Town of Farmington Green Initatives

Making Farmington “Green”

In January 2009 the Farmington Town Council and Board of Education established a joint Environmental Task Force to examine and recommend opportunities and initiatives that may provide Municipal and Board of Education cost savings, increase public awareness and encourage Town and Board of Education participation in “Green” Efforts. The Green Efforts Task Force has the following charges:

1. Increase public awareness and municipal participation in “green” efforts including energy conservation, renewable resources, recycling, and other environmentally friendly practices.
2. Establish a leadership role in the community in promoting environmentally friendly practices in town.
3. Explore ways to fund “green” initiatives.
4. Participate in the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund’s 20% x 2010 Clean Energy campaign and serve as the Energy Task Force as required for participation in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (New England) Community Energy Challenge.
5. To make recommendations to the Town Council and Board of Education for cost effective ways to reduce the Town’s reliance on traditional energy resources.
6. Find ways to facilitate private initiatives.

Prior to January 2009 the Town of Farmington was working toward enviromental friendly practices.

20% by 2010

In the Spring of 2009 the Town Council passed the following resolution is support of clean energy.

A Resolution of the Farmington Town Council in Support of

20% Clean Energy by 2010

WHEREAS, electricity production is the leading cause of industrial air pollution in the United States which can result in a variety of health risks to Farmington residents including cases of asthma especially in children; and

WHEREAS, the world’s most respected association of climate scientists, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), projects that global warming will be even more severe than previously thought, with temperatures in Connecticut projected to rise by approximately 4 degrees Fahrenheit this Century and with the vast majority of warming clearly attributable to human activity; and

WHEREAS, the economic impact of not using conservation technology and alternative energy sources results in direct and indirect costs to Farmington citizens.  These costs include medical, lost days at work, and environmental; and

WHEREAS, the 20% by 2010 campaign is a Connecticut not-for-profit initiative that seeks to have cities and towns obtain 20% of the electricity for municipal properties from clean, renewable energy sources by the year 2010, and

WHEREAS, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced in a cost-effective manner that enhances economic development by applying currently available energy efficiency technologies and such renewable energy programs as Farmington and many towns have implemented that save money, create jobs and strengthen local economies; and

WHEREAS, clean energy resources – such as wind, solar and water – constantly replenish themselves, do not cause the buildup of global warming gases and health-damaging pollutants, and if properly managed, will be available to serve our energy needs forever; and

WHEREAS, by meeting the goals of 20% by 2010, Farmington can begin to address the problems resulting from conventional power sources and receive the benefits associated with clean, renewable power sources.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Farmington commits to the goal of obtaining at least 20% of its municipal energy purchases from clean renewable energy resources by the year 2010, beginning with a purchase of 9% in 2009.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town create an entity such as a task force to research and make recommendations so that Farmington can reach the 20% by 2010 goal. The Task Force will investigate options for meeting that goal, including enrolling in the CT Clean Energy Options program, purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and/or on-site renewable energy installations, and will research funding opportunities.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Council encourages all Farmington residents and businesses to support clean energy and practice energy conservation and efficiency in their homes and offices.

Energy Challenge

In May of 2009 the Town of Farmington joined the EPA New England’s Community Energy Challenge and committed to becoming an EPA ENERGY STAR partner. We are making a commitment to protect the environment through the continuous improvement of our energy performance. We believe that an energy management strategy for our municipal buildings and facilities will help us enhance our financial health and aid in preserving the environment for future generations. In partnership with EPA, we will specifically:

• Assess – benchmark – the energy performance of all municipal buildings, schools and/or drinking water/wastewater treatment facilities in our community

• Set a goal to reduce energy use in buildings by 10% or more

• Promote energy efficiency and renewables to companies and organizations in our community