Introducing TOMCAP - Town of Medfield Climate Action Plan

Medfield MA

21 October, 2021

9:23 AM

Description

TOMCAP Introduction and Request Medfield Residents take Survey... At Town Meeting in May 2021, Medfield overwhelmingly voted to support a Net Zero 2050 Goal and to develop a Climate Action Plan to reach that goal. This goal is in line with federal and state goals. "Net Zero" means that we reduce most greenhouse gas emissions and offset the rest. Most reductions will be achieved through personal actions that are voluntary and economically sensible. The Medfield Energy Committee (MEC) has been working hard to inform and engage residents in developing the Town of Medfield Climate Action Plan (TOMCAP). Public outreach efforts began in June and continued on Medfield Day with a booth where volunteers informed community members how to take action on climate change. Those who stopped by learned where Medfield's carbon emissions come from. The MEC has carried out a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory for Medfield, which revealed that the vast majority of carbon emissions come from our cars and our homes (81%). The results were displayed at the booth for all to see. One of the best ways Medfielders can reduce their carbon footprint is by making smart investments at Natural Transition Points, such as getting an electric vehicle when you buy a new car or installing a heat pump when replacing your home heating/cooling. Over the past 12 years, Massachusetts has significantly reduced the carbon emissions from the electricity supply and is poised to further increase renewables, which currently stand at a minimum of about 20% of our electricity. Choosing highly efficient electric vehicles, heat pumps and other electric appliances over fossil fuel burning options greatly reduces our emissions. Running our homes produces 39% of the carbon emissions in Medfield. Medfielders can decarbonize their homes by installing a heat pump to heat and cool their homes and reducing energy needs such as adding insulation and purchasing high efficiency lighting and appliances. Purchasing additional renewable electricity above the required level is another effective way to reduce emissions. The largest source of GHG emissions, 42%, is from our cars, so going forward, most new cars will need to be electric. That is why the MEC gave residents the opportunity to explore and experience the interior of a Tesla at Medfield Day. Starting in 2035, all vehicles sold in Massachusetts must be electric. Electric Vehicles are quiet, clean, highly efficient, are over all less expensive, require less maintenance and offer huge public health benefits! Car manufacturers are introducing more models and the public charging network is continually increasing. When it is time to buy a new car, we urge residents to purchase electric cars so that we can achieve our common goal and make a huge impact on decreasing our carbon footprint! The TOMCAP Committee headed by Hilli Passas is tasked with writing a Climate Action Plan for Medfield and presenting it to the town by March 2022. The MEC has developed a questionnaire to collect residents' thoughts, concerns, and ideas regarding the plan. The town is committed to supporting the Net Zero by 2050 goal and this needs to be a town effort. Working together we can decarbonize Medfield and reach Net Zero by 2050! The MEC hopes to engage as many residents as possible so that the plan is truly reflective of our community and what we can accomplish. In addition to completing the questionnaire, residents interested in participating in the development of the TOMCAP can email [email protected]. Additional information and resources can be found on the Action Portal at SustainableMedfield.org.