a non‐recreational cyclist takes replaces a car on the road and the fuel that
vehicle would have been consumed for the trip. In order to encourage the use of bikes
as a primary mode of transportation on the Island, bike travel must be as safe and
convenient as possible.
The Town and the Nantucket Planning and Economic Development Commission
(NP&EDC) have had an active bike path construction plan in effect since the early
1970’s. While the Town has interconnected much of the bike path system, there are
critical gaps remaining. The most challenging and controversial is creation of the so‐
4 A 60% reduction in fuel usage occurs if 5 cars that average 20 mpg are replaced by 1 bus that gets 10 mpg
over the same distance.
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called “In‐Town Bike Path”, connecting the downtown area to the rotary along
Washington, Francis, Union, and Orange Streets. Gaps exist at the edge of town
between Madaket Road and the mid‐island area, a west of town corridor along Cliff
Road, and in certain rural locations including Hummock Pond Road, Tom Nevers, and
connecting to smaller village areas such as Wauwinet.
Specific actions to improve and expand Nantucket’s bike path network include the
following:
9 Advance the permitting, right‐of‐way acquisition, and construction of the paths
currently under design, such as the first phases of the In‐Town and Hummock
Pond Road bike path, and the second phase of the Prospect Street bike path.
9 Increase capital funding when necessary for bike path projects, such as
scheduling Proposition 2½ overrides.
9 Reconstruct intersections to improve bicycle safety and crossing at key roadways
9 Provide free or reduced cost bicycle safety gear including, but not limited to,
lights and helmets.
9 Install infrastructure along identified safe routes to schools.
9 Set aside annual funding to purchase and maintain public bike racks.
9 Provide areas for locking bikes at a variety of destinations, including schools,
town buildings, bike paths, beaches, and ferry terminals.
9 Provide space for child trailers to be parked and secured
9 Involve businesses in providing incentives for bikers5
T.3. Parking Management (M)
Nantucket’s population increase has resulted in a predictable rise in vehicle usage.
Discussion about parking and congestion is broken into two parts: the downtown and
the balance of the island.
T.3.1 Downtown Nantucket (M)
Maintaining the historic center of Nantucket’s downtown as the “symbolic center of the
island” has been a longstanding policy supported by practices of historic preservation,
New England cultural patterns, and traditional neighborhood/new urbanism principals.
Congestion and parking issues have plagued downtown since the 1950’s and have been
documented in numerous studies since that time. The Town has taken many steps to
improve access to the downtown by alternative transportation modes and over the
years, management activities, including one‐way streets, enforcement of parking, and
installation of signs. Downtown serves as the hub of necessary transportation activities
connecting to vehicle and passenger ferries, public transportation, truck routes,
deliveries to businesses – all factors which demand more active management of the
5 For more information see the People’s Pint Bike to Live Program in Greenfield, Ma.
http://www.thepeoplespint.com/pages/BikeToLive.htm
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limited circulation and parking infrastructure. To increase efficiencies and decrease
emissions from congestion related idling and unnecessary vehicle miles, specific actions
include:
9 Introduce paid on‐street parking to improve efficiency and generate revenue for
enforcement and public transit activities.
9 Create satellite‐parking areas on outlying Town property with direct NRTA
access.
9 Create seasonal corridors in congested areas allowing only NRTA and residential
vehicles to increase speed and predictability of NRTA buses servicing satellite‐
parking areas.
9 Manage resident parking areas adjacent to downtown.
9 Eliminate sidewalk parking on key pedestrian routes.
9 Manage pricing throughout the downtown to achieve peak efficiencies.
9 Create policies which reward use of smaller fuel efficient vehicles, such as
reserved parking spaces
9 Implement tax benefits, flexible scheduling, telecommuting, van pooling, and
bike racks, showers, and lockers for employees (source: MassRides).
9 Require managed transportation plans when granting licenses for large events.
9 Where appropriate, remove on‐street parking spaces that impede traffic flow.
9 Where possible, widen right‐of‐way to accommodate bike and pedestrian use,
on‐street parking, and minimum travel lanes
T.3.2 Remainder of the Island (M)
Congestion problems occur at key intersections in the mid‐island area near public
schools and at the convergence of bike paths. Extensive parking problems have been
observed at certain beaches, the mid‐island grocery store, and in certain high‐density
neighborhoods.
Reducing congestion and improving safety at dangerous intersections would reduce
idling vehicles and remove a disincentive to use bicycles. The following actions would
reduce congestion:
9 Evaluate and possibly reconstruct high‐traffic intersections to reduce congestion
and improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians as identified in the Master
Plan6:
o Sparks and Atlantic Avenue, Prospect Street, and Surfside Road
o Bartlett and Surfside Road
o Rotary at Milestone and Old South Road, Orange Street, and Sparks
Avenue
9 Support the establishment of village centers in the Country Overlay District
(COD).
6 See http://www.nantucket-ma.gov/Pages/NantucketMA_Planning/pubs
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9 Support the establishment of neighborhood centers in the Town Overlay District
(TOD).
9 Decentralize, where possible, activities that contribute to congestion and vehicle
miles travelled.
9 Create through‐roads to remove bottlenecks and expand route choice to
disperse traffic.
9 Provide incentives for abutting property owners to consolidate vehicular access
and provide interconnections between properties for vehicles and pedestrians.
Free parking in areas outside of the downtown serves to encourage private vehicle use
as well. Revenue from parking could be used to fund public transportation and/or
pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure improvements. Actions include the following:
9 Expand resident sticker program for parking on public roads or property. Areas
in Siasconset, Residential 5 (R‐5) zoned neighborhoods, and certain publicly
owned parking areas (parks, schools, open space, road shoulders, etc.) should be
considered.
9 Implement paid parking in mid‐island and other commercial areas.
9 Paid seasonal beach parking at Jetties and Surfside, including surrounding public
roads.
9 Lower the permitting threshold/provide incentives to encourage grocery delivery
services.
9 Provide incentives for businesses to encourage off‐peak patronage.
9 Relax zoning regulations for home occupations to reduce commuting.
9 Provide incentives for abutting property owners to share parking.
T.4. Alternative Fuels (M)
In 2008 Massachusetts passed the Clean Energy Biofuels Act, which (1) offers preferred
tax treatment for non‐corn based alternatives to ethanol, (2) requires biofuel content in
all diesel and home heating oil sold in the state, and (3) proposes new fuel standards
that will encourage a range of emissions reducing technologies for cars and trucks. 7
Biofuel content is expected to start at 2% in 2010 and ramp up to 5% by 2013.
Nantucket could realize additional emissions reduction benefits by increasing the biofuel
mix of its fuel to the more common B20 blend in some of its fleet, including garbage
trucks, maintenance vehicles, fire trucks and school buses.
Other than sourcing and storing the biofuel, no engine adjustments are required to run
B20. Because of the energy required to plant and harvest soy and palm oil, converting
to standard B20 (20% biofuel) results in a 15% reduction in emissions compared to
7 For further information on the Clean Energy Biofuels Act go to the Mass.gov web page.
http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeaterminal&L=4&L0=Home&L1=Energy%2C+Utilities+%26+Clean+
Technologies&L2=Alternative+Fuels&L3=Clean+Energy+Biofuels+in+Massachusetts&sid=Eoeea&b=ter
minalcontent&f=eea_biofuels_biofuels_act&csid=Eoeea
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conventional diesel fuel. Waste cooking oil (e.g. from Island restaurants) can also be
burned directly as a “local biofuel”. In this case the full 20% reduction in emissions can
be claimed for each gallon of waste oil burned in vehicle. Since there may be an
economic incentive for restaurants to donate their waste cooking oil, there may be a
fuel cost savings from blending. In the City of Keene, New Hampshire all 77 of the city’s
vehicles, from fire engines to snowplows, are running smoothly on B20 biodiesel,
preventing an estimated 12 metric tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere annually.
