Professional Documents
Culture Documents
THE WAY
LONG ISLA ND MU NICI PAL
IMPLEMENTA TION
OF C LEA N EN ERGY
SOLU TION S
R EPO R T 2 0 0 9
Table of Contents
Mission of the Clean Energy
Leadership Task Force Page 1
Purpose of This Report Page 1
Foreword Page 2
Executive Summary Page 3
Leading by Example
Mission of the
Clean Energy Leadership Task Force
The Clean Energy Leadership Task Force
strives to help local governments lead by
example and act as role models to the gen-
eral public by demonstrating that technolo-
gies are available now to achieve energy
efficiency goals for both buildings and ve-
hicles.
Responses were collected from the respective representatives from each municipality who work on im-
plementing clean energy programs within their town or county.
Foreword
One of the first endeavors of the Task Force was to call on towns and counties to adopt Clean En-
ergy Action Plans. These documents outline the steps that a municipality will take in the coming
year to improve efficiency, increase use of renewable energy, and reduce the use of fossil fuels.
Nine towns and both counties created Clean Energy Action Plans, and were guided to wiser en-
ergy use, and reduced energy bills.
This year, as part of the economic stimulus package, the federal government is providing grants
to municipalities for energy efficiency projects. Requirements of these grants include municipali-
ties following a plan and working collaboratively. As a result of working with municipalities
from across Long Island in the Clean Energy Leadership Task Force, and due to their forward
thinking on energy issues (with Clean Energy Action Plans already in hand), most Long Island
municipalities will have a head start on the rest of the Nation in obtaining stimulus grants.
This report presents a snapshot of the substantial range of different efforts initiated by Long Is-
land’s municipalities that are actively adopting plans, measuring their carbon footprint, debating
different policies, evaluating new technologies, implementing efficiency renovations and build-
ing retrofits, and acquiring energy from clean, renewable sources—all in an effort to make
government operations an example of maximized efficiency that everyone can follow.
Most local leadership is embracing the responsibility to lead by example and em-
ploy clean energy technologies and policies that are available now. The collective
efforts of the municipalities on Long Island is significant, and our region serves
as a model to other municipalities across the nation. At this point there is some
healthy competition amongst LI Townships and the 2 counties to move forward
with green initiatives, and the timing is right.
Beth Fiteni
municipal Solar PV array on Long Island.
Special Projects
• Partnered with the Long Island Housing Partnership to build 15 units of energy efficient and green
next-generation housing to be complete by the end of 2009 on properties formerly owned by Nassau
County. Five single-family homes and two 2-family homes are anticipated to incorporate the following
energy efficient/sustainable elements:
Energy Star windows, appliances & fixtures
Mold resistant sheetrock
Mold resistant insulation
Fiber cement siding
Renewable flooring (Bamboo)
Plantings to provide natural shade & water conservation
On-site recycling efforts
Florescent bulbs throughout home
Automatic timers on bathroom lights & fan
Carpet which does not emit VOC's
Paint which does not emit VOC's
Green Vehicles
We applied for grants to cover the incremental costs of cleaner fuel vehicles in 2008 (natural gas, hybrid,
biodiesel, electric, ethanol, etc.).
• We currently have 40 CNG Honda Civics and 45 Flex-fuel E85 vehicles. All heavy duty non-emergency
vehicles used B-20 biodiesel in 2008 (approximately 250,000 gallons).
• We are in the process of phasing in alternative fuel light trucks, cars, or refuse haulers this year. 100 %
of vehicles purchased in calendar year 2009 are/will be alternative fuel vehicles. The current plan is to
purchase 90 flex-fuel Ford Crown Victoria police interceptor vehicles.
• To the best of our knowledge, Nassau County has the only E85 fueling station on Long Island. Also
decreased the County’s vehicle fleet by 12% between April 2007 and December 2008 and increased the
over all fuel efficiency of the fleet.
• For the coming year we plan to purchase 2 CNG street sweepers, retrofit 2 existing dump trucks with
CNG engines and install a second E85 fueling station. Also plan to purchase additional E85 vehicles.
Renewables
• This year we started the process of selecting a facility to be the location for photovoltaic solar panels,
solar water heating, wind turbines, or fuel cells and are issuing an RFP.
• We launched “Go Solar Nassau” website to encourage residential solar panel installation: www.nas-
saucountyny.gov/healthynassau/air/solar/intro2.html
• We started purchasing green power in 2006 and purchased 15% green power in 2008 – Planning to in-
crease to 25% in 2010.
