The new Hunnewell Elementary School opened to students on Feb. 26, 2024. Sustainable and high-performance, the school building optimizes the comfort, health, and beauty of the school environment to support students, teachers, and staff. The all-electric, net zero ready school helps meet Wellesley’s town-wide greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal of net zero emissions by 2050. The new Hunnewell School design energy use intensity of 27 KBTU per square foot per year is five times more energy efficient than the previous school building. Plans are underway for Wellesley Municipal Light Plant (WMLP) to install solar panels on the roof to further enhance the new building’s sustainability. 

Hunnewell School sustainability features include: 

• High performance building enclosure, insulation, and air-tightness.
• Efficient, all-electric heat pump ventilation, heating, and cooling.
• Dedicated room by room air quality and comfort control.
• Efficient use of daylight and LED lighting systems.
• Natural, sustainable, low-emitting materials.
• Solar panel-ready, reflective roof.  
• Electric vehicle charging stations and bicycle racks.
• Designated recycling separation and collection areas. 
• Green cleaning and housekeeping program. 
• Outdoor learning classrooms.
• Water conservation through low-flow fixtures and drought resistant plants.  
• Expected certifiability to LEED Silver standard. 
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This impressive and inspiring building is a credit to the School Committee, School Building Committee and Permanent Building Committee who worked collaboratively across Town departments to provide a net zero building design to fit our New England climate. The School Committee encouraged and fully incorporated recommendations from the Climate Action Committee (CAC, formerly Sustainable Energy Committee).  The CAC worked with the Facilities Management Department to codify these recommendations into the Town’s Municipal Sustainable Building Guidelines. The Guidelines also informed the design of the new Hardy Elementary School and plans for the all-electric renovation of Wellesley’s historic Town Hall.
 
The Hunnewell School is an exemplar for future municipal, commercial, and institutional buildings and for residential climate action. Get a video tour here and come see for yourself on May 18th from 11-2 when they are offering community tours.

Commercial and institutional property owners are invited to participate in the Town’s Building Energy Roundtable. Contact [email protected] for more information.
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Are you a Wellesley resident interested in creating a healthier, more comfortable, sustainable home that reduces your greenhouse gas emissions? The Town’s Energy Coaches are here to help you! Read more at this link. As homeowners replace old furnaces and appliances or add air conditioning, they have a great opportunity to improve energy efficiency, electrify their homes, and power with renewable energy.  Substantial tax credits and rebates are available. 

Awareness Campaigns Emphasize Weatherization, Electrification of Home Heating and Cooling, and Sustainable Transportation  

The state of Massachusetts and the town of Wellesley have a shared vision for combating climate change. Both recently launched campaigns aimed at empowering individuals through specific actions. The state of Massachusetts’ "Climate Action for All of Us" and the Town of Wellesley’s "Be Part of It!" campaigns recommend these actions:

• Weatherize your home
• Heat and cool with heat pumps
• Go solar
• Get around sustainably
• Reduce waste
• Landscape sustainably

The Town of Wellesley also provides valuable information on local, state, and federal financial incentives and free one-on-one guidance from a  Wellesley Energy Coach to help you get started.

Wishing you warm wishes and inspiration this holiday season. 

In the spirit of New Year’s resolutions, Sustainable Wellesley is encouraging all of us to  consider helping others by lowering our thermostats and working to decarbonizing our homes and cars.

That's right, trimming fossil fuel consumption and pollution can help others. Not only is the small individual action of lowering the thermostat a few degrees better for our health, savings and greenhouse gas reduction, it is a way to act in solidarity with environmental justice communities turned upside down due to fossil fuel and climate-related disasters.  

The majority of Wellesley’s greenhouse gas emissions come from heating our homes and buildings (63.3%), then transportation (30.6%). The rest is waste at 6.1%. Lowering our thermostats and looking for ways to electrify our homes are small shifts that contribute to a larger collective impact.  

Wondering ways you can tackle this new year's resolution? Click here for a variety of inspirational actions - big and small.

Remember, we don't need a handful of us taking climate actions perfectly. We need all of us to show we care and take as many steps as we can.

Plus, there has never been a better time to consider a clean home energy project. The Federal Government is offering new tax credits for weatherizing your home, purchasing and installing efficient heat pumps (they cool your home too!) and making your car all electric.

Ask us for tips and guidance and/or share what you are doing with us! 

