Pembroke and Energy Conservation

The following Article was added to the By-Laws of the Town of Pembroke at their Annual Town Meeting and appears on the Town's Web Site:

ACTION 1 – ARTICLE 27: Whereas buildings and vehicles are a significant use of energy and natural resources; Whereas Town government has an obligation to lead by example and demonstrate that large entities such as schools, libraries and other municipal buildings can make significant progress in reducing energy consumption, thereby providing a model for businesses and private citizens; Whereas a significant reduction in energy consumption in municipal heating and electrical costs and reductions in transportation fuel usage in the Town’s municipal vehicle fleet will lead to significant cost savings, freeing municipal funds for other uses and ultimately saving all taxpayers money; Therefore be it resolved that the By-Laws of the Town of Pembroke shall be amended by adding the following new section: -


Article X11A – Energy Conservation
A. Every department head with jurisdiction over utility expenditures shall undertake all practical measures to reduce energy consumption, including but not limited to:

(a) By December 31, 2008 every department head shall have performed an energy audit on each building under their jurisdiction.

(b) All audit recommendations that can be implemented immediately shall be done so forthwith. Any recommendations that require additional costs not budgeted shall be included in the department’s recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2010.

B. All new construction and major renovations shall meet the Mass LEED Plus green building standard established by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Sustainable Design Roundtable.

C. Every department head with jurisdiction over a municipal building shall ensure that:

(a) Any newly installed HVAC equipment be energy efficient.

(b) That a department policy shall be developed and disseminated to all employees which encourages employees to reduce energy use by turning off lights when not in use, shutting down computers and other office machinery when leaving work, minimizing the use of personal appliances and other actions that will lead to a reduction in energy consumption and costs.

(c) All thermostats are set 2 degrees lower than usual during the winter and 2 degrees higher than usual during the summer.

(d) Lighting in common areas is reduced without compromising safety.

(e) Energy use in buildings and at facilities is minimized during non-work hours.

D. In any department using vehicles, all drivers should be instructed to minimize fuel usage whenever possible, including limiting idling time (with the exception of vehicles, including emergency vehicles, where idling is required to power equipment) and reduce unnecessary trips. All department heads shall ensure that all vehicles are maintained in a manner than ensures optimal fuel efficiency.

E. When budgeting and soliciting bids for department vehicles, to the extent possible and cost effective, all department heads shall make every effort to purchase vehicles that are energy efficient (including but not limited to hybrid vehicles) and select, whenever possible, vehicles that receive the highest EPA rated miles per gallon.

F. By September 1 of every year, every department head with jurisdiction over a municipal building or vehicles(s) shall submit a report to the Town Administrator detailing total energy usage, for the prior fiscal year. For reports submitted after September, 2009 and thereafter, all such reports shall include a comparison of total energy usage, including costs, to the prior fiscal year. Copies of each report shall also be submitted to the Board of Selectmen, Advisory Committee, Energy Committee and Town Clerk for inclusion in the Annual Report.

Submitted by the Energy Committee MOVED by Anne Marie Stanton that the Town amend the Bylaws of the Town of Pembroke by adding a new section Article X11A – Energy Conservation, as printed under Article 27 of the annual town meeting warrant. SECONDED AND SO VOTED MAJORITY