• Generating power at the Cedar Creek and Bay Park Wastewater Treatment Plants through the use of re-
newable bio-gas generated from the sludge treatment process at the plants. Nassau County has been rec-
ognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as the seventh largest local government user of
renewable energy in the country under the EPA Green Power Partnership.
• For the coming year our goal is to explore opportunities to generate green power at all County facilities
which is being requested through the federal Economic Recovery Program.
• We Launched the Healthy Nassau Program and website to inform residents of clean energy and effi-
ciency opportunities.
• Created the Green Levittown initiative with several corporate and nonprofit partners; a door to door ef-
fort to encourage residents to conserve energy and reduce carbon emissions. This program has received
national recognition.
Policy:
Under the County’s Green Procurement law adopted in April 2008, our goal is to require the purchase of
only Energy Star equipment in 2009.
Other Actions
As a founding member of Climate Communities, a national coalition of cities and counties, Nassau
County will continue educating federal policymakers about the essential role of local governments in ad-
dressing climate change and promoting a strong local-federal partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emis-
sions.
Nassau County is partnered with the Center for Clean Air Policy through the Urban Leaders Initiative to
bring together cities and counties from across the nation with the goal of enhancing community resiliency
and adapting to the likely impacts of climate change.
Nassau County is actively engaged as a member of the New York State Sea Level Rise Task Force which is
developing recommendations for dealing with rising sea levels.
Nassau County Townships
Greening Fleets:
• We are a stakeholder with Greater Long Island Clean Cities Coalition.
• We applied for grants to cover the incremental costs of cleaner fuel vehicles in 2008 (natural gas, hybrid,
biodiesel, electric, ethanol, etc.).
• In 2005 the Town adopted a Clean Car Policy (Reso 410-05). Most recently, the Town won a grant for ad-
ditional hybrid electric vehicles (Reso 186-08).
• The Town currently runs 185 vehicles on B20. The Town also has 18 hybrid vehicles in its fleet: A 2007
Honda Accord Hybrid, five 2008 Toyota Priuses, ten Ford Escape Hybrids 2008 & 2009, two 2007 Honda
Civic Hybrids. In addition the Town has five flex-fuel CNG (Clean Natural Gas) Ford Contours.
• The Town has submitted a grant request through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to pur-
chase new fuel efficient trucks as per the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2009.
•We adopted a policy encouraging residents to choose alternative fuel vehicles, e.g free parking in down-
towns. Hybrid/Pure-electric parking and re-charging stations will be installed and allocated at the New
Cassel Community Center.
• In 2005 the Town adopted a resolution (466-05) which encourages hybrid/alternative energy vehicles in
taxi and livery fleets by eliminating license fees.
• The Town is engaged in awarding bids for purchase and manufacture of at least three (3) hybrid-electric
buses before the end of 2010.
• For the coming year our goal is to plan/design a Bus Alternative Fueling Station for 2010 construction
(in Port Washington).
Renewables:
• This year we started the process of selecting a facility to be the location for photovoltaic solar panels,
solar water heating, wind turbines, or fuel cells and are issuing an RFP.
•We are in the process of installing Solar PV at 13,000 square feet @ New Cassel Community Center. At
the New Cassel Community Center, the following shall be employed:
Geothermal Heating/Cooling System installation; Solar Wall construction & Solar Hot Water Heat;
Day-interior Light & Occupancy Sensors; Greywater System for secondary re-use; Lightwells to Basement
Spaces; Rainwater Harvesting for on-site Community Gardening; Use of Locally-manufactured & Recy-
cled Building Materials; and a Computerized Energy Performance nnMonitoring / Management System.
• In 2008, the Town adopted a resolution (reso 695-08) eliminating permit fees for residential solar instal-
lations.
• For the coming year our goal is to: Enact additional changes to the Town Code incorporating some
LEED-related requirements.
Town of Hempstead
Adopted Clean Energy Action Plan: No
Adopted Energy Star Homes Policy for New Construction: Yes
Greening Fleets:
• Town is a stakeholder with LI Clean Cities Coalition.
• Town has applied for grants to cover the incremental costs of cleaner fuel vehicles.
• In 2008 the town purchased a Toyota Prius and a Toyota Highlander and currently run all recycling
trucks and heavy equipment at the Old Bethpage Solid Waste Disposal Complex on biodiesel.