Join Sustainable Wellesley’s Conversation with the Candidates on Tuesday, February 15 at 7:00pm. 

Meet the candidates running for the many important town positions and hear where candidates stand on issues specifically related to sustainability. 

Mark your calendars for this event, Election Day on March 1 and be sure to get your ballots and vote in this election.

Get your spot on the Zoom call by clicking here.

​If you have a question for the candidates, please email it to [email protected] before Monday, February 14th at 7pm. Thanks! 

What will Wellesley do about PFAS in our water? What is the most prudent course of action?

This is a good time to educate yourself about where the water that runs throughout your home -- from your kitchen tap to outdoor hoses -- originates. Currently, Wellesley’s municipal water supply comes from 10 town wells and from the regional Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). There are four wells near Morses Pond which represent about half of the water the town uses. 

Last spring, during mandated testing, Wellesley Department of Public Works (DPW) found that our Morses Pond well exceeded the Department of Environmental Protection (EPA) maximum allowable levels of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS). Wellesley’s DPW swiftly moved to turn off that source and worked with a consultant to shape a plan for short- and long-term water safety. 

Why the concern? PFAS is also known as “forever chemicals” because they break down very slowly and are linked to cancer, kidney and liver problems, birth defects, and more.  

This week, Wellesley Special Town Meeting will debate and vote on whether the DPW can borrow $1.5 million through the Water Enterprise Fund for an interim solution and $5.3 million for a long-term solution to address the PFAS issue at the Morses Pond Water Treatment Plant.  The ARTICLE: 6, MOTION: 1 is on page 8 here. These funds would be allocated to a specific solution. Here is the dilemma: 

Some residents in town (an infectious disease physician, PhD organic chemist, PhD and pesticide expert among others) have questioned whether the proposed granular activated carbon remediation system will sufficiently remediate all pollutants and have urged the town to start converting toward a cleaner water supply from the MWRA, which is sourced from the protected Quabbin Reservoir. One strong argument for this approach is that Welleslley's aquifer is surrounded by dense development and roadways adding to our groundwater contamination. However,  it would take at least 3 years to add a second connection and increase present connectivity to the MWRA. 

What would we do in the meantime?

The DPW has been thoughtful about this issue and has noted reasons why it may be prudent to continue to have more than one source of water. They also have noted the supply constraints caused by having the Morses Pond well offline, and expressed those constraints as part of the desire and goal to bring the Morses Pond well back on line using the interim solution noted above.

Some suggest waiting until the next Town Meeting to allow time for more public discourse, and recommendations from State and Federal officials (the State is due to come out with comments before the end of the year, and the EPA is working to set enforceable drinking water limits and will work to regulate PFAS). 

One concern about waiting to decide on this issue is it may create a time lag on implementation of a solution, and possibly put Wellesley further back in the line as other towns and cities move quickly to remediate their water supplies.
 
To learn more about PFAS read here from the EPA and watch this video clip from the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA). Be mindful that this is not just a cost issue (cost of MWRA water vs. cost of Wellesley’s water) but a health and safety issue.

Actions for you:

1. The town needs the public’s feedback: Reach out to the Select Board, Advisory Committee, Department of Public Works and your Town Meeting member to let them know how you feel about this topic TODAY.
   

1. Educate yourself. Consider if you want to use (and how to dispose of) items that contain PFAS chemicals - look into the cosmetics, dental floss, construction materials, food packaging, clothing, cleaning supplies, etc. that you use.
   
   
   
2. Conserve water 
   

Sustainable Wellesley encourages sustainable actions to protect our climate; reduce pollution of air, land and water; preserve biodiversity; minimize waste; and ensure environmental justice.

​

The Town is developing a Climate Action Plan that will provide a roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and enhancing our resilience to climate change. 
 
Give input on the Climate Action Plan design and priorities by taking a 5-minute confidential survey.
​
Your responses will help the Climate Action Committee develop climate change mitigation programs in the areas of energy, buildings, mobility, and waste.

The Climate Action Plan supports GHG reduction goals established by Annual Town Meeting in 2009 and revised in 2021. These goals align with state and federal targets and call for net zero town-wide emissions by 2050, a 75% reduction below 2007 levels by 2040, and a 50% reduction by 2030.  

Access the survey online here and additional Info is here.

Thank you for participating! 

Join the Zoom TONIGHT at 7.30pm to hear one woman's story how she walked away from tailpipe emissions and is loving her electric car. Its a great way you can take real action. 

