Committee Report - E&E - 5-8-12 — File 193087

May 8, 2012 Environment and Energy Special Committee Page 1 of 2 Printed 5/10/2012 REPORT OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY SPECIAL COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Rebekah Gewirtz Chair Present Maryann M. Heuston Vice chair Absent Sean T. O’Donovan Ward Five Alderman Absent Thomas F. Taylor Ward Three Alderman Present John M Connolly Alderman At Large Present David Lutes Director of Environmental Programs Present Benjamin Wright Environment MA Present President Taylor appointed himself to the Committee, for this meeting only, to effectuate a quorum. 191053 - That the Environmental Programs Manager inform this Board of the city's efforts to use green cleaning products in all buildings and advise on whether an ordinance requiring this is warranted.: Mr. Lutes discussed how green products could be worked into the cleaning operations and advised that 75% of cleaning products in city buildings are green. The city has a sustainability plan that includes increasing even further the use of green cleaning supplies in our buildings. Alderman Taylor suggested a resolution to support use of green cleaning products and Chairman Gewirtz said since the city is already doing this it seems unnecessary. Chairman Gewirtz stated that if members of the Board feel not enough is happening with respect to green cleaning products, they should come forward and present an order or resolution at an upcoming meeting. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 192432 - That this Board requests that the Administration update this Board on the effectiveness of the new residential energy and efficiency program and its utilization once such data is available.: Mr. Lutes spoke about the city’s interaction with residents and utility companies and noted that 300 audits have taken place since the initiation of the program, which is above the city projections. He noted that 9 rebates have been processed to date, with 14 more in progress,

Committee Meeting May 8, 2012 Environment and Energy Special Committee Page 2 of 2 Printed 5/10/2012 under this income based program. NSTAR has indicated that the program has been effective so far. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 192524 - Environment Massachusetts requesting support of a bill to raise the cap on the state's net-metering program, to support solar energy.: Mr. Wright spoke about net metering, which allows property owners to sell extra energy back to utility companies. At the present time, the net metering cap is at 2% of peak load for government buildings and 1% for privately owned buildings. Mr. Wright would like the cap raised to 3% for both government and privately owned buildings and would also like the cap removed for certain smaller solar properties. Chairman Gewirtz will submit a resolution in support of this request at the next Board of Aldermen meeting. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 192637 - That the Environmental Programs Manager report on the compact fluorescent light bulb program and advise if the city could feasibly implement something similar, and how the city could address the CFL disposal issues.: Mr. Lutes spoke about the home assessment program that swaps out light bulbs for residents and said that the City of Somerville has a program that incentivizes their use. Because of the gas danger inherent with CFL bulbs, they may be given to the city for proper disposal on hazardous waste collection days. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 192786 - That this Board supports joining the Earth Hour City Challenge sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund, creating eligibility for grants to support city initiatives to combat global warming.: Mr. Lutes provided information on this program and said the city will complete the application process. The committee voted to support the initiative and indicated they would like to be informed if there are any delays in the application process. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED