PLEASE Complete TOMCAP Questionnaire by Jan 7, 2022

Medfield MA

28 December, 2021

8:59 PM

Description

TOMCAP Introduction and Questionnaire.. At Town Meeting in May 2021, Medfield unanimously 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 make economic sense. 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 effort began on Medfield Day with a booth where volunteers both informed and engaged community members to take action to combat climate change. Those who stopped by the booth learned about Medfield's carbon footprint and where those carbon emissions come from. The MEC has carried out a Greenhouse Gas Inventory 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 transitioning to an electric vehicle when it comes time to buy a new car. The largest source of GHG emissions, 42% is from our cars. That is why the MEC gave residents the opportunity to explore and experience the interior of a Tesla, which was on display at the booth. To significantly reduce our carbon footprint, most new cars will need to be electric. 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 producing more and more electric vehicles and new options are becoming available. When it is time to buy a new car, we urge residents to purchase electric cars so that we can achieve our goal and make a huge impact on decreasing our carbon footprint! 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. In addition, purchasing electricity which is made from renewable sources is an effective way to reduce emissions. 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. All residents are asked to complete it. It will take 5 minutes and can be found HERE! . Net Zero by 2050 is a town goal and needs to be a town effort. Working together we can decarbonize Medfield and reach our goal of 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, any 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.