HomeMy Public PortalAboutWE3C Minutes 2-8-12_201404101441507518WE3C Minutes 2/8/12
Present: Ken Mirvis, chair, Stephane Acel-Green, cochair, Matt Riegert, Bill Kahn,
Meredith Fields; guest: Meredith Elbaum, Director of Sustainable Design, Sasaki
1. Minutes from January meeting accepted.
2. Updates on ESCo and streetlight installation still needed. Ken will contact
Raeleen Parsons.
3. Presentation from Meredith Elbaum from Sasaki, regarding Sasaki's interest in
generating power from the dam adjacent to the building. She reviewed a feasibility
study done in 2005, said that Sasaki is still interested. A very major hurdle would be
the permitting process that would involve many agencies (about 20 were contacted
in 2005 including FERC, US Fish and Wildlife, MA Fish and Wildlife, MA Riverways,
Chas. River Watershed Assoc, Conservation Commission, etc). There was discussion
of current interest by Sasaki and WE3C in exploring current permitting process,
current designs, costs, available grants. It was noted that the Museum of Industry
did a study on hydro at the dam in Waltham and a report can be found online. Ken
will follow up with Meredith to work to organize a meeting of representatives from
various agencies and the town to explore this further.
4. Ken reported on a possible solar thermal project to provide hot water for the
firehouse. CEC funding is temporarily spent, but more money is likely to be
available. Ken will alert committee.
5. Green Communities is offering grants up to $250,000 for new projects.
Applications are due on March 23. Continuing current projects such as streetlights
will not be considered, nor will solar PV or feasibility studies. Projects that would
be considered include infrastructure upgrades, thermal solar, anaerobic digestion,
biomass thermal, geothermal heat pump, and fleet upgrades to electric or hybrid
electric vehicles. A brainstorming meeting will be organized via email.
6. Next Step Living MOU (memorandum of understanding) received, to be reviewed
and presented to Michael Driscoll and Raeleen Parsons.
7. Stephane spoke with Enernoc regarding energy reduction during peak demand
times and reported they will help develop a plan and offer financial incentives.
Newton, Needham, Framingham and Everett have enrolled their larger buildings
(100 kW minimum required) in the program.
Next meeting: Wed, March 7. Subsequent mtg. dates TBA.
Repectfully submitted, Meredith Fields