ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Energy Efficiency is the wise and efficient use of finite resources such as non-replaceable fossil fuels: coal, oil, gas.

• Small Business Efficiency Outreach Pilot Program: The Energy Committee partnered with NSTAR and The Green Planet store to host the first efficiency outreach to businesses in Newton Highlands (spring 2004). As a result, businesses have signed up for NSTAR lighting audits and are retrofitting their lighting, with NSTAR paying for a large portion of it. The Energy Committee will continue this effort annually, outreaching to different villages throughout Newton. We will work with the Newton Needham Chamber of Commerce to pursue businesses taking advantage of these programs in an effort to both save them money, and save the environment.
  
• School Programs: The Energy Committee initiated an outreach project at Mason Rice Elementary School (spring 2004).  In addition to hosting a climate change educational assembly, the school´s PTO also sponsored an energy-efficient light bulb sale, raising money for the school and to help the environment. The Energy Committee envisions an outreach project for all 15 of Newton´s elementary schools but we need more parent volunteers. Join us - it´s fun!
   
  
• Energy Demonstration Models: GDC has 1) an energy demonstration bicycle that teaches how much energy is used to power conventional verses compact fluorescent light bulbs; 2) a green model house, designed by LDa Architects, to demonstrate effective environmental measures homeowners (and businesses) can take.
   
• Calculate C02 Emissions
  
• Learn About Climate Change
   
• Info on Heat, Electricity, Heating Water