| Local Policy Description: | Climate Change Outreach and Education
Responsible Department/Organization: CCAB, Parks and Open Space, Energy Efficiency/Environmental Coordinator
CO2 Savings in 2010: Unknown
The town should develop an education program on climate change to be incorporated into the public school curriculum and to be used for general outreach about the CCP program. Programs in schools could incorporate hands-on leaning projects such as monitoring lighting usage in schools or having students monitor automobile usage at home. A climate change curriculum guide is currently being developed for fifth graders in Brookline schools that provide an introduction to climate change as well as learning exercises and assignments to help students apply and retain the information. In addition to the curriculum guide, educational resources could be compiled for teachers to share with students, such as internet sites, books and journals and helpful contact organizations.
Building outreach and awareness of climate change can also extend beyond the classroom. In this respect, resources that discuss specific climate change issues with a focus on positive solutions could be compiled for all Brookline residents. This may include public displays, tabling at local events, continuous public forums, press coverage and citizen participation in the CCP process. Such outreach activities are instrumental for generating interest in the town’s involvement with climate change efforts. The formation of Citizens Climate Action Brookline (CCAB) in 2000 reflects the interest of residents in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the town.
While greenhouse gas emission reductions that might result from this measure are not easily quantified at this time, continued efforts to expand a climate change education and outreach program will have a significant impact on emissions in the town. The administration of such a program could become the responsibility of the Energy Efficiency/Environmental Coordinator should the town create this position.
Purchase of Environmentally Preferable Products
Responsible Department: Purchasing
CO2 Savings in 2010: Unknown
The town is committed to increasing efforts to purchase more environmentally preferred products such as recycled paper, toner cartridges and energy efficient office appliances. Approximately 5 to 7% of overall office products purchased in 2000 were bought according to Environmental Preferred Products (EPP) guidelines. In 2000, the town’s office paper supply was 30% post-consumer recycled content. Recycled paper results in 74% less air pollution and 64% less energy use to manufacture than paper from wood.
There is insufficient data available to calculate the impact of the town’s environmentally preferable purchasing measures in terms of reduced emissions. However several amendments to town purchasing policies as listed below would significantly lessen the environmental impact of its operations. These recommendations could be developed into a formal EPP Policy.
- Products made from recycled materials should be preferred over those made from virgin materials when considerations of quality and cost are similar.
- The town should expand EPP purchases to include janitorial and cleaning products, environmentally friendly vehicle products (oil, traffic cones, and recycled antifreeze) and building products (recycled plastic lumber).
- Municipal departments should practice bulk purchasing of energy efficient and recycled content products.
Establish Energy Efficiency/Environmental Coordinator Position
Responsible Department/Organization: Human Resources, Board of Selectmen
CO2 Savings in 2010: 54,019 tons
The town should implement measures to ensure that the emissions reduction measures outlined in this Plan actually become reality. Too many plans of this nature end up collecting dust on bookshelves. The town has already invested nearly $10,000 in staff time in the preparation of the Plan. One way to ensure completion of the five Milestones of the CCP Campaign and incorporate energy efficiency throughout all municipal operations would be to hire a full-time Energy Efficiency/Environmental Coordinator (EEC). This person could be charged with maintaining the emissions inventory on CCP software so that the town can measure its progress towards the emissions reduction target. This individual could also assume responsibilities not directly related to the CCP Campaign, such as incorporating information from the recent Brookline Sustainability Inventory into the town’s Comprehensive Plan. In general, the role of the Energy Efficiency/Environmental Coordinator would be to protect and improve environmental quality in Brookline through programs and projects that prevent pollution, encourage environmentally friendly alternatives and promote energy conservation.
Some of the measures outlined in this Plan for which the EEC could assume direct responsibility include: the Residential Energy Efficiency Program, the Sustainable Business Awards Program, the Walk to School Program and the Energy Efficient Building Code. When combined, these measures result in the elimination of 54,019 tons of CO2.
Promote Mixed-Use and Transit Oriented Development
Responsible Department/Organization: Planning
CO2 Savings in 2010: Unknown
Brookline is characteristic of the network of compact, walkable, mixed-use centers and neighborhoods in older cities and towns scattered throughout New England and the Boston region. Many of these centers were historically connected by rail transit and still reflect land use patterns that were enabled by these strong connections. Brookline's overall land use pattern contributes to the goals of a sustainable community and region by supporting a variety of transportation choices; creating walkable, close-knit mixed use neighborhoods that provide diverse housing types; and intertwining the built environment with open space, farmland and natural beauty.
The town and the Planning Department should continue to promote mixed use and transit oriented development in Brookline. The Planning Department is currently working to incorporate the principles of sustainability into the town’s new Comprehensive Plan, which will take shape over calendar years 2002 and 2003. A further commitment should be made to incorporate climate change concerns into the Comprehensive Planning process, and to continue to promote mixed use and transit oriented development, so that future policy does not contradict the goals of sustainability and emissions reduction.
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