60 likes | 155 Views
“Metro-west” Multi-town Energy Event. Status & Plans for Groton 12-Jul-07 Leo Laverdure, Groton Local. Groton Local.org Sustainable community solutions to global issues. Programs implemented in Groton. Groton Local Energy group Energy info night with Groton Electric Light dept.
E N D
“Metro-west” Multi-town Energy Event Status & Plans for Groton 12-Jul-07 Leo Laverdure, Groton Local Groton Local.orgSustainable community solutions to global issues
Programs implemented in Groton • Groton Local Energy group • Energy info night with Groton Electric Light dept. • Groton Local Green Building group • Tour of Doyle Center • Green Building info night • Building project advocacy • Groton Local Food & Agriculture group • Groton Local other • Town of Groton Sustainability Committee
Plans for the year ahead • Low Carbon Diet (MCAN) • Seniors programs • CFLs • Energy efficiency assistance • Green building advocacy • Solar hot-water project(s) • Greenhouse project(s) • Sustainability Committee report
Challenges or “Lessons Learned” • Lots of interest • Much confusion – “tell me where to start” • Major lifestyle changes needed • Difficult to move beyond hyper-individualism, consumerism, & assumption that “growth” is the answer • Non-monetary rewards (“happiness,” “genuine progress”) real but counter cultural
Successes (perhaps translating into Best Practices) • Focus on community sustainability • Relocalization • The Natural Step for Communities • Multiple scopes • Families, groups, towns, regions, …, earth • Multiple aspects • Energy, environment, economy • Buildings/residences, food, transportation • Families, businesses, institutions (town, non-profits) • Education & action
Ideas for collaboration or cross-town events • Shared online resources • Assessment methods • Solutions, success stories • Vendors, expertise directory, mailing lists, … • Action plans, status, & events • Regional events • Fall 07 Energy fair • Regional energy initiatives? • Energy co-op • Energy investment fund?