Massachusetts has set the goal of making these fuels available to the public by
mandating that all diesel and home heating oil be blended with biofuel8. Even though
these fuels are not yet readily available, it could be advantageous for the community to
begin a discussion with the island fuel supplier. Consolidating demand for biofuel will
help yield the scale necessary to store the fuel on island. Having shared storage facilities
would help NRTA make the conversion to a biofuel blend.
T.4.1 Position Nantucket as a demonstration site for plug‐in hybrid and electric car
technology (M)
Plug‐in hybrids and electric cars would most likely be charged in the night hours;
therefore an opportunity exists for these electric cars to draw power directly from wind
turbines. An integrated program with a large‐scale wind farm or via National Grid could
be of mutual economic benefit. Consider that wind flow is strongest and most
consistent at night, when electricity used in homes and businesses tends to be low.
Such a program could dramatically reduce Nantucket’s transportation related emissions,
depending on the rate of adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles. A pilot program could
start with a community wind project, and then be expanded.
T.5. Trip Consolidation
Total vehicle miles traveled can be reduced by consolidating trips between outlying
villages and common destinations, typically the downtown or mid‐island. Car‐pooling
initiatives organized via internet sites such as Dividetheride.com have been successful in
other communities. By deploying existing technology, one can imagine services ranging
from “Stop and Shop Delivery”, to demand aggregation for taxi services to and from the
ferries and the airport. Organized vanpooling has been utilized by some businesses and
can be encouraged.
T.6. Encourage fuel conservation for recreational boating (M)
Exploring waters around Nantucket by boat is a favorite pastime of many who visit and
reside on Nantucket. Boaters should have efficiency and conservation in mind when
engaging in recreational boating. Ideas for specific actions include:
9 Speed limits
8 See Clean Energy Biofuels Act
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9 Encouraging boat owners to maintain their engines and boats properly can
enhance efficient use of fuel for recreational boating.
9 A surcharge on the price of marine fuel could be imposed for use over certain
thresholds to discourage frivolous use.
Strategy Spotlights – Policy and Education
T.7. Anti‐Idling Policy (M)
Several cities have adopted anti‐idling policies limiting the amount of time an engine
may be running for town vehicles and any vehicles on town property or within a
specified number of feet of a school property. The City of Denver conducted a
successful pilot program with the use of a Vehicular Greenhouse Gas Tracking System on
146 city vehicles and 240 community vehicles. By tracking idling, rapid acceleration and
braking, the city was able to cut idling by more than 35%, reduce emissions by 10% (as
measured in CO2/mile), and reduce fuel expenses9. According to the ICLEI Climate Air
Pollution Planning Assistant (CAPPA) tool, reducing daily idling by one hour results in an
annual savings of 900 gallons of fuel, or approximately $2,500 and 9 metric tons (mT) of
CO2.
The current Massachusetts state law10 limits vehicle idling to no more than five minutes.
The law does make some exceptions for vehicles that are making deliveries and need to
run refrigeration or vehicles that need to run in order to operate machinery, for
example. However, strict enforcement of idling policies by Town vehicles can reduce
fuel costs, improve air quality, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to the
law, police, health officials, and all enforcement authorities have the ability to
implement this policy. Penalties for ignoring this policy can range from $100 to $25,000.
The foot police who monitor down town parking could enforce this policy. Also, the
Town could educate the users of the Town fleet regarding the need to end idling.
T.8. School Bus Anti‐Idling Policy (M)
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, (MassDEP), is working
with school districts across the state to promote practical and effective actions for
reducing our children's exposure to diesel pollutants as well as improve air quality. The
state recommends the following steps to help reduce idling time at schools by school
buses.
9 Limit school bus idling time during pre‐trip safety "circle checks."
9 Direct drivers to turn off their buses as soon as they arrive in the schoolyard
9 Provide a space inside the school where drivers who arrive early can wait,
particularly during the winter.
9 http://www.icleiusa.org/success-stories/copy_of_smart-transportation/green-fleets-1/denver-co-cuts-
idling-and-emissions-in-city-vehicles 10 M.G.L Chapter 90, Section 16 A
17
9 Post "idling limit" signs wherever school buses park (see example to the
right).
9 Retrofit existing buses with pollution controls, and purchase new buses with
cleaner burning engines.11
The Town could work together with both the schools and the bus companies to educate
and implement these strategies. 12
T.9. Green Fleet Policy (M, GCR)
The Town can pass a resolution that stipulates that any new municipal vehicle must be
the most fuel‐efficient and/or the lowest emissions vehicle available that will fulfill the
necessary function of that vehicle. Fuel efficient vehicles generally do not cost more, for
high mileage, hybrid vehicles should be considered. A Green Fleet policy for municipal
and school vehicles is required for consideration as a Green Community, as is a plan for
replacing vehicles that do not meet the new fuel economy standards. Guidance and
Model Policy for Purchasing Only Fuel Efficient Vehicles can be found on the Green
Communities Web site.13
T.10. Carbon Offsets (M)
Either in addition to or in lieu of the Sustainability Fund outlined in the following section
(T.11.), Nantucket could decide that it will allow some of its reduction targets to be met
with the purchase of carbon offsets. A carbon offset is a financial instrument that
represents the reduction one metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). Offsets
are allowed under almost every carbon regulatory scheme around the world, including
the Kyoto Protocol, California’s AB 32, the East Coast’s Regional Greenhouse Gas
Initiative (RGGI), the Western Climate Initiative (WCI), and the American Clean Energy
and Security Act (ACES), which passed the House of Representatives in 2009.
Offsets can be an appropriate interim substitute for direct reductions if they meet the
highest standards of quality and transparency. High quality carbon offsets (1) follow a
widely recognized standard, such as the Climate Action Reserve (CAR) or Voluntary
Carbon Standard (VCS), (2) are independently validated and verified, (3) are serialized
and registered to prevent double counting, (4) are of an appropriate vintage (e.g.
matched within reason to the year the emissions were generated, a 2010 offset for
emissions generated in 2010, etc.), and (5) are sold by a party that provides
transparency into the details of points 1 ‐ 4. Both CAR and VCS have multiple project
protocols, including those for landfills, livestock, and forest management, any of which
11 Suggestions taken directly from the MassDEP website on Air & Climate
http://www.mass.gov/dep/air/community/schbusir.htm 12 In June 2008, Massachusetts passed the MassCleanDiesel program, which reduces air pollution from
school buses. The retrofits available through this program improve local air pollution but do not result in
reduced carbon dioxide emissions. For further information see the Massachusetts Dept. of Environmental
Protection Air & Climate Web Site http://www.mass.gov/dep/air/diesel/masscleandiesel.htm 13http://www.mass.gov/Eoeea/docs/doer/green_communities/grant_program/buying_fuel_efficient_vehicles
.doc
18
might be desirable for Nantucket. Cost can vary widely among high quality offsets but a
reasonable range is between $10 and $20 per metric ton (mT). Offsets can be deducted
as a business expense but not as a charitable contribution.
If Nantucket is going to set interim targets and measurements between 2010 and 2020,
offsets are likely to be a necessary step in achieving those targets.
T.11. Airport / Ferry Sustainability Fund (M)
Nantucket Airport operates a full service Fixed Base Operator (FBO), which oversees
landing and parking fees, along with fuel services. The Town, in partnership wit the
Nantucket Airport, the Steamship Authority, and Hy‐Line Cruises could consider
launching a “sustainability fund” whereby fuel purchases or parking fees include the
cost of the carbon emissions associated with commercial and private aircraft and ferry
travel to and from the island. Contributions to the fund would be nominal compared to
the cost of the mode of travel. The fund could be used to support energy efficiency
measures or renewable energy projects elsewhere on the island. Marketing the
program as a “Sustainability Fund” rather than an offset can help avoid some of the
concerns and misconceptions about offsets.