Register here.  

Sharon Kirby, a member of Sustainable Wellesley, generally tries to “do the right thing.”  When it was time to buy a new car, she did her homework, ultimately choosing an Electric Vehicle (EV).  She is so thrilled with her choice that she offered to share her research with us in this simple half-hour presentation. She has some surprising discoveries about Electric Vehicles and Hybrids.  There will be plenty of time for questions afterward.

For car lovers, prepare to get excited and know you will be defending the planet as well. Believe it or not, 43% of Wellesley’s carbon emissions are due to the use of gas and diesel vehicles that rely on internal combustion engines. In other words, transportation in and around Wellesley is one of the single largest cause of greenhouse gases in our town. So when you drive; drive electric.

There are a variety of mobility options in and around Wellesley. If you are in the market for a car- new or pre-owned - small or large - join the conversation tonight  and/or head over to the parking lot next to the library to see a variety of electric and hybrid cars this Saturday, October 2nd from 1-4pm.  See and talk to owners of

Polestar 2
Mustang Mach-E
Tesla Model Y
Audi e-tron SUV
MINI Countryman Plug-In
Hyundai KONA
Chevrolet Bolt
Chevrolet Volt
Toyota Prius Prime
Tesla Model 3
Volkswagen ID.4
Nissan LEAF 
Chrysler Pacifica

Register here or just come on by.  

Both events are free and open to all. Ask about incentives on electric vehicles!

You are invited to the first Fall Sustainable Wellesley Action Meeting on Zoom this Thursday, 7.30-8.30pm. We will be powering you up with ideas on ways you can help Wellesley lower its greenhouse gas emissions starting with how you get around.

Believe it or not, 43% of Wellesley’s carbon emissions are due to the use of gas and diesel vehicles that rely on internal combustion engines. In other words, transportation in and around Wellesley is one of the single largest cause of greenhouse gases in our town.

There are a variety of mobility options in and around Wellesley. If you are in the market for a car- new or pre-owned - small or large - we have some events for you.

Join the Zoom this Thursday night to hear one woman's story how she walked away from tailpipe emissions and is loving her electric car. Its one way you can take real action. Register here.  Sharon Kirby, a member of Sustainable Wellesley, generally tries to “do the right thing.”  When it was time to buy a new car, she did her homework, ultimately choosing an Electric Vehicle (EV).  She is so thrilled with her choice that she offered to share her research with us in this simple half-hour presentation. She has some surprising discoveries about Electric Vehicles and Hybrids.  There will be plenty of time for questions afterward.

You can also see a variety of electric and hybrid cars this Saturday, October 2nd from 1-4pm at the Cameron Street parking lot on Cameron St .  Come see and talk to owners of Chevy Volt, Chevy Bolt, Ford Mustang, Ford Fusion, Mini Cooper, Mini Countryman, Nissan Leaf, Tesla S, Tesla Y, Tesla 3, Toyota Prius, Volkswagen ID4, Chrysler Pacifica, and more! Register here.  

Both events are free and open to all.

The Wellesley Department of Public Works (DPW) is helping cut carbon emissions with a significant investment in electric landscaping equipment.  Starting this week, residents will see this new equipment in use in parks and open spaces and the entire Town will reap the benefits of these positive climate actions.

The department recently expanded its rechargeable battery-powered fleet, using funds from its Fiscal Year 2022 budget to purchase a large EGO riding mower and EGO brand cordless outdoor equipment including: two electric push lawn mowers, a pole hedge kit, six carbon fiber trimmers, and 4 leaf blowers. These new tools are in addition to other small rechargeable equipment like trimmers and leaf blowers that DPW bought in 2020. All are the same make and batteries for the equipment are interchangeable.

The purchases were spurred by panel discussions a year ago sponsored by the Town of Wellesley, Lexington DPW, Wellesley Natural Resources Commission, and Sustainable Wellesley in partnership with two nonprofits, American Green Zone Alliance and Quiet Communities, Inc.

Look for DPW crews using the new equipment at four established green spaces: Central Park near the Wellesley Square post office, Church Park in front of the Village Church, the Wellesley Police Department grounds, and the Tolles Parsons Center on Washington Street. These high-traffic parklands showcase pesticide-free landscaping and low-maintenance native plantings to foster birds, bees and other useful insects.

