Many builders were already building close to that energy-efficient standard.l.
GRANBY – With the approval of two environmentally friendly measures at the recent Town Meeting, Granby is on the way to becoming a so called 'green community.'
Town Administrator Christopher Martin said the application will be complete and in the hands of the state’s Department of Energy Resources by the June 10 deadline.
The green communities program in Massachusetts, passed into law in 2008, is designed to reduce waste and promote renewable and “clean” energy.
A town must fulfill five requirements to become a green community, eligible for certain energy-related grants.
The two pertinent measures in Town Meeting concerned zoning and building. In one case, Granby voted to open its industrial district to businesses involved in energy-saving research and manufacture.
Also on the warrant was the “stretch energy code,” a set of “green” rules for building and renovation. Some towns have decided the code is too strict and balked at the extra cost.
Granby passed the measure by a narrow vote. “I think it’s a good move on the part of the town,” said Martin.
“Many builders were already building close to that energy-efficient standard,” said selectman Mark Bail.
“There will be an upfront cost,” said selectman Mary McDowell, “but the money will come back to us.” Emre Evren, former chair of the Planning Committee, said the code has been shown to pay for itself in one year.
Besides, said Martin, regulations will probably get tougher next time the state issues a new building code. “By accepting it now, we will be able to get our Green Community certification, which opens up grant money to us.”
In 2009, the state distributed about $11 million in grants for green projects.
There are three other requirements. One concerns fuel-efficient vehicles. The town has agreed that, when the time comes to replace its current municipal vehicles, it will purchase fuel-efficient versions that abide by the miles-per-gallon standards set by the state.
The rule does not extend to such vehicles as school buses or fire trucks, but would apply to – for example – the car used by the Senior Center.
Another requirement is a five-year plan for reducing energy consumption by 20 percent. “We have entered in all our data to create an energy baseline which will tell us what our current energy use is,” Martin said.
The town is being aided in this computation by Siemens consultants, hired for the purpose by the Pioneer Valley Planning Council.
Finally, the town has to agree to streamline the permitting process for energy-related businesses so that the permits are issued within one year.
Martin’s letter approving the move was being checked by town counsel Edward Ryan even as he spoke.
Granby received a grant of 100 hours from the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission for the green communities project.