Consider the example of balancing out the environmental impact from private air travel
to and from the island by a contribution to the Fund: a private LearJet traveling round
trip from New York’s La Guardia airport will emit approximately 5.5 mT of CO2. A retail
carbon offset that would fund reductions projects elsewhere can sell for $15 per mT.
Local reduction projects are likely to have a much higher cost per mT, but given that the
former results in an $83 charge on the cost of a multi‐thousand dollar trip, there is room
to charge a higher cost per mT and still have the fee be an appropriately small
percentage of the cost of the trip.14
As noted above, in addition to offsetting the impact of private air travel to and from the
island, the mitigation fund could include consideration of the fuel usage to transport
visitors arriving to the island via ferry or commercial aircraft. Travelers could volunteer
to contribute to the sustainability fund commensurate with the impact of their travel.
Suggested contributions for this program would be nominal, on average less than $5 for
a ferry passenger and less than $10 for an airplane passenger.
High quality retail carbon offsets that meet internationally recognized offset standards
can be purchased for $10 ‐ $15 per mT, whereas the cost to reduce one mT of CO2 on
the island might cost upwards of $80 per mT or more. Therefore the sustainability fund
might be better managed with a flat fee / contribution model determined by dividing
the cost of targeted programs by the anticipated number of participants.
14 A Lear Jet uses 250 gallons of fuel per hour. Flying time between LGA and ACK is approximately 1 hr
and 10 min, or 2 hours 20 min RT. Using the emission factor of 21.1 lbs of CO2 per gallon of Jet A fuel
burned, the emissions per hour are 5,275 lbs of CO2 for a total of 12,133 lbs or 5.5 mT of CO2.
19
T.12. Increase Town Police Bike Patrols (M)
Increasing the use of police bike patrols is one way for the Town to reduce
transportation related emissions.
T.13. Optimize School Transportation Flows and Alternatives (M)
Optimization strategies for improving transportation flows and alternatives for
Nantucket’s schools include:
9 Reinstate Bike to School / Work weeks
9 Reconsider bus drop‐off locations
9 Educate and improve services to maximize the use of existing bus services
T. 14. Proper Tire Inflation Program (M)
Under‐inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.3 percent for every 1 pounds per square
inch (PSI) drop in pressure of all four tires. Thus, a vehicle running tires 5 to 10 PSI
under‐inflated is losing 1.5% to 3% fuel economy. Properly inflated tires are also safer
and last longer.15 Educating the public about proper tire inflation using well placed
signage can ensure that vehicle tires are properly inflated at all times, especially after
beach excursions.
T.15. Food Miles Concept and Strengthening Local Agriculture
Food Miles is a term that refers to the distance food is transported from farmer to
consumer. It is often thought of as a way to judge the environmental impact of food. For
example, if faced with the choice of an apple from Vermont or California, the Vermont
apple would have fewer Food Miles associated with it as a result of that apple being
produced on a more “local” scale.
Currently, the majority if energy in the U.S. food system is used in processing, packaging,
transporting, storing, and preparing food. From farmer to consumer a piece of produce
grown in the United States often travels 1200‐ 1300 miles. 16While Nantucket’s farmers
cannot meet the Islands entire food needs, it is important to support the existing farms
and growers, and to, where possible, support the expansion and strengthening of the
agricultural infrastructure on Nantucket. Given the high cost of land on Nantucket
resulting in the inability of many small growers to expand their operations in order to
supply more locally grown food to the community, it would be advisable to support
creative solutions to this problem. Experimental organic agriculture initiatives such ads
the New Alchemy Institute have proven that it is possible, using organic growing
15 For further information see the fueleconomy.gov website.
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/maintain.shtml
16 For more information on the subject of Food Miles visit the National Sustainable Agriculture
Information Service Website http://attra.ncat.org/farm_energy/food_miles.html
20
techniques, greenhouse technology and renewable energy to grow enough food
sustainably, to feed 10 families, 365 days a year, on 1/10 of an acre of land.
HEATING AND GREEN BUILDING
In order to achieve its 2020 goal, Nantucket will have to make significant reductions in
fuel oil consumption used for heating residential and commercial buildings. Residential
heating accounts for 20% of total Island’s carbon emissions, while heating of municipal
buildings accounts for 40% of the Town’s emissions. Like reducing vehicle miles on the
island, there are many benefits from reducing Nantucket’s fuel oil consumption,
including reduced heating bills and creating jobs to implement weatherization
programs. Changes to building codes can standardize energy efficiency and streamline
application for state and federal funding opportunities.
Strategies for tackling emission reductions in heating use are categorized by (1)
efficiency measures, and (2) education and policy.
Strategy Spotlights –Efficiency Measures
H.1. Weatherization (M)
According to the US Department of Energy, heating and cooling account for 50 to 70% of
energy used in the average American home and inadequate insulation and air leakage
are the primary causes of energy waste. Weatherization programs seal cracks around
windows and doors, add insulation, and sometimes replace inefficient appliances,
reducing energy‐use‐related Green House Gas (GHG) emissions and lowering utility bills.
Studies suggest weatherization programs can save households 10‐20% of annual energy
costs. Assuming 10,000 households on the Island spending $1,800 per year for fuel oil
and propane, it is reasonable to estimate $180 to over $300 per year in potential savings
for each home that undertakes an aggressive weatherization effort.17
Weatherization is a two‐step process of first caulking, sealing and weather‐stripping all
seams, cracks and openings to the outside. About one third of leaks occur through
openings in ceilings, walls and floors, ducts and fireplaces are other significant culprits.
Once all leaks are sealed, insulation is used to provide an effective resistance to the flow
of heat.
The Mass Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) helps low income household
reduce their heating bills by providing full‐scale home energy conservation services,
using federal and state funding. Typical work completed includes air sealing, attic
17 Assuming $3 per gal for fuel, 3,700 HH, and 2007 baseline fuel consumption.
21
and/or sidewall insulation, and weather‐stripping. Funds from the American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) are helping expand this program in 2010.
Simply educating island residents about the benefits of weatherization might motivate
homeowners who can afford to finance their own payback period. The town could
facilitate a weatherization lecture series where community members could come with
questions about their buildings and leave with practical solutions. Experts could be
invited as guest lecturers. Sponsoring organizations could include Sustainable
Nantucket, Housing Nantucket and the Nantucket Housing Authority, to name a few.
This could also be an opportunity for the Historic District Commission to offer
information of its Sustainable Preservation building guidelines.
H.2. Installation of Programmable Thermostats (M)
Through the use of a programmable thermostat it is possible to adjust the times of
heating and cooling of a building based on a pre‐set schedule, reducing energy use and
increasing savings. It is possible to save 10% per year on heating and cooling bills by
turning thermostats back 10° ‐ 15° for an eight‐hour period.18 Currently, the Town
spends $429,016 on light fuel oil (not including schools) according to the emissions
inventory. If the Town turned down the thermostats at night by 10° ‐ 15°, this would
result in a savings of approximately $42,000 per year.
H.3. Installation of Low Flush Toilets (M)
Traditional toilets use 3.5 gallons per flush (gpf). Newer low flush units can use between
1.6 and 1.0 gpf. These models tend to be more expensive than traditional models,
however the extra cost is recouped in the savings associated with the cost of water. In a
commercial facility that has roughly 30 flushes 260 days per year a traditional toilet
would cost $110 in water usage compared with a low flush and ultra‐low flush that
would cost $50 and $30 respectively. As new toilets are needed in Town buildings they
could be replaced with either a low flush unit or an ultra‐low flush unit, saving energy
and water. The same substitution should be encouraged for private residences.
H.4. Rain Barrels and Greywater Collection (M)
Rain Barrels are a simple technology that harvests rain water from roofs and collects
them in barrels. This technique has been used through out history as a means for
procuring water. By using rain barrels it is possible to collect usable water without using
electricity. Without rain barrels, rain is absorbed into the ground and replenishes the
aquifer. Once in the aquifer, the water is then pumped up into the building or home to
be used on demand. Harvesting rainwater can cut out the use of a pump for uses that
do not require potable water, such as garden irrigation.
18 For more information go to the Governments Energy Savers Web Site for Thermostats
http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/space_heating_cooling/index.cfm/mytopic=12720
22
It will be necessary for the Town to determine the different external uses for which
water is currently needed. Rainwater or greywater may serve a number of municipal
needs now served by potable water such as town landscaping and washing town
vehicles and boats. Once the need for external water is evaluated it will then be possible
to determine the best locations for rain barrels or greater collection. If the Building
Department building (a roughly 58’x52’ building) were to harvest its rainwater, an
annual average of 78,917 gallons of water per year could be harvested.19
Strategy Spotlights – Policy and Education
H.5. Adoption of State Stretch Code (M, GCR)
As of August 1, 2009 the state of Massachusetts has adopted Appendix 120 AA that is a
more stringent energy code based on the International Energy Conservation Code 2009.
This appendix to the existing code is the result of municipalities of Massachusetts
requesting an energy code that creates higher standards than the one already in place.20
The stretch code is a voluntary option for municipalities looking to reduce energy waste
from buildings though its adoption is a necessary step in the application for Green
Communities funding.
H.6. Luxury Building Mitigation Fund (M)
Similar to the Airport / Ferry Sustainability Fund discussed in T.10, Nantucket could
manage a mitigation fund from high end development. For example, the program could
require all new construction over a certain size to meet 20% of its energy demand
through onsite renewable energy or pay a fee. Fee payments could also be generated
from the installation of any new heated pools. This revenue could fund selected
initiatives designed to reduce overall emissions.
Since launching its Renewable Energy Mitigation Program in 2000, the city of Aspen,
Colorado has raised over $8 million for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
REMP has two fees. One based on the size of the new home and the other based on
whether or not the home has a non‐complying exterior snowmelt, pool, and spa
systems. The program charges new homeowners one fee if their homes exceed 5,000
sq. ft. and another fee up to $100,000 if they exceed the "energy budget" allotted to
their property by the local building code. As of Fall 2002, REMP has raised more than $2
million for local energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. REMP's goal is to keep
three tons of carbon out of the air for every excess ton of carbon put into the air.
19 Maximum Gallons of Rain Water Capture= (Annual Rainfall (42’’)) X (Sq. Ft. of Roof (3000)) X (.623
gallons). For more information see Harvest H2O website.
http://www.harvesth2o.com/Capture_System.shtml#top
20 A copy of the Stretch Code can be found in the appendix of this document.
23
H.7. Low Interest Loans for Weatherization (M)
WAP may well serve a small portion of the Nantucket community but funding is limited
and insufficient for the number of homes requiring retrofitting. It is likely that
additional sources of funding will be necessary. The Town of Nantucket, with the
assistance of National Grid or through the fund created in H.6., could encourage
efficiency improvements by offering low or zero interest loans to building owners for
improvements. For example, New York State offers home and multi‐family building
owner’s loans at 4% below market for weatherization measures.
H.8. Promote Green Building Practices / LEED Certification (M)
Green Building practices take a holistic approach to environmental performance that
includes water and energy efficiency, building materials, chemical usage, and
transportation amenities. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a
program of the US Green Building Council that recognizes the environmental
performance of buildings and building professionals. Along with EPA’s Energy Star for
buildings, LEED offers a standard by which choices of windows, insulation, lighting
systems, and heating and cooling systems allow for the most efficient building design.
In addition to energy and water cost savings, there are paybacks associated with
increased productivity and health.
Nantucket could offer lower building fees or expedited permit processing for buildings
that meet LEED or Energy Star requirements.
ELECTRICITY
Residential electricity accounts for 10% of total Island emissions and electricity use in
Town‐owned buildings accounts for 20% of all municipal emissions. This section
considers ways to reduce electricity usage through (1) efficiency, (2) conservation, and
(3) renewables.
It is important to remember that efficiency and conservation are powerful tools – every
kilowatt reduction achieved gets full credit for carbon reductions, and reduces the need
for new electric power plants. Efficiency efforts can yield valuable reductions while the
groundwork is laid for future deployment of renewable electricity sources.
24
Strategy Spotlights - Efficiency21
E.1. Efficient Lighting (M)
Moving to energy efficient lighting is one of the lowest cost ways to reduce electricity
use and emissions. Inefficient incandescent bulbs are to be phased off the US market by
2012 and as a result, efficient lighting technology has advanced substantially. If using as
little energy as possible is the goal, LED bulbs are the best option. Other things in LED’s
favor: they are dimmable, they turn on immediately, they offer a better quality of light,
they last up to five times longer than CFLs and they don’t contain mercury, which can be
an issue with the disposal of CFLs.
As a versatile bulb that burns comparably bright to a standard incandescent, but still
costs less over the long term and burns more efficiently, the CFL is still a good choice.
CFLs use on average about 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, and last 10 times
longer. Nantucket families could save at least $30 in electricity and replacement costs
for each bulb they switch. Replacing 500 incandescent bulbs with CFLs would produce
an annual cost savings of $2,400 and a simple payback of 6 months. 22
When deciding between CFLs or LEDs, bulb price, lifespan, lumens (brightness), and
wattage/electricity cost (how much electricity it takes to light the bulb) are all relevant
factors. Web based tools are available to help buyers determine what lighting is right
for them. 23
One‐way Nantucket can encourage community members to purchase efficient lighting is
to hold promotional CFL or LED bulb giveaway days. In addition to the efficient bulbs
residents take home, a giveaway raises awareness of the benefits of efficient lighting,
encouraging participants and their neighbors to buy additional bulbs on their own.
Promotional giveaway programs can also be effective when coupled with other energy
efficiency programs, such as low‐income weatherization (see H.1.).
E.2. Install LED Streetlights (M)
Street lighting is often one of the largest items in a local government's energy budget.
Many cities still have older, inefficient, mercury vapor lamps or incandescent bulbs in
streetlights. LEDs have been used to successfully reduce energy use for traffic signals,
and some cities are now choosing expanding their use to save energy from street lights.
LEDs are highly efficient, and their light is directional, making it easy to focus them on
roads, avoiding ambient light pollution and energy waste. LEDs produce better light
quality than sodium lamps and provide better visibility of colors. Perhaps the most
21 While none of these efficiency strategies are specifically required under Green Communities, they will
all help the Town achieve a 20% reduction in energy use in 5 years, which is required under the program. 22 ICLEI CAPPA Tool 23 Productdose.com designed a light bulb comparison spreadsheet to help consumers determine when to
purchase a CFL, LED or incandescent bulb. (http://www.productdose.com/LightBulb_Comparison.xls)
25
attractive feature of LEDs for local governments is the maintenance savings from their
long life‐‐10‐12 years in streetlight applications.
According to ICLEI’s CAPPA tool, replacing 100 streetlights with LED lights would avoid
17.5 mT of CO2 emissions and yield $3,750 in annual energy savings and have a payback
of less than three months24.
E.3. Green Purchasing (M)
The Town should implement a green purchasing policy that would result in the
purchasing of energy efficient appliances as well as sustainable and recycled products.
Products could include recycled paper; energy efficient copiers, recycled content
asphalt, concrete, or paint.25 ENERGY STAR rated appliances should be required when
replacing existing equipment. ICLEI’s CAPPA tool can help buyers calculate the energy
and cost savings from purchasing efficient appliances should be required when
purchasing ranging from computing devices, kitchen appliances as well as heating and
cooling systems.
