Municipal Perspectives for
Renewable Energy/Sustainability
Adoption
May 12, 2016
Jeffrey Barnes
Metrowest TechSandBox
Clean Technology/Energy SIG

Town of Hopkinton
• Community-wide Recycling – 1970s
• Sustainable Green Committee – 2008
• Wind Energy Bylaw – 2009
• Designated MA Green Community – 2010
• Commercial Solar PV Bylaw – 2013
• Schools, School Administration Building, Fire Station & Police Station –
Solar PV/Building Energy Efficiency – 2008-2010
• Low-impact development (LID) techniques required by PB/CC - 2014
• New public library – Geothermal heating/cooling - 2017
• Non-profits (i.e., HCA, Respite Center) solar PV – 2014-2015
• Over 400 homes with residential solar PV
• Approved commercial solar PV system – two others currently proposed,
one denied
• EV Charging Stations – 2014/2016
• LED exterior lighting required for new commercial development -2014
MA Municipal Leader in Sustainability/Renewable Energy

Hopkinton Sustainable Green
Committee
The mission of the Hopkinton Sustainable Green Committee is to
promote sustainable and environmentally responsible practices in
the Town of Hopkinton. The Committee will assist town government,
business and residents to implement sustainable policies and
practices in the areas of energy, agriculture, conservation and
commerce. The Committee will increase the public's awareness of
important environmental issues through education and outreach. By
fostering environmentally friendly practices in Hopkinton, the
Committee aims to enhance the quality of life for our residents,
visitors and future generations.

Collective Community Commitment
to Sustainability/Renewable Energy
• Leadership (Town Manager/Selectmen/Mayor)
• Conservation Commission
• Planning Board
• School Administration/Committee
• Department of Public Works
• Upper Charles Trail Committee
• Sustainable Green Committee
• Local Businesses
• Residents and School-Aged Children
Unified Approach

Key Local Drivers for Municipal
Adoption
• Policy/Community Goals
• Leadership – Local and State
• Compelling Return on Investment
• Local Stakeholders/Champions that Drive Process/Projects
• Public Involvement/Communication
• Identify Practical Opportunities
• Remain Focused and Positive – It Takes Time!
• Start Small

Policy/Community Goals
• Comprehensive, considerable-thought, vetted, agreement
• Provides clarity on permitting requirements, zoning requirements,
locations where siting is allowed/not allowed
• Provides standards for the design, construction, placement and
operation
• Minimizes impacts to residential neighborhoods and historic,
natural and scenic resources.
• Ensures proposed projects are aligned with the community vision
• Short-, mid-, and long-term goals provide focus which stakeholders
can support, manage and implement
• Vision and Mission Statements

Leadership
• Institutionalize and galvanize the vision and goals (from top to
bottom)
• Town leadership must be committed and supportive for the long-
term
• Involve State Reps and Senators so they can support the program
both at the local and State level (funding/grant opportunities)
• Local Committees and Boards (Chairs) must buy-in, be supportive
and execute within their domain
• Resident, grass-root leaders/champions/advocates are key to
moving the process forward, communication, outreach, and
recruitment

Return on Investment
• Municipalities are constrained financially
• Renewable energy/sustainability projects must have a short-term
and compelling ROI
• Detailed and well-vetted financial projections improve likelihood
project acceptance, if favorable
• Seek grants, low-interest loans, donations/discounts, pilot-
programs, internships to subsidize projects (MACEC, MassSave,
Solarize MA, MAPC, etc.)
• Municipalities can’t take advantage of renewable energy project tax
incentives
• Explore power purchase agreements with renewable contractors

Local Stakeholders/Champions that
Drive Process
• Only so much that policy and government can achieve (high-
level)
• Community “boots on the ground” involvement/commitment
required for success
• Public communication/outreach
• Long-term, focused commitment
• Multi-disciplinary backgrounds/perspectives beneficial
• Cross-section of the community desirable

Public Involvement/Communication
• Facilitate public involvement and communication on a
frequent basis
• Press coverage, press releases, newsletters – “get the
message out”
• Community surveys – Everyone is involved in the process
• Meet with Town/City committees, boards, groups, interested
parties
• Engage the public – Hold public meetings/Attend public
events. Active face-to face engagement proven more
successful.
• Recruit, Recruit, Recruit
• Highlight successes and goals

Practical Steps/Opportunities
• Begin with small and manageable goals
• Consider hiring an energy management consultant
• Don’t reinvent the wheel – look to other municipalities’ programs
to model and seek out their advice
• Take advantage of State programs for education, funding and
discounts (MACEC, MAPC)
• New construction is more compelling for implementation of
renewable energy technology
• Work with Town/City leadership to formulate policy and goals
• Be creative
• Rome wasn’t built in a day – it takes time, effort and commitment

Common Barriers
• Where do we start?
• Costs for Implementation/Lack of Money
• Unclear/cumbersome regulatory policy/permitting
requirements
• Lack of Motivation/Interest
• Aesthetics, Public opposition (Not in My Backyard)
• Little or No Support from Local Leadership (other priorities
more important)
• Older buildings
• Lack of land area

Thank you
Jeffrey Barnes
Pinnacle Equity Solutions
Metrowest TechSandBox