 Thanks to the design and construction skills of Olin College of Engineering students Suki Sacks and Daniel Jaramillo, Sustainable Wellesley’s tiny high performing house took home the Chairman’s Award at the Town of Wellesley’s 54th Annual Veterans Parade on Sunday, May 22, 2022. In March, Suki and Daniel met with us to scope out the building project. The first year Electrical Engineering major and first year Mechanical Engineering major went on to plan and build the home at Olin’s campus with tools on loan from the library and school machine shop with funds donated to support Sustainable Wellesley's efforts. Once the house was built, the Sustainable Wellesley team added some home-like touches and signage. Since 63% of Wellesley's emissions come from buildings, this project aimed to educate and encourage residents to take actions that will make their homes more comfortable, less expensive to heat and cool, while helping the Town of Wellesley meet its goal to become Net Zero by 2050. Although Suki had returned home to visit family before beginning her internship at VEIR, Daniel was in town for his internship at BAE Systems and decided to join in the parade. “Helping Wellesley’s citizens understand the urgency of climate action within their own homes seemed even more pressing with temperatures in the high 90s during the parade,” said Daniel Jaramillo. “The worsening climate affects everyone’s health, resulting in dehydration, heat stroke, asthma, heart disease, Lyme disease, longer allergy seasons, eco anxiety, and much more,” Jaramillo said. “We took on this project for the design challenge but also the concern for significant extreme weather impacts that communities face, including wildfires, droughts, floods and more intense hurricane seasons. Creating this house to educate the local community was one way we felt like we could ‘do something’, and we had a lot of fun working on it together!” said Sacks. The Olin students generously volunteered their time during finals, amid COVID challenges and during dorm move out. This successful student/community collaboration earned the float the “Chairman's Award” during the Veterans Parade that honored Wellesley residents who are recipients of the Purple Heart.   The Town of Wellesley is celebrating momentum in our community with a May is Mobility Month campaign to encourage residents to try a variety of mobility opportunities that are available in Wellesley. From commuting by public transportation or using micro transit service, to walking, biking & rolling to school and work, residents can re-evaluate their own transportation behaviors and consider making changes that contribute to a healthier lifestyle, improve the environment, and help reduce the harmful impact of climate change.
Throughout May, the Town is collaborating with state and regional transportation groups and local nonprofits to highlight opportunities and events focused on mobility. These include: May -- Bike Month May 4 -- Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day May 12 -- Wellesley Municipal Light Plant & Sustainable Wellesley Electric Vehicle (EV) test drive event May 22 -- Wellesley Police Department & Kiwanis Club of Wellesley Kids’ Bike Rodeo (part of Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend) All month - FREE Catch Connect micro transit service in and around Wellesley All month - Wellesley Trails Committee trails walks All month - Wellesley Green Schools Idle Free campaign Transportation contributes to 43% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Wellesley. In the coming weeks, the Town will be running a series of online columns – written by local leaders – in The Swellesley Report with information on transportation alternatives for residents. Watch for these weekly guest posts beginning on Wednesday, May 4 and running through Wednesday, June 1 for ideas on ways to get from here to there without using your car. Sustainable Mobility Plan Launching Soon In mid-May, the Town will launch its Sustainable Mobility Plan that outlines the community-wide initiatives and actions Wellesley government is targeting to enable more mobility alternatives, from sidewalk connectivity to bike racks, road crossing lights, and bike lanes for everyone. This plan was developed with input from many individuals in our community, and co-funded by the Planning Board and the Select Board. This plan will guide the Town in mobility decisions in the years to come. The Sustainable Mobility Plan will be used together with Wellesley’s recently launched Climate Action Plan as a roadmap for Town officials, community and business leaders to help Wellesley meet town and state climate goals: achieving net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 and interim goals of a 50% reduction by 2030 and a 75% reduction by 2040. Time to get moving, Wellesley!  Join the “How to heat your home more efficiently and comfortably,” discussion TONIGHT at 7pm with experts from Abode Energy Management. Wellesley homeowners will be on the call as well to share how their air source heat pumps take on New England's winters and summers. Heating with electricity pulled from renewable sources, vs. gas, is HEALTHIER as well.
It's a good time to consider heat pumps as the Wellesley Municipal Light Plant has extended its Clean Comfort Program to June 2022. Abode is the contractor they have hired to help Wellesley residents explore heat pump solutions. Abode's Heat Pump Specialists are provided at no cost to Wellesley residents. This program also includes a $2,000 rebate to those who replace air conditioners or furnaces with efficient, quiet, air-source heat pumps. To learn more about the financial rebates as well as unbiased, personal, expert advice, call 781-235-7600 or email cleancomfort@wellesleyma.gov. Schedule a consultation to improve your home's heating/cooling systems today. You will be more comfortable and will reduce your energy usage. Don't forget, buildings emit 56% of the greenhouse gas emissions here in Wellesley, and 58% of that that comes from the residential sector. Wellesley has an emissions reduction goal to meet so let's rethink the way we heat and cool our homes. You will find many benefits along the way.  Keep hearing about Electrification? Want to know how it affects our future and how you can do it?
There are 3 events that can help clarify. Thursday, November 4 from 7-8:30pm How To Electrify Homes - Are you considering new construction, renovations, replacing your HVAC or wanting to learn more about new technology in hot water and cooking? Register for this event for lots of insights. Thank you to Newton’s Climate and Sustainability Team for organizing this event. Register here. Tuesday, November 9th 7-7.30PM Winter Heating - Experts share information on:
This event is presented by Abode Energy Management in partnership with Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP). Tuesday, November 23, 7:00 PM 8:00 PM Mechanical Systems Ready to heat with electricity instead of fossil fuels? Learn about different types of heat pumps available (air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, ducted and wall mounted) and their best applications. Experts will review hybrid systems which pair heat pumps with existing heating systems as a transition strategy. The presentation will also cover operating costs of electric systems vs. fossil fuels. Presenters: Travis Anderson, Placetailor and Nick Falkoff, Auburndale Builders. Register here. Get Off Of Gas To Improve Your Home & Your Health - Mass Climate Action Network Speaks 11/198/29/2021
 Did you know that 56% of emissions in Wellesley come from our buildings, and more than 50% of those building emissions come from our homes?
How can we change that? Get inspired by Sarah Dooling, Executive Director of the Mass Climate Action Network, at her "Better Buildings, Healthy Communities" presentation on November 19th at 7pm. Register here. There are many opportunities for Wellesley residents to moving off of gas and move towards electrification which has numerous benefits including:
Let us know how you have, or plan to transform your building from a polluter to a healthy and environmental protector. The best way to do that is switch out fossil fuel heating sources. Thus if you, neighbor, friend, work colleague or family member is considering replacing/buying a heater, have them come to this event and/or call the Wellesley's Municipal Light Plant to learn about their Clean Comfort air source heat pump and other incentives initaitves. |
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