• Town plans to purchase several additional hybrid cars in 2009.
• Residents with alternative fuel vehicles receive free beach stickers and municipal parking permits.
• Town uses re-refined motor oil in all vehicles and have converted the first of three recycling trucks to
hybrid electric / diesel.
• Town is also experimenting with a device that converts water into hydrogen and injects it into the en-
gine.
• Electric Lawn mowers and golf carts were also purchased for the town’s golf course.
Renewables:
• Looking to install a solar PV field at the former Old Bethpage Landfill.
• Town heats a park building with BioHeat under a pilot program.
• Town Purchases green power for the Hicksville Community Center.
Policy & Decision Making; Public Outreach:
• Regularly participates in Clean Energy Leadership Task Force meetings.
• Held two seminars on energy conservation and LIPA’s Solar Pioneer Program in September and Octo-
ber, 2008.
•Under a pilot program the town is installing induction-type street lights.
•Town purchased and distributed reusable shopping bags with our Clean Energy logo on them.
•Town is looking to incorporate green amenities into the new Hicksville parking garage.
•Town has initiated an employee carpooling program.
Suffolk County
Adopted Clean Energy Action Plan: Yes, first on LI to do so
• Taking a prescriptive approach, making incremental changes in all or most of the buildings.
• We upgraded in 2008, are upgrading now and plan to upgrade in 2009 the following components: heat-
ing/cooling systems, windows, lighting, insulation and other Web based Building Management Systems
at various County facilities.
• We performed major municipal facility building retrofit for the Medical Examiners Building and Bergen
Point Waste Water Treatment Plant. These retrofits were completed in December 2008.
•Suffolk County Department of Public Works performed $10.0 million energy conservation upgrades at
the Medical Examiners Building and Bergen Point Waste Water Treatment Plant. The savings realized
from the energy upgrades will pay for the financing of the projects. The upgrades included energy effi-
cient lighting, premium efficiency motors, variable speed drives on fan and pump motors, a new high ef-
ficiency water cooled chiller plant, variable air volume controls for fume-hoods, and state of the art
Building Management Systems.
• We have passed a resolution/policy to require energy efficient building design and energy efficient
technology or LEED standards in all new construction and renovations of municipal buildings.
• County Resolution 1215-2004 authorized the Commissioner of Public Works to institute a pilot project
utilizing LEED design.
• County Resolution 126-2006 authorized the Commissioner of Public Works to implement LEED 2.1
standards for County construction projects with construction cost of $1.0 million or more.
• County Resolution 551-2008 authorized the Commissioner of Public Works to implement LEED 2.2
standards for County construction projects with construction cost of $1.0 million or more.
• Replaced oil fired inefficient boilers with natural gas fired high efficiency condensing boilers
•Completed 40-kW and a 2-kW photovoltaic (solar panels) projects at the Police Headquarters building
and at the Yaphank Farm.
• Installed occupancy sensors to control lighting in perimeter offices in H. Lee Dennison Building.
Greening Fleets:
• As a stakeholder we actively participate in programs held by Greater Long Island Clean Cities Coali-
tion.
• The County has purchased four 40-ft low floor hybrid transit buses, which was 80% funded by Federal
Transit Administration (FTA), 10% NYS and 10% by the County. The buses were put in service on Decem-
ber 5, 2008.
• Resolution 1284-2007 authorized to accept funds from Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in
connection with the purchase of hybrid vehicles for purposes of fleet replacement.
• In 2008 the County purchased thirty-two (32) hybrid vehicles. As of December 2008, the County has
seventy (70) hybrid vehicles in its fleet.
•As of 2008, all County diesel vehicles use B5 bio-diesel. There is one B20 bio-diesel fuel dispensing facil-
ity at Bergen Point Waste Water Treatment Plant and one B20 bio-diesel fuel dispensing facility at Indian
Island in Riverhead.
• Purchase of additional 55 clean diesel technology buses for 2009.
• Use of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel throughout the entire fleet, which provides for 25% fewer
particle emissions.
• Emission retrofits and use of particulate filters on 107 buses.
• In 2008 the County purchased thirty-two (32) hybrid vehicles. There are seventy (70) hybrid vehicles in
our fleet. As of 2008, all County diesel vehicles use B5 bio-diesel. There is one B20 bio-diesel fuel dispens-
ing facility at Bergen Point Waste Water Treatment Plant and one B20 bio-diesel fuel dispensing facility at
Indian Island in Riverhead.