Strategy Spotlights – Conservation26
E.4. Kill Phantom Loads (M)
Standby power, also called “phantom loads” refers to electric power consumed by
electronic appliances while they are switched off or in standby mode. According to a
McKinsey study, standby power alone is 6 to 8 percent of total energy consumption. 27
The biggest offenders include VCRs, TVs, computers, kitchen appliances and phone
chargers. Phantom loads can be avoided by unplugging the appliance or using a power
strip to cut all power to the appliance. SmartStrips are intelligent power strips that
allow some appliances to be “always on” and empowering one appliance to trigger all
others (e.g. when the computer is turned off, the printer, desk light and paper shredder
are all powered off).
E.5. Promote the Use of Energy Measurement and Management Tools
When it comes to energy conservation, knowing really is half the battle. New tools and
technologies are arming businesses and individuals with data about their electricity
consumption, which in turn helps drive smarter choices about energy consumption.
Tools for energy management include the use of smart meters, home and business
energy calculators, and web based energy management tools. For example, OPOWER,
which delivers energy savings to utility partners through large‐scale customer
24 Assuming 11 hrs of daily street light operation, $0.09 per kWh, and 928 lbs CO2 per MWh. 25 See King County, Wa. Environmental Purchasing Program website for more details.
http://www.kingcounty.gov/operations/procurement/Services/Environmental_Purchasing/Policies.aspx 26 While none of the conservation strategies outline are specifically required under Green Communities,
many of these measures will help the Town achieve the required 20% reduction in energy use. 27 http://www.mckinsey.com/clientservice/electricpowernaturalgas/US_energy_efficiency/
26
engagement. By teaching households how to understand their energy use, OPOWER
has helped up to 80% of targeted households take energy saving actions.
Simple steps like using Smart Strips, motion activated lighting, daytime janitorial service,
reducing phantom loads, and running large appliances at off peak hours can reduce
islanders’ energy bills and reduce emissions from electricity.
E.6. Participate in a Demand Response Program (M)
Demand Response is a specific form of energy management whereby participating
businesses are paid to reduce energy use during peak periods. Massachusetts based
EnerNOC is a leading provider of demand response services, as well as energy
management solutions for businesses (www.enernoc.com). Comverge provides similar
services for individual homes (www.comverge.com). The Town of Nantucket might
want to consider whether some of its buildings could benefit from participation in a
demand response program.
E.7. Implement Time‐of‐Use or Peak Demand Energy Pricing (M)
In cooperation with National Grid, the island could implement an energy pricing policy
that would charge customers a premium for energy consumed during peak demand
periods, such as daytime summer hours (targeting air conditioning usage). While
participation in a demand response program outlined in E.6. serves as a carrot, peak
demand pricing can act a stick – and one that can potentially raise funds for energy
efficiency measures in collaboration with the local electric company. [Note: National
Grid is a likely source of funds to implement efficiency measures.]
E.8. Promote water conservation through proper lawn maintenance (M)
Irrigated and manicured lawns require considerable amount energy to maintain.
Encouraging native landscaping or creating policy to limit the amount of water allowed
for irrigating lawns would reduce residential electricity demand.
E.9. Employee Energy Education Program (M)
In order to increase more awareness of energy conservation issues and practices, an
education program could be administered where the connection between employee
execution of practical measures and energy savings for their business or home will be
addressed. As a result of this education program, employees would be empowered to
alter their individual energy use, as well as identify environmental and financial benefits
associated with these actions. One possible resource would be to look into a Carbon
Challenge where employees would compete against one another to achieve the greatest
reductions.
E.10. Climate Change Curriculum and Community Education
Educating young people about the science of Climate Change is one of the most
effective tools in facilitating behavioral changes. The Massachusetts Department of
Education’s Science and Technology/Engineering Curriculum Framework includes many
27
learning standards, specifically in the earth sciences, which can be accomplished by
utilizing materials that focus on the use of energy resources and climate change. A
possible resource could be the School Curriculum Backpack offered by Clean Air‐ Cool
Planet.28
E.11. Shade Tree Planting Program
All buildings absorb solar heat through windows and roofs resulting in an increased
internal temperature. A landscape that incorporates shade trees into its design can
lower solar heat gain. Deciduous tress, those that loose their foliage in the late Fall
should be planted on south and west sides of buildings. This positioning helps protect
the building from the directions that the sun is the strongest. Also, if an air conditioning
unit were shaded it could increase the units’ efficiency by 10%. Trees can also act as a
wind block. All building owners should be encouraged to look at the advantages of
shade tree planted when considering their landscape design.29 Public shade tree
programs should also be investigated.
Strategy Spotlights – Renewable Energy Generation
E.12. Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) (M)
Renewable Energy Certificates represent the environmental benefits of renewable
energy. RECs are sold separately from the energy itself and allow businesses and
residents to claim ownership of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind
without having to generate that energy themselves. Purchasing RECs will not reduce
Nantucket’s energy consumption, but as is the case with carbon offsets (T.10.), the town
may decide it is appropriate to meet a portion of its electricity reduction target through
the purchase of RECs. RECs can be purchased at prices ranging from $5 to $15 per
MWh.30
It is worth noting that the environmental attributes of renewable energy can only be
counted once, either towards the island’s reduction targets, or for sale to a third party,
who in turn will count those reductions towards their targets.
E.13. Renewable Energy Generation from Wind Power (M)
The island and surrounding waters have significant wind power potential. 31 The map
below depicts wind speed estimates at 50 meters above ground as an indicator of
suitability for utility‐scale wind development.32
28 For more information see the following website http://www.sciencecentercollaborative.org/backpack.php 29 Energy Savers.gov http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/landscaping/index.cfm/mytopic=11940
31 With only an annual average of 52 days of sunshine per year, the island is less favorably designed for
solar. 32 Wind power map of the state of Massachusetts published by the US Department of Energy’s Wind
Program and the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL).
28
Wind energy can come to Nantucket
from three different project types: (1)
offshore utility scale development; (2)
onshore utility scale development; or
(3) small community wind projects.
With Cape Wind on the horizon, a
large‐scale utility wind33 project would
not be appealing or necessary on
Nantucket. This leaves the
consideration of community wind
projects and small‐scale wind
installations to power businesses or
individual. Community wind projects
have the possibility of reducing
municipal electric bills as well as stretching the Towns budget in the following ways by
avoiding the full retail cost of delivered electricity and the potential for additional
savings through power purchasing agreements. These projects should be allowed by
reducing barriers to their permitting and construction.
Resources for further investigation of community wind projects include the Cape &
Islands Renewable Energy Collaborative34, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center35 and
the Island Institute,36 which focuses specifically on the year‐round island communities in
the Gulf of Maine.
The cost and emissions reductions of small‐scale wind installation make economic sense
on a ten to fifteen year payback schedule. With a lower marginal cost of electricity as
compared to utility rates, the owner of a home or farm scale wind turbine (100 kW
capacity or less) is likely to payback his or her investment in a ten to fifteen year period.
One interesting comparison is to consider the cost of home and farm scale wind verses
the purchase of RECs. Assuming $2,000 per kW capacity, purchasing and installing a 50
kW turbine will cost $75,000.37 Assuming 30% capacity over a 15‐year period, the cost
of the energy generated from that turbine is approximately $50 per MWh. RECs can be
purchased on the open market from anywhere between $3 and $10 per MWh. The REC
however, does not factor in the cost of electricity. Assuming a retail electricity rate of
$0.09 per kWh ($90 per MWh) over a 15 to 20 year time horizon, the economics of
producing wind are favorable even to the purchase of RECs. (Note: the economics of
33 Above 100kW, the distinction between community and utility-scale wind has to do with the ownership
structure, where community wind projects are locally owned and optimize local benefits. 34 www.cirenew.org 35 http://masscec.com 36 For further information on the Island Institute Community Wind Programs see their web page
http://www.islandinstitute.org/communitywind.php 37 http://www.windustry.org/how-much-do-wind-turbines-cost
29
wind projects change considerably if Nantucket is able to take advantage of State and
Federal financing opportunities such as The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s
(MassCEC) Community‐Scale Wind Initiative awards38.)
E.14. Solar installations (M)
Town administration is working with private entities to explore solar sites on the island.
