Wellesley’s Climate Action Committee (CAC, Committee) seeks a new member to be appointed by the Select Board for a term spanning July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2027. Applicants should email a paragraph describing their interest and background to Sustainability Director Marybeth Martello at [email protected] by Friday, March 15. The CAC will accept applications from Thursday, February 15 to Friday, March 15.

Candidates should be committed to the CAC’s mission of reducing town-wide greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. Responsibilities include attending CAC meetings one to two times per month (currently scheduled from 9:00-10:00 a.m. on Fridays), taking an active role in CAC projects, and eventually coordinating one or more initiatives related to Wellesley’s Climate Action Plan (CAP). Projects often involve engagement with Town departments and boards, grassroots and non-profit groups, nearby communities, regional associations, and state and federal agencies. Candidates should possess:

• A strong interest in climate action;
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills;
• Experience with initiating and leading projects; and
• The ability to collaborate with Town departments, boards, and other stakeholders.

Background Information for 2024 CAC Member Position Description
The Climate Action Committee (CAC) consists of four Select Board-appointed members, plus one representative from each of the following: Select Board, School Committee, and Wellesley Municipal Light Plant (WMLP). In accordance with the bylaw establishing the CAC, the Select Board appoints the four members from residents active in the Town’s volunteer sustainable energy initiatives or others who bring relevant expertise, such as knowledge about climate action, sustainability, clean energy, marketing, or community engagement.

In 2021- 2, the Committee led development of a Climate Action Plan (CAP) for achieving townwide greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) reduction goals established by Town Meeting. The CAC supports CAP implementation through work with Town departments, community organizations, residents, the commercial sector, and colleges to reduce emissions from municipal, residential, commercial, and institutional sectors and to support climate action related to governance, energy, buildings, mobility, natural resources, and waste.

The CAC (formerly the Sustainable Energy Committee) was established in 2010 and has led or contributed to many successful initiatives, including Wellesley’s:
• Climate Action Plan, engaging over 70 stakeholders across six working groups.
• Municipal Sustainable Building Guidelines, garnering support from seven building proponent boards and leading to development of two new net zero ready elementary schools, an all-electric Town Hall, and plans for an all-electric Warren Building renovation.
• Building Energy Roundtable engaging Wellesley’s large commercial property owners and encouraging building decarbonization.
• Gas Transitions Working Group – working to identify and track methane leaks (particularly those with the highest level of methane emissions) and advocating for repair at the regional and state levels.
• Green Community designation, earning over $475,000 in grant funds to support municipal energy conservation measures.
• Three popular Electric Vehicle Showcase and Test Drive Events.
• Multiple solar installations including at 70 households and three houses of faith.
• Progress on energy efficiency via a Power to Save campaign, workshops at the Council on Aging, and decarbonization audits.
• WasteWise – a collaboration of the Natural Resources Commission, Department of Public Works (DPW) and CAC to identify and capitalize on win-win opportunities associated with sustainable materials management.
• Residential food waste drop-off program at the RDF and school food waste diversion and food rescue.
• First municipal EV Charging Station
• Town-wide Mobility Committee and Electric Vehicle Working Group.
• Green Collaborative to educate and coordinate grass roots groups, individuals, and municipal departments on sustainability issues.
​• Annual Monitoring and reporting of townwide GHG Emissions and efforts to reduce emissions.

Got skills you want to use? Interests you would like to explore? The Select Board is recruiting candidates for a variety of boards, committees, and commissions. Town government relies on the dedication of many volunteers. Maybe this is your moment!

Some are listed below but more  information is here.

Municipal Light Plant Board: The five-member Municipal Light Board oversees the Wellesley Municipal Light Plant. The board consists of the three elected Board of Public Works Commissioners and two members appointed by the Select Board.

Wellesley Housing Development Corp.: The Wellesley Housing Development Corporation's mission is to sponsor and assist in the development of affordable housing opportunities for persons of low and moderate income in the Town of Wellesley, Massachusetts in order to implement the Town's Affordable Housing Policy.

Zoning Board of Appeals: The ZBA is a quasi-judicial board which interprets and enforces the town Zoning Bylaw, hears and decides on petitions for appeals of town officer or board orders, Chapter 40B comprehensive permits, site plan approvals, special permits and variances. Youth Commission: The Wellesley Youth Commission provides programs and services designed to ensure that Wellesley's youth feel they are a valued part of the Wellesley community. Zoning Board of Appeals: The Zoning Board of Appeals is a quasi-judicial board which interprets and enforces the town Zoning Bylaw by hearing and deciding on petitions for appeals of town officer or board decisions, Chapter 40B comprehensive permits, site plan approvals, special permits and variances.

To volunteer for any Town Board or Committee, please complete this online volunteer form.