• For the coming year (2009) our goal is to buy the following vehicles:
a. One (1) CNG sedan.
b. Fifteen (15) hybrid sedans.
c. Seven (7) hybrid SUVs.
Note: The above purchases are subject to availability of funds from the Federal and State Government.
Renewables:
• Solar PV at Installed a 40-kW solar PV at the Police Headquarters building.
• Installed a 2-kW solar PV at Suffolk County Farm (Yaphank).
• A 50-kW solar PV system will be installed at the new Fourth Precinct building (estimated completion:
2010, Hauppauge).
• RFP for a design/build wind turbine at Yaphank County Center will be re-issued when the location for
the Affordable Housing and the Sports Arena as proposed by the County Executive are finalized.
• Suffolk County passed a resolution (# 956-2005) to promote clean energy use in Suffolk County by pro-
viding a sales tax exemption for solar energy devices.
• We are purchasing 15% green power through the Green Choice Program.
• As of January 2007, all electricity consumed at the following three County facilities is clean energy
through LIPA Green Choice Program:
a. H. Lee Dennison Building.
b. William J. Rogers Building.
c. John J. Foley Skilled Nursing Facility.
• As of October 2008, 100% of electricity consumed at the Scully Estate is through LIPA Green Choice Pro-
gram.
• The Scully Estate will be the first County facility that has the potential for LEED Silver rating
(30-points for an existing building).
• Our goal for 2009 is to buy additional 10% of our electricity consumption from renewable energy
sources. The County will then fully comply with resolution 349-2005.
• Suffolk County has been recognized for Achievement by the Regional Commuter Choice Program in
both 2007 and 2008 as a result of extensive promotion of its “Ride-Sharing” program. Through the
NuRide website, a free 3rd party provider, residents match-up their commutes to each other and are able
to contact and choose who they ride with each way. This non-traditional commuting program allows for
commuters to match up with what could be different parties each way they commute depending on
when and where they go.
Town of Babylon
Greening Fleets:
•Stakeholder in Long Island Green Cities Coalition.
•All passenger vehicles purchased for fleet since 2005 have been hybrids.
•Recently purchased 5 smart cars for public safety.
Renewable Energy:
•Solar PV already on Tanner Park Pavilion and will be added on North Lindenhurst pool pavilion.
•In the process of installing wind turbines on Tanner Senior Center.
•Town modified solar code requirements to reduce impediments and encourage residential solar panel
installations.
•Purchasing 10% green power through the Green Choice program.
•On Earth Day the town announced Solarized Green Homes which allocates $520,000 to finance the re-
mainder of what homeowners can expect to finance out of pocket for PVs, typically, after LIPA rebates,
Fed and NYS tax credit, amounting to $8,662.50.
•Other actions:
•We have provided ongoing advice to LI towns and municipalities around the country, leading up to the
launch in April 2009 of the Babylon Project, a new non-profit to help other municipalities.
Town of Huntington
Adopted Clean Energy Action Plan: Yes
• We are not planning a major retrofit, but rather re-evaluating cost effective changes we can make that
will improve the energy efficiency of town hall and other town facilities based on several LIPA audits
done on several facilities. Already upgraded heating, window, lighting, exterior doors in Town Hall and
other facilities over the past 5 years and will continue these efforts.
Greening Fleets:
• Huntington continues to replace older vehicles where possible with alternative energy vehicles (hy-
brids) and those vehicles with increased fuel efficiency. At present the town has 27 hybrid vehicles in its
inventory and has replaced a number of gasoline powered equipment with electric versions.
• Huntington was the first town to offer free parking at railroad stations, parking meters and beaches for
residents who drive alternative fuel vehicles.
• Huntington’s Renewable Energy Task Force has been meeting on a regular basis and will be providing
regular reports to the Town Board. (Resolution #2007-652).
Renewables:
• We modified our solar codes requirements to reduce impediments and encourage residential solar
panel installations.
• Huntington has passed legislation requiring all new commercial buildings to meet LEED Green Build-
ing standards. Resolution #2008-469.
• Modified the town code to permit building up to six stories but the main building must then attain a
Silver certified rating with LEED (resolution #2008-341 E4g)
• We have adopted a resolution/policy to strengthen building code to require Energy Star Labled Homes
standards for new home construction in our Township, end of 2007. New conditions added this year
(Resolution #2008-336).
