From: Marshfield Energy and Climate Change Committee (ECCC)
Subject: Preliminary Activities of Committee and Resident Survey
The Marshfield Energy and Climate Change Committee has begun to pursue several projects as discussed in the report of preliminary activities below and has developed a survey which we intend to conduct door to door this fall. The draft survey is also included below. As indicated on the survey, we would appreciate it if you would gather the information concerning electrical and heating energy you use annually in preparation for our visit. We are still looking for input on the survey questions to consider in developing the final version and volunteers to conduct the survey. If you can volunteer or have suggestions to improve the survey questions please contact Rich Phillips at 454-7702. If you have interest in any of the other projects listed below, please contact the lead person for that subcommittee.
Report of Preliminary Activities
Energy cost increases and the increasing evidence of global climate change caused, in significant part by the burning of fossil fuels, has focused many Vermonters on ways to reduce energy use and find alternative energy sources. These efforts have been ongoing for some time, but the momentum is increasing, as more people understand the urgency of this work. Discussion at the 2007 town meeting of action by the town and its residents concerning energy reduction and global climate indicated a strong desire to pursue this work in Marshfield. The Selectboard subsequently appointed a five member committee to develop information for residents, evaluate options and make recommendations to assist the town and its residents to further reduce energy use, use alternative energy sources, reduce energy costs and help reduce Marshfield’s impact on global warming.
The Committee has preliminarily decided to initially pursue the following projects:
a) Municipal Facilities led by Andy Perchlik:
This project will establish the current total energy use (electric and heating) at all Town and Village facilities and make recommendations concerning energy use reduction and alternative energy conversions, where appropriate.
b) Transportation led by Lawrence Black and Anne Miller:
This project will look into energy used in transportation by residents and by the municipal vehicles and make recommendations concerning energy reduction and, for municipal vehicles, potential alternative fuels.
c) Development of Resources for Residents led by Mike Zahner (Assists -Anne and Johanna Miller):
This project will compile available information appropriate for homes concerning electrical and heating energy use reduction and resulting cost savings, alternative energy sources and incentives in a format more easily understood by a resident without expertise in the subject. It will be written from the standpoint of what a homeowner needs to know to make decisions on what to implement. It will have referrals for more detailed information.
d) Resident Survey led by Rich Phillips
This is not really a project in that it will not produce recommendations for action to reduce energy use. Instead it is part of an information gathering and public involvement process critical to having the recommendations, especially those applying to the residents, implemented. The work will include a survey to gather information concerning: knowledge of global warming issue, energy used, where people work and their interest in car-pooling. Anticipated projects will be explained and feedback will be solicited on them including interest in helping on specific projects. Potentially, the resources developed in the above project (c) could be distributed at that time. The survey is intended to be door-to-door if human resources allow.
e) Fluorescent Light Exchange led by Rich Phillips
This project will investigate how we can make compact fluorescents available at reasonable cost to residents and, if successful, will distribute the bulbs.
The Committee has preliminarily decided on a future project set:
a) Reduction on Food Transport Energy
b) Assessment of Local Energy Generation Options
c) Recommendations for Energy- Related Changes to Town Plan/Regulations
Committee Members:
Anne Miller: 426-3100 Rich Phillips: 454-7702 krphil@verizon.net
Andy Perchlik: 426-3127 perchlik@sover.net Mike Zahner: 454-7851 mgzusa@yahoo.com
Lawrence Black: 426-3965 Johanna Miller: Resources Assist from VNRC
Draft Survey Form:
Name (Optional): _________________________________# in Household_______
Street Address: ____________________________________________________
Do you feel you understand the significance of global warming? _____ Yes ______ No
Among the problems facing Vermont and the world today, how important is global warming?
_______Very Important _______ Important __________Not Important________
How significant is the financial impact of rising energy prices on your budget?
_________Very Significant __________Significant ___________ Not Significant
Energy Use
Electrical: ___________kwhrs/month _______________kwhrs/year
Heating: ___________ cords/year _______________gallons oil/year
___________ gallons propane/year
Transportation: __________miles/day work commute for family
___________miles/year total for family
___________gallons gasoline/year total for family
In an effort to promote further ride- sharing and to review the potential of public transportation, the ECCC would like the following information:
Town of Employment: Worker #1 ______________________
Worker #2: _____________________
Would you share a ride to work? Worker #1: _______________Do Now____
Worker #2: _______________Do Now____
Would you use public transportation Worker #1: ______________________
if it existed and was reasonably convenient Worker #2: ______________________
What would make it easier for you to drive less and still accomplish your goals?
Home Energy Use Reduction:
Do you mainly use compact fluorescent bulbs in your home? ____Yes _____No
How well is your home insulated? _Very Well __Not Bad __Not Much __No Idea
How drafty is your home? ____Very ____Not Bad ____Quite Tight ____No Idea
What energy reduction and alternative energy actions have you taken over the last five years and did you see results? ____________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
What energy reduction and alternative energy actions do you plan in the future?
_________________________________________________________________
Which programs are you aware of that are available to assist you in reducing energy or using alternative energy sources?
_________________________________________________________________
Would you like more information on how to conserve energy in your home? __Y__N
Would you change your remaining light bulbs to compact fluorescents at a reasonable cost? ____ Yes ____No
What energy use would you most like to reduce? ___Electric ____Heating ____Transportation
Do you think your home has opportunities to supplement your energy needs with solar? ______ Yes ______No
As discussed in the attached Marshfield ECCC Report of Preliminary Activities, the committee has preliminarily decided to pursue several projects listed below. Please indicate your rating of the importance of these projects in reducing energy use or promoting alternative energy as very important, important, less important.
Very Import Import Not Import
Municipal Facilities _______l __________l_______1________
Transportation _______l __________l_______1_________
Energy Reduction Information for Residents _____l _________ l_______1_____
Resident Survey _______l __________l_______1______
Fluorescent Lamp Exchange _______l __________l_______1________
Local Energy Generation Options _______l __________l_______1_______
Energy in Food Transport _______l __________l_______1_______
Energy Reduction Aspects in Town Plan/Z _______l ________ _ l_______1________
What additional projects do you believe should be undertaken by ECCC and the town’s residents?
________________________________________________________________________
Are you willing to help implement energy reduction/alternative energy projects
in Marshfield?
______ Yes_____ No : If Yes, please indicate your Phone ___________ E-Mail ________
If you have implemented energy saving projects beyond the basics or alternative energy projects, would you to willing to share your experience to help others? ______Yes ____No: If yes, Phone____________ E-mail__________