Massachusetts Green Communities receive $8.1 million in grants
Updated Energy Star ratings for Televisions
Increased energy efficiency is finally coming to electronic devices in your home. As of May 1st, 2010, it became harder for TV manufacturers to earn an Energy Star label, which also meant it became easier for consumers to shop for
Collaborative effort nets Needham schools EPA grant for EcoExplorers Project
A collaborative effort involving multiple organizations has resulted in an EPA Environmental Education grant to the Needham Science Center. The two-year grant, totaling $44,500 plus in-kind grants of about $15,000, will be used to implement a collaborative environmental education program
Newton Needham Chamber 2010 Green Business awards luncheon
Needham’s Public Facilities Department was recognized with a Green Business award at the Newton Needham Chamber of Commerce’s 2010 Green Business awards luncheon. This annual event, emceed by David Brown, StormTeam5 Meteorologist from WCVB-TV, demonstrates the business benefits and opportunities
Letter to the Board of Selectmen on becoming a Green Community
Last summer, at the Selectmen’s Goals Summit, I urged the board to make becoming a Massachusetts Green Community one of its goals. I pointed out that many of the Selectmen’s existing goals – financial sustainability, energy savings, effective use of resources, increasing town revenue, economic development, improving health and welfare, instituting environmentally sound practices – are Green Community goals. Meeting the requirements to become a Green Community would in fact advance those goals.
Killawatt EZ Usage and Tips
Green Needham Collaborative and NSTAR have donated two Kill-a-Watt EZ meters to the Needham Public Library for loan to library patrons. These handy devices allow you to measure the energy used by the appliances and other electric and electronic devices
Town Meeting approves zoning for Met Tower
Evaluation of the potential for wind power at Needham’s RTS took an important step forward when Town Meeting approved two zoning articles permitting the erection of a temporary Met Tower (“Meteorological Tower”) to measure the wind at the RTS. On
2010 EPA Environmental Merit Award presented at Faneuil Hall Ceremony
The EPA New England Region presented its 2010 Environmental Merit Awards at a ceremony at Faneuil Hall on April 22nd, 2010, the 40th Earth Day. The EPA’s Environmental Merit Awards are presented to individuals and organizations for outstanding efforts in
Needham Times editorial highlights community-wide efforts
The Needham Times’ Earth Day editorial, “Earth Day kudos to Needham people” highlighted some of the accomplishments and efforts underway to make Needham a greener and more sustainable community. It was gracious of the Times to open with Green Needham’s
Green Needham Collaborative receives 2010 EPA Environmental Merit Award
The Environmental Protection Agency has selected the Green Needham Collaborative to receive one of its 2010 Environmental Merit Awards. For over 30 years, EPA’s New England Region has honored individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions on behalf of
Massachusetts appliance rebates – details and availability
Don’t miss the short window to get stimulus-funded $50 – $250 rebates on appliances this April. As reported in our March 11th post, these rebates will only be available from April 22nd – May 5th. Here are the details: Eligible
Hillside Elementary School’s World Water Week Project
During World Water Week, March 21st -27th, over 20 businesses in and around Needham are joining Hillside School students in a nationwide UNICEF campaign to bring safe drinking water to millions of children. For every dollar donated by patrons of
Newton Mayor Warren embraces Green Line Extension
In a recent meeting with the Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce, Newton Mayor Seti Warren addressed a number of business development questions, including the Green Line Extension down Needham Street. As reported in the March, 2010 issue of the Chamber’s monthly
Massachusetts appliance rebates – an even shorter window
The stimulus-funded Massachusetts appliance rebate program will have an even shorter window than anticipated – two weeks. Between Earth Day April 22nd and May 5th, Massachusetts consumers will be able to earn rebates between $50 and $250 for purchasing certain energy efficient appliances.
Home Energy Efficiency Improvement Seminars
Green Needham’s Home Energy Efficiency Improvement seminars are 1 1/2 hour sessions aimed at making it much easier for Needham residents to identify and implement high-value home energy efficiency improvements.
Needham receives stimulus-funded energy management grant
Investing in energy was one of the focus areas of the Federal Stimulus Package passed early this year. Much of that is actually being distributed through existing programs. While this takes longer, it provides greater accountability and costs less than
March 2010 Update on Renewable Energy Projects
Green Needham’s wind feasibility study to evaluate the possibility of generating wind power at the RTS took several steps forward this month while a companion project determined that the site could also support 1 MW (Megawatt) of solar photovoltaic energy
Interfaith groups environmental meeting
Environmental groups at Needham houses of worship will gather to share updates on their work since the Green Needham Environmental Stewardship workshop held this past summer and discuss future plans and ideas for collaboration. This is also an opportunity for
350.org Gathering on Needham Town Common
On a cold December Saturday, Needham residents joined others around the world supporting global action on climate change by gathering on the Town Common.
Sustainable Harvest: Local Food Initiatives in Needham
Date: February 21, 2010 Time: 7:30 pm Place: First Parish Church, 23 Dedham Ave. An opportunity to hear about local initiatives to promote access to locally grown produce, and to expand farm-based educational programs in the community. The Needham Community