• The town has provided two training sessions on the new ratings. The first session was for architects
and engineers and explained “certified” plans that would be necessary. The second training was for ar-
chitects, builders and contractors and explained the new Energy Star rules effective January 1, 2009.
• Supervisor issued an executive order in 2005 regarding turning off equipment at night; he has re-
vamped that order and reissued the policy again including a “no idle” clause for town vehicles.
• A resolution was also passed (2008-570) requiring department heads to monitor energy usage and lower
energy costs wherever possible and set a target goal of 20% reduction.
Greening Fleets:
• Had a policy since 2007 of purchasing ONLY alternative fuel non-emergency vehicles. We have applied
for grants to cover any incremental higher costs of these vehicles.
• Added a large number of alternative fuel vehicles to the municipal fleet in 2008. Four sixwheel snow
plows, 2 vans, 3 pickup trucks, 5 cars and a street sweeper – all powered by CNG. These vehicles joined
22 CNG contract dedicated refuse trucks, 3 electric cars, 6 hybrid electric Ford Escape SUV’s, 2 CNG cars,
3 E85 capable cars, and a Chevrolet pickup truck that can run on either gasoline or CNG.
• Smithtown is also using biodiesel to power equipment at the Town Recycling Center.
• 100% of light trucks, cars, or refuse vehicles purchased in calendar year 2009 are/will be alternative fuel
vehicles.
• Utilizing the municipal vehicle fleet as a catalyst the Town of Smithtown is working to establish CNG
vehicle fueling stations that are open to the public.
• Smithtown had 20 Town employees trained in 2008 by the Natural Gas Vehicle Institute on the mainte-
nance and repair of natural gas vehicle systems, significantly increasing the number of people on Long Is-
land capable of maintaining such alternatively fueled vehicles and further improving the viability of
alternative fuel vehicles on Long Island.
• Smithtown has funded and will be soliciting bids during 2009 for a new CNG fueled 10 wheel refuse
collection truck for the Parks Department.
• The Town of Smithtown has applied for Federal CMAQ funding to convert two (more) existing diesel
powered snow plows to run on CNG instead, and to defray the cost of replacing two (more) older diesel
powered snow plows with two new CNG fueled snow plows.
• For the coming year our goal is to continue the conversion of the municipal vehicle fleet to alternative
(cleaner, cheaper and domestic) fuels and to work with other organizations to increase the availability of
publicly accessible alternative fuel infrastructure on Long Island.
Renewables:
• This year we started the process of selecting a facility to be the location for photovoltaic solar panels,
solar water heating, wind turbines, or fuel cells and are issuing an RFP.
• Solar PV at the Municipal Recycling Center, 85 Old Northport Rd, Kings Park: 15Kw funded and
planned for installation in the Fall of 2009.
• Wind turbines also planned for the Municipal Recycling Center, 85 Old Northport Rd, Kings Park: a
10Kw facility is in the 2010 Town Capital Budget.
• Policy: We are planning to modify our solar codes requirements to reduce impediments and encourage
residential solar panel installations in 2009.
• Policy: We are purchasing 15 % green power through the Green Choice Program, started in 2004.
• We have adopted a staff conservation policy to turn off equipment at night. (Patrick R. Vecchio, Town
Supervisor Executive Order, April 29, 2007.)
• Smithtown officials participate in the Clean Energy Leadership Task Force, serve on the Board of Direc-
tors of The Greater Long Island Clean Cities Coalition, continue to speak at numerous public events an-
nually to describe the Smithtown Alternative Fuel Vehicle Program and to provide assistance to both
organizations and individuals interested in the benefits of alternative fuel. Smithtown distributes fly-
ers/educational material on compact fluorescent bulbs, the energy benefits of recycling, its alternative
fuel vehicle program, etc.
Town of Islip
Adopted Clean Energy Action Plan: Yes
• Town of Islip entered into a contract with the New York Power Authority to provide a comprehensive
energy efficiency audit of Town offices and facilities.
• NYPA will then work with the Town on implementing any or all of its recommendations and help
search for potential grant funding or low interest loans for the energy saving improvements.
• Starting February 1, 2009, all new subject dwellings will be required to have a HERS rater certify that
the dwelling will comply with all aspects of the Energy Star program.
• The Town of Islip held an informational seminar for local builders, contractors, architects, etc. to go
over the new Energy Star requirements, how to implement them in new residential construction, the
Town’s inspection process for Energy Star and how to comply.
• The Town is also investigating adopting LEED or equivalent standards for new commercial construc-
tion in 2009.
