Green Advisory Committee

The mission of the Committee is to assist the Select Board and the Town Administrator in developing programs and projects to foster energy conservation, energy efficiency, renewable energy generation and sustainability planning including water usage and consumption. This Committee will gather, study, and evaluate information that will help determine various approaches for improving the energy efficiency of municipal buildings and vehicles. The Committee will investigate alternatives for energy technologies and identify funding opportunities to help the Town achieve its energy and sustainability related goals. Specific goals include:

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions,
• Mitigating environmental impacts,
• Advancing the community towards a clean energy future.

Additionally, the Committee shall develop and recommend approaches for influencing the town residents and businesses to maximize their environmental sustainability through educational outreach, information programs, and incentives.

1. Serve as a resource to the Select Board and Town department heads on energy related issues.
2. Oversee the development and monitor the implementation of the Town’s Climate Action Plan.
3. Suggest what new rules and regulations should be adopted regarding climate and energy resilience for the town to the Select Board.
4. Begin discussions with Stow Public Schools and the regional schools regarding energy efficiencies operations and serve as resource to the schools and develop strategies and proposals that emphasize coordination particularly in the area of alternative energies.
5. Identify and develop grant opportunities that meet the mission of this committee and are consistent with Select Board’s goals.
6. Work with other local communities to identify regional environmental and energy initiatives.
7. Assist in aligning Stow with state and federal laws and regulations regarding the environment and energy.
8. Assist in the development of a page on Town’s web site with information on the Committee’s activities and related information.

In addition, the committee will work closely with the Town Administrator, Town departments, and Boards and Commissions to assist and advise on ways to encourage balanced and responsible environmental stewardship. The committee will also work with the town’s volunteer environmental organizations including Sustainable Stow and Stow Conservation Trust. 

To contact the Committee, please email: GreenAdvisory@stow-ma.gov