Because they run on rechargeable batteries, this equipment eliminates fumes and vibrations that are harmful to operators and passersby, and have lower decibel levels to reduce use noise. To keep equipment charged when away from power sources, DPW Director Dave Cohen is mounting charging stations on a trailer. “We are eager to see how this set up works and if the equipment can give crew members the sustained service that is required during long work days,” said Cohen.

According to Paul DePhillips, Assistant Superintendent of the DPW Park & Tree division, the team is also considering adding a solar panel to the roof of the trailer to provide some additional charging capability and reduce or even eliminate plug-in charging time. DePhillips’s crew has also added four electric chainsaws.

The most expensive piece is the rider electric mower, which retails for about $4,999 and can cut up to two acres on a single battery charge. The motor emits a sound that resembles a ‘faint whine,’ instead of a louder mowing noise.

In the coming months, DPW will be collecting data to quantify the benefits of shifting to electric equipment and will present this information to the Town to help inform future decisions about expanding the electric landscaping program.

Climate Action in Wellesley 
​The electric landscaping equipment program is helping support the Town’s climate action goals to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 50% below 2007 levels by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050. Wellesley is currently developing a Climate Action Plan that will serve as a roadmap for reaching these goals. To learn more visit https://www.wellesleyma.gov/1584/Climate-Action-
Plan.

Considering buying an electric vehicle (EV), or just want to better understand what it’s like to own and drive one?

Transportation accounts for 43% of Wellesley’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). The Town of Wellesley has set an ambitious climate goal of achieving net zero GHG emissions by 2050 and interim goals of a 50% reduction by 2030 and 75% reduction by 2040. Driving an EV is one way you can reduce your environmental impact and help our community reach these goals.

Learn more about electric vehicles at three upcoming events to help you become an informed buyer:

Thursday September 30, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Energy New England Drives Electric Learn about new EV choices available this year and get your questions answered by EV experts at this National Drive Electric Week virtual event. Sign-up here.

Thursday September 30, 7:30 p.m. EVs, PHEVs, Hybrids: Car Options for Today Sharon Kirby, a Wellesley resident and EV owner, will share her firsthand perspective on EVs and answer attendee questions at this Sustainable Wellesley virtual event. Sign-up here.

Saturday October 2, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Wellesley EV Showcase (part of Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend) View different makes and models of EVs in-person and chat with Wellesley residents about their experiences owning and driving EVs. This event takes place at the Cameron Street parking lot in Wellesley. Sign-up here.

EVs are fun to drive and more affordable than ever, thanks to a $7,500 federal tax credit, a $2,500 Massachusetts state rebate, and a Green Energy Consumer Alliance Drive Green discount. And the savings continue, because an EV owner can save up to $1,000 per year on fuel and maintenance costs when compared to a traditional gas powered vehicle.

“We can all help combat climate change by choosing an EV the next time we buy or lease a new or used car," said Dr. Marybeth Martello, Wellesley’s Sustainability Director. "The U.S., along with more than 140 other nations, the state of Massachusetts, and Wellesley are actively working to curtail greenhouse gas emissions. We all can make a difference.”

ABOUT
These EV events and information are offered at no cost to all residents through a partnership between:

Sustainable Wellesley, an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that engages residents, businesses and the town of Wellesley to take sustainable actions to protect our climate; reduce pollution of air, land and water; preserve biodiversity; minimize waste; and ensure environmental justice.

The Wellesley Climate Action Committee which engages our community and establishes goals, actions, metrics, and implementation blueprints for building resilience and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Wellesley Drives Electric, a program offered by the Municipal Light Plant to inform Wellesley residents about the benefits of driving an electric car and the electric utility bill savings available by charging an EV at home overnight. 

Contact Terry Connolly, Wellesley Municipal Light Plant for more detail at 781-489-7766 or at  [email protected].

The Federal Tax Credit, MA State Rebate, and Drive Green Dealer Discounts Can Lower the Purchase Price of an Electric Vehicle 

The town of Wellesley is striving to achieve a 50 percent, community-wide reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. Transportation currently accounts for 43 percent of Wellesley’s greenhouse gas emissions. Electric vehicles (EVs) are an important part of Wellesley’s emissions reduction strategy along with increased biking, walking, and use of public transit. For those considering buying a new EV, current federal tax credit, state rebate, and Green Energy Consumer Alliance Drive Green programs offer significant savings.

The Drive Green program, for example, offers negotiated dealer discounts on EVs from a range of makers, including Chevrolet, Mitsubishi, and Nissan, making it easy to compare prices and find a dealership with knowledgeable sales staff. Special offers on pre-owned EV and hybrid vehicles are also available. Tesla EVs are not part of the Drive Green program.

“Transportation, along with buildings, is a leading contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Wellesley,” said Dr. Marybeth Martello, Wellesley’s Sustainability Director. “Every one of us can help combat climate change by replacing older, gas-powered vehicles with EVs. EV purchase incentives make it more cost-effective for each of us to do our part.”

As one example, a new Hyundai Kona Electric, an EV with a battery range of 258 miles, is now available for just $24,497. Normally retailing for $38,575, this EV is available now for $14,078 less, thanks to a Green Energy Consumer Alliance Drive Green discount, a federal tax credit, and the state of Massachusetts MOR-EV rebate:

$38,575 Retail price
($4,078) Drive green dealer discount
($2,500) MA state rebate
($7,500) Federal tax credit
$24,497 Final effective price

To learn about the Green Energy Consumer Alliance, click here. 

To learn more about Wellesley’s Climate Action Plan, click here. To comment or ask a question, email [email protected]. 

There are electric car charging stations everywhere you want to go this summer.

Its possible to relax at the beach, enjoy parks, visit family and friends all without using a drop of fuel!

Thinking of buying an electric vehicle? Use Plugshare or ChargePoint to find convenient places to charge your car.

We would love to hear about your recent EV purchase and your experiences. Please share them at [email protected].

Know that driving less and driving electric are impactful ways you can help Wellesley, Mass., and the federal government reach greenhouse gas reduction goals and build resiliency.

Join Mother's Out Front's second Climate Action Call to take quick and effective action in just 45 minutes! This month, we’ll be advocating for legislation to make clean heat, clean air, and healthy soils a reality across the Commonwealth.

This event is designed for everyone - from curious newcomers to long-time volunteers. We’ll give you everything you need to take action right on the call. No experience necessary to help move forward legislation designed to protect all Massachusetts communities from environmental pollution and climate change.

​REGISTER HERE

If you missed the Sustainable Wellesley/Wellesley Books discussion with author Paul Greenberg about his inspiring, accessible book, the Climate Diet last week, you can watch it here.

What a treat for our group to hear directly from the author! "Naked food" and "shipped vs. flown" were just a few of the inspirational stories he shared on ways we can address our own household carbon footprints. As Paul says, "everyone can and should do something," and this book offers a wide array of things you can do.

He calls this book a "peace offering," for adults and teens/millennials that shares ideas that are not only good for the planet, but good for your health and wallet too.

Take some time to read The Climate Diet this summer. Its short, informative and available at the library and the local book store! Then share the book; we all have something to learn.

Know these folks?
Give them a big shout out!!

Congratulations to Wellesley High Schools' Climate Action Club members Vaani Kapoor, Kaitlin Braun, and Catherine Smith, who won the Community Engagement Award for their work on Solar Power and other initiatives from Project Green Schools' 2021 Green Difference Awards.

Also big congrats to Lisa Moore, Wellesley Natural Resources Commission's Environmental Education and Outreach Coordinator, on receiving a Project Green Schools' 2021 Green Difference Awards for Outdoor Learning and Education.

Thanks to Wellesley Green Schools for taking the time to nominate these outstanding individuals. Way to go, Wellesley!

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An energy efficient building code that still allows the combustion of fossil fuels is not helping Massachusetts achieve its goal of Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Because of the state’s Net Zero goals outlined in Gov. Baker’s Clean Energy Climate Plan, new homes will have to either be built to Net Zero now or be retrofitted later. It is less expensive to both the state and owners to build Net Zero buildings now than to retrofit buildings down the line. But cities and towns are prohibited from exceeding the state’s “stretch” code (a building code that requires higher energy efficiency standards for new buildings than the base code) even while many developers are already building to Net Zero standards at little to no a to no additional cost (ReadyforNetZero_03.01.21.pdf).
That’s why Massachusetts needs a new “Net Zero” stretch code that includes the use of renewable energy instead of gas or oil.  
To keep the pressure up to guarantee that the Net Zero stretch code developed by the Department of Energy Resources is truly Net Zero, please consider:
1) Writing to the Board of Building Regulations and Standards ([email protected]) to let them know that a true Net Zero stretch code means building safe and healthy housing, affordable to heat and cool, and effective in mitigating climate change. A true Net Zero stretch code transforms our buildings from a major source of emissions to being part of the climate solution.  