By leveraging current tax incentives and attractive financing from solar developers, the
Town and perhaps some residents could utilize on site solar energy with little or no
upfront cost. While sunshine is not as abundant on the island as wind, solar installations
are less obtrusive and therefore may be palatable for more locations.
E.15. Residential and Commercial Wind & Solar
The Town of Nantucket was a leader in adopting a Wind Energy Conversion Systems
(WECS) Bylaw at the Annual Town Meeting in April of 1982. However, since that time
the WECS Bylaw had not been updated to reflect new technologies or other relevant
changes to the Zoning Bylaw. At the 2009 Annual Town Meeting significant changes to
the WECS section of the Zoning Bylaw were adopted. Changes included expanding the
zoning districts in which WECS are allowed, reducing the setback restrictions associated
with WECS, relaxing the height requirement for roof or wall mounted WECS, and
eliminating outdated requirements and standards that are not relative to newer
technology. Residential WECS are now allowed by‐right as an accessory use in all zoning
districts. Commercial WECS are allowed by‐right as an accessory use in the Commercial
Industrial (CI) district and allowed by special permit as a primary use in certain large lot
residential districts and certain commercial districts. Solar installations are exempted
from local zoning regulations under Massachusetts State law.
Also in 2009, in order to assist residential homeowners and commercial business owners
in their quest to green their buildings with wind and solar installations, local nonprofit
Sustainable Nantucket, in partnership with Clean Air‐Cool Planet and funded by the 11th
Hour Project, collaborated with the Nantucket Historic District Commission to facilitate
the drafting of a set of “green building” guidelines, entitled Sustainable Preservation
Guidelines. These guidelines delineate the HDC’s approach to renewable energy and
energy efficiency inside, and outside of the Old Historic District, in new and existing
buildings. The Sustainable Preservation Guidelines were formally adopted in October of
2009 and are among the first of their kind in the nation.
E.16. Zoning for Municipal Wind (M, GCR)
The intent of the recent Bylaw changes, mentioned above, in addition to providing much
needed updates, were to ease permitting and remove obstacles that discourage wind
generation. In order to encourage significant wind generation at a commercial scale,
the WECS and Height Limitations sections of the Zoning Bylaw will require further
changes. Furthermore, in order to qualify for Green Communities, the must pass an as‐
38 http://masscec.com/index.cfm?pid=11047
30
of‐right by‐law for renewable power generation (for more information see the Green
Communities Web site39.)
E.17. Pilot Program for Plug‐In and Electric Vehicles Powered By Wind (See also T.4.)
Nantucket could become a demonstration site for plug‐in hybrid and electric car
technology. Wind flow is at its strongest and most consistent at night, when electricity
used in homes and businesses tends to be low. With little nighttime demand, the value
of power generated from midnight to 6 a.m. should be available at cheaper rates. Since,
plug‐in hybrids and electric cars would most likely be charged in the night hours, an
opportunity exists for these electric car users to draw power directly from wind
turbines. An integrated program with a large‐scale wind farm or via National Grid could
be of mutual economic benefit. Such a program could dramatically reduce Nantucket’s
transportation related emissions, depending on the rate of adoption of hybrid and
electric vehicles. A pilot program could start with a community wind project, and then
expand in partnership with a utility scale wind installation.
E.18. Wind Turbine Education Program, Nantucket Public Schools
Nantucket Public Schools is working with a wind committee (made up of educators,
administrators, and sustainability professionals) to orchestrate the construction of a
wind turbine located on school property. The turbine will serve two purposes; one, to
reduce the energy bills of the school, and two, to be a tool for students in learning about
green technologies, engineering, and the permitting process associated with the
turbine. The committee is currently researching the possible cost savings and CO2
reductions associated with the project. The turbine is scheduled for completion in the
fall of 2010.
E.19. Planning Office and Renewable Energy Research (M)
Two major initiatives were begun in 2007: (1) coordinating with the Town of Edgartown
to seek a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) permit for a tidal energy
demonstration project and (2) requesting a lease from the Bureau of Ocean Energy
Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE) (formerly the Mineral
Management Service (MMS) of the Department of the Interior) to study an area known
as “South of Tuckernuck”, a broad area between Tuckernuck, Muskeget and
Chappaquiddick on Martha’s Vineyard.
The NP&EDC is an active partner working with local, institutional, state and federal
entities to create a Marine Renewable Energy Consortium (MREC) in this area between
Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. In addition, opportunity for renewable energy has
become available with the passage of the state’s Oceans Act, which allows for the
development of an ocean management plan, an initiative that will most certainly involve
the Commission’s participation.
39 http://www.mass.gov/Eoeea/docs/doer/green_communities/grant_program/model_wind_bylaw.pdf
31
On May 28, 2008, the Massachusetts Oceans Act (Chapter 114 of the Acts of 2008) was
signed, setting forth a year long process of developing a draft plan for Massachusetts
coastal waters followed by a six‐month process of finalization and rule changes. Staff
and Commission members have been active participants over the past year. A home rule
petition was passed at the 2009 Annual Town Meeting (Article 67), which would give the
NP&EDC regulatory authority over large‐scale developments. The petition, now referred
to as House Bill 1122, is under review. Ocean‐related planning work continues
initiatives from last year in the areas south and west of Tuckernuck and Muskeget
islands.
Ocean‐related planning work continues initiatives from last year in the areas south and
west of Tuckernuck and Muskeget islands.
E.20. Geothermal heat pumps
Geothermal heat pumps can provide heat in the winter and air conditioning in the
summer by harnessing solar energy stored beneath the earth’s surface. They save
money, reduce emissions, and are cost effective in replacing conventional heating and
cooling systems. Residential geothermal heat pump systems are typically more
expensive to install than other HVAC systems however, their greater efficiency means
the upfront investment can be recouped in two to seven years. After that, energy and
maintenance cost are much less than conventional systems plus they have aesthetic
advantages, quiet operation, and free or reduced‐cost hot water.
In October 2008, geothermal heat pumps became eligible for a 30% tax credit through
the Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit Revenue Code.40
WASTE MANAGEMENT
When organic matter such as wood, paper, food, and yard waste is placed in landfills it
decomposes aerobically, producing methane. Methane is a Greenhouse Gas that is 21
times as powerful as carbon dioxide. Emissions from waste on Nantucket accounts for
3% of the total emissions inventory. The Nantucket Solid Waste Recycling and
Composting Facility is a model operation with an estimated 80% of materials recycled
and diverted from landfilling. In order to achieve reductions from waste management,
Nantucket will need to expand on the work that was already underway when the
baseline was measured in 2007.
In April 2009, Waste Options together with Environmental Credit Corporation registered
the first composting project with the Chicago Climate Exchange. Rather than more
common landfill gas capture and destruction, the project generates credits by
40 For more information, see http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index.
32
composting the waste stream. Because so much waste is composted, there is not much
opportunity left to reduce methane emissions from the landfill.
W.1. Gasification (M)
[This section will be completed after further discussion with Waste Options]
W.2. Waste to Energy (M)
As a leader and innovator of waste management, the island might want to consider a
waste to energy plant. While popular in Europe, trash‐to‐energy plants have met
resistance in the U.S. The plants work by burning waste to heat a boiler to generate
steam for a turbine, which in turn runs a generator to create electricity. Through this
process, one ton of waste can generate 590 kWh of electricity.41
W.3. Transfer Station on the East Side of the Island (M)
A transfer station on the east side of the island would reduce the number of cars driving
across the island on Saturday and Sunday to drop off waste at the landfill.
W.4. Reuse/Reduce Materials from Demolished Buildings (M)
Improved management of materials from demolished buildings will reduce the amount of
waste shipped off the island.
