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Home My WebLink AboutMinutes - Energy Committee - 09/14/2022South Burlington Energy Committee (SBEC)Meeting Minutes –September 14,2022 Committee members present:Tim Perrin (Chair),Ethan Goldman,Keith Epstein,Ken Pulido, Steve Crowley,MJ Reale,Ahmad Abdel-Fattah,Robert Meader,Carolyn (Carrie)McLaughlin Committee members absent:Sam Swanson,Frans van Boden City staff present:Ilona Blanchard,Lou Bresee City Council member present:Tim Barritt Other attendees:Andrew Chalnick (CAP task force,Planning Commission) Minutes from last two meetings August 10 (regular meeting)and September 1 (ARPA letter meeting),were unanimously approved:Keith moved,Rob seconded Solar PV requirements for new commercial development Andrew proposed that SBEC write a letter of support for making solar installations mandatory for new South Burlington commercial buildings.It is currently required that commercial buildings are solar ready but there is little participation for installing solar.He presented the history of this effort which has been going on for about 3 years –including SBEC meeting with local developers in July 2019 who offered full support. The committee discussed whether more due diligence was needed before we formally support it.We discussed data,incentives,PPAs,barriers,potential permit issues,exemptions, contractor options. A motion was made by Keith to create a letter of support,seconded by Ethan.Unanimously approved by SBEC,motion carried.Tim will write the letter,Keith will assist.Goal is to get it to Jessica Louisos,Chair of Planning Commission jlouisos@sburl.com,before their next meeting – October 11. Proposed Renewable Heating Standard ordinance Andrew proposed that SBEC write a letter of support for a renewable heating standard ordinance.There is a public meeting on September 19 for public input and discussion. Burlington is doing this.The committee discussed potential issues.A motion was made by Ethan to create a letter of support,seconded by Keith.Approved by SBEC,with Tim abstaining - motion carried.Tim works for VT Gas so he recused himself from involvement in the letter. The group discussed verbiage.MJ will write the letter,Keith and Ethan will assist.Goal is to get it to Helen Riehle by September 15/16.(cc Jessie Baker and Ilona and share final with SBEC.) MJ and Ethan will attend the public hearing.MJ will read the letter of support.Ethan will be available to answer questions. Wheeler House heating strategy Lou updated the group on what is going on with renovating the Wheeler House’s heating system.It is currently an old steam heat system –uses oil.He and others are doing a full analysis of what the options are.(Working with Dubois and King)There is a wide range to consider.There is the dollar impact as well as fossil fuel use issue -taking into account Climate Action Plan (CAP)goals.Lou wants to use the same criteria in CAP for tracking.Have been looking at BTUs but now will look at greenhouse gasses. Lou would like SBEC to review the analysis and recommend options.This should be completed in about 2 weeks.Tim suggested when the analysis is done,SBEC will have a more involved discussion.Lou can send it to the group to review prior to the next meeting.Steve suggested looking at “social cost of carbon”.Some measure this at $123/ton.Other mention of $85/ton to reduce and capture carbon. Button Up campaign Tim,Lou,MJ attended webinar for this weatherization awareness campaign.SBEC discussed how to execute in our community.The consensus is that we can support this event with 3 events.One each at Lowes,Ace Hardware and the dump.Saturday or Sunday.Group discussed locations and how to engage people.Using the tent is optional.Weekend events require everything to be picked up by Friday afternoon at City Hall or meeting with next event member participants.Should use gaff tape for putting banners on tent.Easier to engage people out of the tent.There was a motion by Keith,seconded by Ethan and unanimously approved by SBEC to spend up to $100 per event to purchase coffee,donuts,apples from Cider Mill.MJ could also ask them to donate with sign recognition for them at events. Basics: ●6 weeks-early October to mid-November ●They provide materials for digital campaign and in-person events and Wednesday Webinars. ●MJ is SBEC point person,Michelle McCutcheon-Schour mmschour@veic.org is Button up point person. To do: ●Determine how many members will participate.MJ will send out a doodle poll.We will aim for 2 people at each event. ●After the poll MJ will confirm with SBEC members and connect with hardware stores and dump to set schedule. ●Promotion –of campaign and events.MJ will handle FPF,connecting with SB City News, The Other Paper.Keith will handle FB.Consider reaching out to environmental groups at schools.Who else? ●MJ will pick up materials and giveaways October 3 May want to include other material at our events: ●CAP materials ●Event in A Box –this is from Efficiency VT –do we already have this? ●Efficiency Excellent Network (EEN)–for contractors from Efficiency VT ●For weatherization audits: o CCVOEO –for low income o Audits and Walk Throughs –VTGas FY2023 Work Plan,Updates on Ongoing Activities Outreach: The Other Paper -MJ will send everyone email update on discussion with The Other Paper and request direct feedback (not reply to all).The Other Paper is interested in working with us for a regular environmental feature.We would coordinate with other committees (Affordable Housing,Bike/Ped,Natural Resources,Parks and Rec,Climate Action Plan taskforce,etc.)to write articles for the paper on a regular basis. South Burlington Website –Ilona will connect with MJ about getting access to the CMS to create a SBEC section under “Sustainability”. Other items: Ethan recommends a book to the group called Saving Us about how to engage a variety of audiences on climate crisis.Coincidently,Steve reported that the author is speaking in Burlington on Saturday,September 17 at VPIRG event. https://vtdigger.org/2022/09/14/vermont-conversation-climate-scientist-katharine-hayhoe-on- how-to-talk-to-climate-deniers/ https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Saving-Us/Katharine-Hayhoe/9781982143831 Keith attended a webinar about zero energy buildings.Organization ASHRAE provides a related guide.https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/aedgs/zero-energy-aedg-free-download The meeting was adjourned at 8:55. The next meeting is Wednesday,October 12 at 6:30.