2) Share the news on your favorite social media and include any and all of the following hashtags:  #NetZeroForAll, #NetZeroNow, #ProtectOurAir, #ElectrifyEverything, #AllElectric, #PassOnGas, #GasFreeHomes, #CleanEnergy, #AirPollution·         
Need inspiration? 
Harvard Study estimates burning fossil fuels for buildings costs Massachusetts $8.4 billion in annual health impacts 
An interactive map shows health impact of building emissions by state
Thanks!

Summer temperatures in the Northeast are increasing, along with extreme heat days and heat waves. Learn about the intersections of climate change, heat, and health in the Greater Boston area at an event entitled "From Snow Days to Heat Waves," on May 24th at 6pm via Zoom. Register here.

Speakers will highlight projects across the Greater Boston area addressing the issues of rising and extreme temperatures, public health, equity, and climate change via short presentations and a panel discussion. A full list of speakers will be announced soon.

Extreme heat is one of the deadliest weather events in the United States, and can exacerbate existing health conditions. Unfortunately, the effects aren't experienced equally: the impacts of extreme heat are greater in low-income and BIPOC neighborhoods, where historic disinvestment has resulted in less access to green space, fewer street trees, and inadequate housing and cooling infrastructure. These impacts will likely be intensified as climate change causes temperatures to increase and humidity to rise.

This event is co-hosted by the Museum of Science, Boston; Mystic River Watershed Association; and Metropolitan Area Planning Council. The Metropolitan Mayors Coalition Climate Taskforce and Resilient Mystic Collaborative are co-sponsors.

The program is made possible with generous support from the Massachusetts Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program.

May 24, 2021 06:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Last week the Town of Wellesley’s Sustainable Energy Committee (SEC) launched its climate
action planning process.  The SEC is seeking approval of updated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goals in Article 24 at Wellesley’s Annual Town Meeting next week. The SEC tracks Wellesley’s GHG emissions and leads efforts to mitigate them. The updated goals call for achieving net zero GHG emissions by 2050, and interim reduction goals of 50% below a 2007 baseline by 2030 and 75% by 2040.

These science-based targets are similar to those set by many of Wellesley’s peer communities and are in line with recommendations from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has also committed to accomplishing net-zero GHG emissions by 2050 with interim goals. Governor Baker signed “An Act creating a next-generation roadmap for Massachusetts climate policy” into law on March 26, 2021.

Residents are encouraged to contact their Town Meeting Members to show support for these objectives that will drive action to minimize the causes of climate change while also improving Wellesley’s environmental resiliency.

To assist in Wellesley’s climate action planning efforts, Kim Lundgren Associates, Inc. (KLA), a local firm focused on climate action planning and solutions, will work with the SEC on a ten-month effort involving outreach to the Wellesley community and Town boards and committees.

KLA has two decades of municipal climate action and sustainability planning experience. In the past
three years, KLA supported development of 16 climate action plans for local governments across the country, including eight for Massachusetts communities. The firm’s ability to facilitate a data-driven and practical approach contributed to the firm’s selection.

“We are excited to begin the climate action planning process working together with representatives
from Town departments and the community to evaluate which GHG emissions reduction measures will be most appropriate for Wellesley,” said Laura Olton, Chair of the Sustainable Energy Committee. “We are confident that Wellesley will produce an evidenced-based, fiscally-responsible, equitable and practical plan to guide local climate action.”

In October 2020, Town Meeting Members approved a Select Board resolution calling on Wellesley
departments, boards, and committees to take action to address the accelerating climate change crisis.

Town-wide carbon goals will help to catalyze community-wide climate action. “It is important that we develop a strategy to bring our community together to protect our environment and promote
sustainable building and mobility practices, as well as the use of renewable energy sources where
possible,” said Thomas Ulfelder, Select Board Chair. “The town may benefit from increased financial
savings through energy efficiency and improved quality of life.”

To lay a foundation for developing the plan, Wellesley’s Sustainable Energy Director, Marybeth Martello, is briefing Town departments and committees on the climate action planning process. The SEC and key department heads will hold a televised kick-off meeting on Friday, May 7. Public Forums and other community engagement efforts will take place throughout the process. Residents who are interested in keeping up to date with climate action plan development can subscribe to receive periodic updates by email at [email protected].