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<\/a>\nAs a result of the designation, Needham will receive a grant of $148,270<\/strong>. A grant application outlining how the Town will spend the funds will be submitted to the state later this month. The application will include a request to fund a study to review energy reduction and energy efficiency projects throughout Town. The study would look at the Town\u2019s existing buildings and make recommendations for projects that would improve energy efficiency.<\/p>\n
\u201cHuman-caused climate change is a real and demanding challenge requiring public and private response at all levels,\u201d said Select Board member Dan Matthews<\/b>. \u201cHopefully, Needham\u2019s joining the State\u2019s Green Communities program and other ongoing efforts by the Town and its people will be positive contributions to that work.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a huge accomplishment for Needham and for the many stakeholders who\u2019ve been involved in this process over the years,\u201d said Needham Town Manager Kate Fitzpatrick<\/b>. \u201cWe recognize the role we all have in helping reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and making our environment cleaner and healthier for all. As a Green Community, Needham will be a leader in this effort.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve worked a long time to get here,\u201d said Michael Greis, Chair of Green Needham<\/b>. \u201cGreen Communities will be truly transformative for Needham because integrating climate and energy into everything we do will build a healthier, more prosperous future.\u201d<\/p>\n
Thanks to efforts already underway, Needham is already over 40 percent of the way to its goal of reducing its energy use by 15 percent by Fiscal Year 2023.<\/b> The Town has outlined quantifiable ways it will reduce its energy use by 15 percent. This work includes the LED streetlight conversion project, replacement of equipment like motors, controls and boilers in municipal and school buildings and the purchase of energy efficient fleet vehicles. The Town is targeting an additional 5 percent through additional studies and energy reviews.<\/p>\n
\u201cMeeting these criteria is proof of Needham\u2019s position as an energy leader in Massachusetts, poised to reduce its energy costs, improve the local environment and implement energy efficiency and renewable energy projects with funding through the Green Communities Designation and Grant Program,\u201d according to the letter sent by the state Department of Energy Resources.<\/p>\n