An important benchmark of making progress towards mitigating climate change is the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and Concord is no exception. The electrification of buildings and transportation – two sectors responsible for approximately 50% of global carbon emissions, and 95% of Concord’s emissions – is an essential strategy for making meaningful impacts and achieving our climate and sustainability goals. Electrification is particularly effective in Concord given that 99% of the electricity purchased by CMLP comes from carbon-free sources.
Concord is positioned as a leader for progressive electrification policies for buildings and transportation. Most recently, the Town has adopted the Specialized Stretch Building Code and is preparing to be one of only ten municipalities in the MA Fossil Fuel Free Building Demonstration Program, which will prohibit fossil fuel use in new building construction. Concord is also a leader in electrifying transportation, including a municipal electric fleet policy, adoption of electric school buses, and a listing among the ‘top three’ municipalities for EV adoption in Massachusetts.
Our guest speaker, Eric Simms, is the Sustainability Director here in Concord. Prior to coming to Concord, he spent 20 years in higher education developing and managing science-based education and communication programs that bridged the academic research community with a broad spectrum of educators, students, and the public. More recently, Eric served as Education Programs Manager at the Harvard University Center for the environment where he brought together faculty and students from multiple disciplines across the University to broaden their perspectives on climate and energy issues. He is excited to use his scientific training and multi-disciplinary perspectives to continue to position the Town as a leader in the addressing climate change and help to create a truly sustainable Concord.
Event sponsored by ConcordCAN! – The Concord Climate Action Network