Peabody Looking to Become a "Green Community"

Members of the City Council Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Committee voted unanimously to move forward in the application process to become a “Green Community” in Massachusetts Thursday night.

Chairman of Green Peabody, Russ Eckel went before the committee on behalf of Green Peabody to discuss the process and reasons for Peabody to become a Green Community. Eckel said after the success of many citizens are looking for ways as a household and community, to reduce their carbon footprint.

In 2008, Gov. Deval Patrick signed the Green Communities Act, allowing all 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts the opportunity to become a “Green Community” by committing to enhance their energy efficiency and renewable energy toward a goal of zero net energy. To date 53 communities in the Commonwealth have been deemed “Green Communities,” in turn these communities are now eligible for municipal renewable power and energy efficiency grants.

Eckel said there are two prominent features of becoming a “Green Community;” to set a standard for energy reduction and fuel efficiency, and to take part in the grant programs offered for renewable energy resources such as solar and wind energy.

“If we don’t get on this bus we will be stuck in the 20th century forever,” he added.

Eckel explained by Peabody becoming a “Green Community” the city would be designated around $300,000 and would also be eligible to compete in a pool for a share of $10 million of grant money annually. 

Why Not Now?

Although the designation would open doors for Peabody to receive grant money and energy funds, there is also a cost for the program. Aside from the cost associated with the application process, Peabody would be responsible for contributing to the State Renewable Energy Trust Fund.

Based on a percent of the average kilowatts of energy used in a household monthly, citizens would be responsible for a 38 cent contribution each month. Eckel added during peak energy consuming months, July and August, citizens could pay as much as $1.50, which he compared to the cost of a small Dunkin Donuts coffee.

With the rising costs of fossil fuels, without an energy efficient plan in place, Peabody will be paying dearly Eckel said. Massachusetts has become the leading state in the nation for renewable energy he stated.

With 53 communities already designated “Green Comunities,” and 15 to 20 in the process to become qualified, “why not us, why not now,” he asked?

City Council member Ann Manning-Martin commented on how the Green Community Act was passed in 2008, with the first communities designated in 2009 and the again 2010. Peabody missed the opportunity both years but it has opened up again in 2011 and the city needs to take advantage. Green and clean technologies are the way of the future, if Peabody keeps saying no to the opportunities and advancements the City will be passed over, she said.

“If we don’t designate Peabody as a “Green Community” we will miss everything coming down the pipeline,” she said. “Don’t focus on the short-term, because the city will lose out on the long-term gain.”