W.5. Efficiency of Landfill Access and Uses (M)
The following are additional recommendations for reducing emissions at the landfill:
9 Improve access to reduce idling vehicles
9 Consideration of placement of landfill services to optimize traffic flows
9 Encourage the use of clear, biodegradable trash bags
41 http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2010/04/13/science/earth/13trash.html?ref=earth
33
GREEN COMMUNITIES REQUIREMENTS
Green Communities is a division of the Massachusetts State government that empowers
cities and towns to reduce their energy consumption through energy audits,
management and measurement tools, and the distribution of Green Communities
Grants. In order to be eligible for a Green Communities grant, Nantucket must meet the
following five criteria42:
1. Provide as‐of‐right siting in designated locations for renewable/alternative
energy generation, research & development, or manufacturing facilities43
2. Adopted an expedited application and permit process for as‐of‐right energy
facilities
3. Establish benchmark for energy use and developed a plan to reduce baseline by
20 percent within 5 years
4. Purchase only fuel‐efficient vehicles
5. Set requirements to minimize life‐cycle energy costs for new construction; one
way to meet these requirements is to adopt the new Board of Building
Regulations and Standards (BBRS) Stretch Code.
The Green Communities Web site has links to model by‐laws and guidance for meeting
each criterion. Once Nantucket has met these five criteria, the town can apply for grant
money to fund projects that will reduce energy consumption (i.e. priority is given to
efficiency and conservation measures rather than renewable energy projects.) Grant
money is generated from the sale of allowances under the Regional Greenhouse Gas
Initiative (RGGI). In 2010, the amount of grant money to be distributed was $7 million.
With regard to criterion #3, if Nantucket submits its 2007 baseline data, the 20%
reduction in electricity use will need to be achieved by 2012. Alternatively, Nantucket
could calculate a new baseline using the Green Communities MASSEnergyInsight tool44,
which will effectively reset the clock for another five years. It will be important to
consider what energy conservation measures have been taken since 2007 to determine
whether less time off a higher baseline is preferable to having more time but a lower
baseline from which to measure reductions. Keep in mind, for the purposes of Green
Communities, the scope of the baseline and reductions is municipal energy use only.
Furthermore, criterion #3 can only be met by reducing energy consumption.
Substituting renewable energy sources or purchasing RECs or offsets will not count
towards the 20% reduction target (this is not the case with the larger‐scope ICLEI
42 Green Communities Website
43 Wind installation zoning needs to meet the needs of nameplate capacity of 600 kW or more. While
actual outputs may vary, a wind turbine that is 250 feet tall will generate approximately 660 kW.
44 ICLEI software is also acceptable for calculating a 2010 baseline, though for this purpose the
MASSEnergyInsight tool might prove to be cheaper and easier to implement.
34
Climate Mitigation Program, which is targeted at carbon emissions reductions). The
following strategies spotlight ways municipal Nantucket can achieve a 20% reduction in
energy consumption of municipal buildings, vehicles, and street lighting within 5 years.
See Appendices A, B, and C for references to each of these efficiency measure in more
detail.
Municipal Buildings
9 Switch to efficient lighting
9 Weatherization measures
9 Install occupancy sensors
9 Install LED exit signs
9 Institute a lights out and power off at night policy
9 LED holiday lights
9 Efficient lighting retrofits
Vehicles
9 Green fleet policy
9 Trip reduction
Street lighting
9 LED street lights
9 Decrease average daily time street lights are on
35
Appendix A
Actions, Costs and Priorities for Reducing Emissions from Transportation
Note for Appendices A ‐ D: Items highlighted in yellow are strongly recommended; items in green are
potential sources of funds. Agencies have been identified where appropriate / available. Not all
recommendations are expanded upon in the plan and therefore do not have spotlight references.
36
Appendix B
Actions, Costs and Priorities for Reducing Emissions from Heating and Green
Building
37
Appendix C
Actions, Costs and Priorities for Reducing Emissions from Electricity Use and
Renewables
38
Appendix D
Actions, Costs and Priorities for Reducing Emissions from Waste Management
39
Appendix E
Emissions Inventory Breakdown
40
Appendix F
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory for the Town of Nantucket Prepared for The
Town of Nantucket by Sustainable Nantucket
Emissions Inventory Methods and Data Sources
The baseline year for the Nantucket greenhouse gas inventory was 2007. The emission
inventory and forecast, as well as most of the reduction measures, are separated into
two distinct areas. The first is a community wide assessment of all energy and waste
related activities that occur on this island. The community emissions data includes that
from within the Town's borders such as vehicle tail pipes and heating broilers. The
inventory required data and technical information to be collected from a wide range of
sources including:
• Local Utilities: National Grid, Harbor Fuel, Sun Island Fuel, Waste Options
• Transportation surveys provided by the Nantucket Planning & Economic
Development Commission
• Steamship Authority, Hy‐line ferry, commercial airlines, and the Nantucket
Memorial Airport
Community data gathered and entered into the software are general figures and not
expected to be, nor can they be, completely accurate. Quantifying the consumption and
emissions of the community over a period of time using the same methodology can be
beneficial in that progress in the community can be recorded and monitored. The
associated costs were generated from the internal records of the energy providers, such
as the utility companies.
The second section of the inventory is an evaluation of emissions coming from
municipal operations.
This includes building energy use, vehicle fleet emissions, Town generated solid waste,
and other energy use such as outdoor/street lighting and water works operations.
A separate Town government‐based inventory is conducted because the Town
ultimately has greater control over its own emissions than private activities in the
community. The Town can contribute directly to emission reductions through its own
practices while setting an example for responsible energy and fuel use for residents and
institutions within the community. The CCP program allows the Town to do just that, by
showing emissions reduced and cost saved. The inventory required data and technical
information to be collected from a wide range of sources including:
• Local Utilities: National Grid, Yates Gas, Harbor Fuel, Waste Options;
• Town of Nantucket Offices and Departments
41
• Public Schools
• Nantucket Cottage Hospital
• Police Department
• Fire Department
The data gathered will be expressed in eCO2 emissions, which consist of emissions
associated with carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane. eCO2 is a measure that
describes how much warming a given type and amount of a greenhouse gas may cause,
using the functionally equivalent amount of carbon dioxide as a reference. For example,
methane is 21 times more potent of a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide on a
molecule‐by‐molecule basis. Therefore, 1 ton of methane has an equivalent CO2 value
of 21 tons.
The data was entered into specialized software designed by ICLEI and Torrie Smith
Associates. The CCP software calculates eCO2 from energy use and other inputs and also
translates all energy units into British Thermal Units (BTU's) for comparison between
energy sources. BTUs are a unit of energy that allows comparisons across various types
of energy. Every different energy source (such as natural gas, electricity, diesel, gasoline,
etc.) has a natural amount of energy embedded within it. British Thermal Units
standardize the amount of energy embodied in these different fuels comparisons can be
made amongst their energy content. For example, when we determine the energy
content in electricity (in BTUs) and in natural gas (in BTUs), we can compare and sum
these figures. The energy costs associated with each category were taken from the
energy providers’ bills kept on record at the appropriate Town department.
42
Community Emissions Findings
43
Municipal Emissions Findings
44
Inventory Results
The greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory measured emissions based on two separate
studies. The first was a measure of all emissions from the Nantucket residential and
commercial community. (Fig. 1) The second level of the inventory investigated the
emissions from municipal operations. (Fig. 2)
45
In 2007, the community of Nantucket's greenhouse gas emissions totaled 353,142 tons
of eCO2. Transportation energy use accounted for 64.4% and residential household
energy use accounted for 31.4% of the communities’ emissions. Gasoline used for
transportation was the largest overall source of eCO2. Light fuel oil and electricity
produced large quantities of eCO2 after gasoline (38,179 tons and 34,227 tons eCO2
respectively).
Fig. 1 – Community Emissions Inventory Results
In 2007 the Town of Nantucket generated 6,275 tons of eCO2, 59.2% of which came
from building energy use (Figure 2). ECO2 emitted by the public schools accounted for
1,884 tons, or 30 % of this total, and ECO2 emitted by other town buildings was equal to
1771 tons, or 29% The municipal water/sewage, vehicle fleet, and streetlights/traffic
lights accounted for 29.35%, 9.5%, and 1.6% respectively, of the remaining emissions. In
2007, the Town of Nantucket spent a total of $2,913,639 on energy.
46
Fig. 2 – Municipal Emissions Inventory Results
Forecasting
Between April 1, 2000 and July 1st, 2007, Nantucket’s population expanded by 10.5%.45
With the 2008 economic recession in mind, we are projecting Nantucket’s population
growth rate between 2008 and 2020 at 50% of the rate of the previous 7 years, or 5.3%.
Based on this growth rate and utilizing the Energy Use Growth Forecast Tool provided
by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Information Association (EIA),46 our total
energy use as a community could grow by 6.42%. Correspondingly, if unchecked, our
community’s carbon emissions would rise from 353,142 tons of eC02 in 2007 to 375,813
tons of eC02 by 2020.
Targets for reduction
The 2nd Milestone of the ICLEI Cities for Climate Protection Campaign is to set targets for
reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. We recommend that Nantucket’s initial target
be to reduce our emissions by 10% below 2000 levels by 2020. This would mean
reducing our overall GHG emissions from 380,302 tons of eC02 emissions in 2007, to
45 U.S. Census Bureau. http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/25/25019.html 46 Data Source: US DOE Energy Information Administration
http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/aeo/supplement/supref.html
47
294,392 tons by 202047, an overall reduction of 86,000 tons from 2007 levels, and a
reduction of 110,325 tons from our projected total carbon emissions in 2020, if no steps
were taken.
While the state of Massachusetts set targets in the 2004 Massachusetts Climate
Protection Action Plan, which aim for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in
Massachusetts by at least 10% below 1990 levels by 2020, we believe Nantucket should
set it’s own tough, yet realistic targets for reduction that take into account our high rate
of population expansion ‐‐36.8% from 1990 to 2000, in comparison to the state’s
expansion of 5.2% in that time frame, and 10.5% from 2000 to 2007 in comparison to
the statewide average of 1.6%.48
For longer‐term targets, we suggest reducing emission to 25% below 2000 levels by
2030, 55% by 2040, and 75‐80% by 2050. This timeline for reduction would put us
roughly in line, with the state of Massachusetts long‐term targets of a 75 – 80%
reduction from 1990 levels, by the target date recommended by the Union of
Concerned Scientists, which is 2050.49
47 According to the Energy Use Forecast Tool provided by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy
Information Association (EIA)
48 U.S. Census Bureau, State and County Quick Facts
(http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/25/25019.html)
49 At a population expansion rate in Massachusetts as a whole of 6.8% between 1990 and 2007.
Town of Nantucket Town of Nantucket Fiscal Year 2012 Fiscal Year 2012 General Fund ForecastGeneral Fund ForecastBoard of Selectmen November 17, 2010Board of Selectmen Board of Selectmen November 17, 2010November 17, 2010
Municipal Budget OverviewMunicipal Budget OverviewMunicipal BudgetGeneral General FundFundEnterprise FundsCapital ProjectsNantucket Memorial AirportSiasconset WaterWannacomet Water Sewer EnterpriseSolid Waste (SWEF)Revolving FundsCommunity Preservation FundsTown GovernmentTown GovernmentPublic SchoolsPublic SchoolsOur Island Home (OIH)
FY2012 GENERAL FUND FY2012 GENERAL FUND PROJECTIONPROJECTIONProjected Uses As of 11/17/10Debt Service13%Other Articles13%Retirement5%Insurance12% Education30%Town Services26%Overlay & Charges1%Projected Sources As of 11/17/10New Growth0%Other Sources1%State Aid2%Local Revenue8%Tax Revenue89%
FY2012 PROJECTED FY2012 PROJECTED GENERAL FUND REVENUEGENERAL FUND REVENUE0123456789102008 2009 2010 2011 2012Local Revenue*State RevenueNew GrowthLocal Revenue is projected Local Revenue is projected to continue to decline in to continue to decline in FY2012 by 5.4% over FY2012 by 5.4% over FY2010FY2010State Revenue is projected State Revenue is projected to decline 12% in FY2012to decline 12% in FY2012New Growth has declined New Growth has declined from $1.18 million in from $1.18 million in FY2008 to a projected FY2008 to a projected $250,000 in FY2012$250,000 in FY2012*Local Revenue does not reflect Our Island Home Revenues from 2008 - 2010
FY2012 GENERAL FUND FY2012 GENERAL FUND EXPENSESEXPENSES05101520252008 2009 2010 2011 2012School ServicesTown Services*InsuranceDebt ServiceOther ArticlesRetirementFY2012 Expense Projections for Town & School Services FY2012 Expense Projections for Town & School Services assumes operations within revenue. assumes operations within revenue. Retirement & Capital Expenditure Projections will be refined by Retirement & Capital Expenditure Projections will be refined by January 2011.January 2011.Health Insurance Rates will be held for FY2012Health Insurance Rates will be held for FY2012*Town Services does not reflect costs associated with Our Island Home or Adult Community Day Care program which were re-classified in FY2011 as an Enterprise Fund
FY2012 TOWN STRATEGY FY2012 TOWN STRATEGY FOR A BALANCED BUDGETFOR A BALANCED BUDGETBOS Goal: BOS Goal: Budget Efficiencies / Improvements for Multiple Year Budget Efficiencies / Improvements for Multiple Year Planning / Government EfficienciesPlanning / Government EfficienciesFive Year Strategy:Five Year Strategy:FY2009: Review service levels of existing departmentsFY2009: Review service levels of existing departmentsFY2010FY2010--FY2011: Review opportunities to streamline FY2011: Review opportunities to streamline operations and improve efficiencies across multiple operations and improve efficiencies across multiple departmentsdepartmentsFY2012: Implement program based budgeting and identify FY2012: Implement program based budgeting and identify measurements for Police & Public Works Departmentsmeasurements for Police & Public Works DepartmentsFY2012FY2012--FY2013: Implement cost savings and efficiency FY2013: Implement cost savings and efficiency measures through departmental consolidationsmeasures through departmental consolidations
Preliminary Consolidation SummaryPreliminary Consolidation Summary7.757.75$ 691,904$ 691,904TotalTotal1.001.00$ 121,530$ 121,530Other**Other**2.002.00$ 129,940$ 129,940Public WorksPublic Works1.501.50$ 90,170$ 90,170Human & Social ServicesHuman & Social Services3.253.25$ 350,264$ 350,264Code Enforcement & Code Enforcement & Regulatory ServicesRegulatory ServicesNet ReductionNet Reductionin in FTE* PositionsFTE* PositionsNet Cost SavingsNet Cost SavingsDepartmentDepartment*FTE = Full Time Equivalent Positions**Other reductions were necessary per contract language
FY12 Budget Cycle Next StepsFY12 Budget Cycle Next StepsNovember 2010November 2010Town Administration & Finance Review Free Cash Town Administration & Finance Review Free Cash Certification and Identify Potential UsesCertification and Identify Potential UsesDecember 2010December 2010Town Administration Presents FY2012 Balanced Budget Town Administration Presents FY2012 Balanced Budget Recommendations to the Board of SelectmenRecommendations to the Board of SelectmenBarnstable County Retirement Assessment for FY2012 Barnstable County Retirement Assessment for FY2012 received by December 31, 2010received by December 31, 2010January 2011January 2011Board of Selectmen forward FY2012 Budget Board of Selectmen forward FY2012 Budget Recommendations to the Finance CommitteeRecommendations to the Finance CommitteeJanuary 2011 January 2011 ––March 2011March 2011Finance Committee reviews FY2012 Operating Budget Finance Committee reviews FY2012 Operating Budget and other Annual Town Meeting Articlesand other Annual Town Meeting Articles