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The NYSERDA Clean Energy Communities High Impact Actions are a framework to help communities throughout New York State develop and prioritize their clean energy goals. The town of Queensbury formed a Clean Energy Committee in the summer of 2017 with the goal of completing a minimum of four of the high impact actions.
In just six short months, the town has exceeded its goals. The Clean Energy Committee is led by Kathy Bozony, an environmental consultant for the town, and John Strough, the town Supervisor. Together with town board member Catherine Atherden, town staff, and other local stakeholders, the group is on its way to complete seven of the 10 High Impact Actions.
The hard work the committee invested to implement High Impact Actions exemplifies why Queensbury is considered a local leader in the clean energy arena. Committee members decided to work the High Impact Actions concurrently in an effort to complete four in time to meet NYSERDA's deadline for the CEC $50,000 grant while also improving the community's overall energy consumption.
It's a win-win situation for everyone and it's paid off.
High Impact Actions completed:
Unified Solar Permit. The town adopted a standardized permit application designed to streamline the approval process for installing solar in the community.
Benchmarking. The Committee assisted with the gathering and reporting of the town's energy use in buildings
Energy Code Enforcement Training. Code enforcement officers attended an energy code best practices training on solar panel systems.
Clean Fleets. The town installed two EV charging stations at the municipal water plant with plans to deploy alternative fuel vehicles in the near future.
John Strough, Town Supervisor
Kathy Bozony,Clean Energy Community Committee Chair
High Impact Actions underway:
Solarize. The Committee moved forward with implementing a local solarize campaign to increase the number of solar rooftops in the town and is inviting other Warren County communities to join in the effort.
Clean Energy Upgrades. The town is working on reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 10 percent. Solar panels already installed on municipal buildings have brought them very close to reaching this goal. Additionally, interior and exterior lights were recently replaced with LEDs in the town office and Activities Center Complex.
LED Street Lights. The Committee is exploring converting the town’s street lights to energy-efficient LED technology.
Kathy Bozony looks forward to the work the Clean Energy Committee will continue to implement in the future. “It’s the work the Clean Energy Committee plans to do after the initial four High Impact Actions have been completed that will include the community and its participation in reduction of fossil fuel dependency, which remains the main focus for creating the committee.”
The town of Queensbury has shown strong leadership in the clean energy arena and has been highly focused on the cost savings and environmental benefits of taking such actions. The implementation of their Clean Energy Committee allowed for public involvement in the NYSERDA Clean Energy Communities process and demonstrates their commitment to clean energy.
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