Greening Fleets
• Town is currently investigating converting its Public Works fleet. Current options being looked at are
CNG and/or Diesel 2010 standard vehicles.
• The Town is considering proposals regarding the installation of CNG stations to service converted or
purchased CNG vehicles.
• The Town has also purchased several hybrid vehicles as part of its light-duty fleet and will look to ex-
plore other alternative fuel options as well.
• The Town of Islip Resource Recovery Agency is exploring the possibility of private refuse carters under
contract with the Town employing CNG vehicles.
• The Department of Parks & Recreation, which has a fleet of 175 golf carts for the three courses it oper-
ates within the town, is working on changing over its golf cart fleet from gas to electric. The plan is for
the entire fleet to be electric in 2010.
• Town is investigating available electric car programs.
Renewables
• Town Board adopted a resolution amending the Town’s Zoning Code to allow the installation of acces-
sory wind energy turbines on residential and industrial properties, becoming the first municipality on
Long Island to adopt such provisions into its code.
• The Town is pursuing solar installations at two landfills, the Blydenburgh Landfill and the Lincoln Av-
enue Landfill, as well as at MacArthur Airport. The Town also received a grant in 2008 from the federal
government through Congressman Steve Israel’s office for the design of solar panel installations at the
Blydenburgh Landfill.
• The Town of Islip continues to streamline the permitting process for rooftop solar panels. A new survey
is no longer required by the Town provided that an accurate survey of the property exists. A hand drawn
layout of the solar panels is acceptable, eliminating the need for a design professional to draw up plans.
Certification of the design from an independent engineer is no longer required. The Town will accept the
certification of engineers upon the initial manufacturing of the solar panels. The permit application fee
has been reduced to $15 and the review process expedited to only a few days in most cases. The Town is
investigating self certification by engineer/architect as part of the approval process.
Town of Brookhaven
Adopted Energy Star Homes Policy for New Construction: Yes (06) - helped develop original bill.
Greening Fleets:
• Applied for grants to cover the incremental costs of alternative fuel vehicles in 2008.
• Purchased 10 Ford escape hybrids.
• 100% of refuse haulers purchased in 2009 will be alternative fuel vehicles.
• Planning to double our CNG capacity.
Renewables:
No new update for 2008.
Other Actions:
•We intend on implementing the Green Homes Program as well as creating incentives for solar installa-
tion using stimulus funds.
Town of Riverhead
Adopted Clean Energy Action Plan: Yes
Green Vehicles
• The Sewer and Scavenger Waste Districts use electric GEM cars for operations and maintenance at the
plant.
• Adopted policy that all non-pursuit vehicles in police department will be energy efficient vehicles.
Town of Southold
Adopted Energy Star Homes Policy for New Construction: No, but looking into it.
Adopted Energy Star Homes Policy for New Construction: No, but looking into it.
Town of Southampton
Adopted Energy Star Homes Policy for New Construction: Yes. Southampton’s version of the law is
the strictest on Long Island as it sets “tiers” requiring higher energy efficiency standards for larger
homes.
Greening Fleets:
• Resolution 2005-590 adopted a Clean Energy Action Plan which, among other things, requires the Town
Management Services Administrator to review vehicle specifications prior to any new Town vehicle
purchase to determine whether a potential comparable alternative fuel vehicle exists.
• In 2004 and 2006 two (2) hybrid vehicles were purchased.
• For 2009: Work on creating a fleet management plan for all Town vehicles- once we can assess our vehi-
cle stock we can make recommendations related to phasing out certain types and phasing in alternative
fuel vehicles.
Renewables:
• We have a very user-friendly and progressive solar and wind code already on the books. The Town cur-
rently runs a program to grant up to $2500 of individual rebates for solar installations on a first-come,
first-served basis.
• Under the Green Choice Program, the Town contracted with a renewable energy provider, New Wind
Energy, to purchase annually 3,466,612 kWh of wind energy credits at a wind energy premium cost of
.014 cents per kWh, for a total annual contract amount of $48,533. The contract is for five years, com-
menced on October 1, 2004 and will expire September 30, 2009.
• In 2006, the Town joined the LIPA Green Choice Municipal Incentive Program. This program, imple-
mented to encourage more municipalities to support renewable energy, provided a rebate to the Town of
up to 50 percent of our costs of renewable energy credits (as assessed on enrolled Town accounts), up to a
certain maximum rebate amount each year (as determined by LIPA). LIPA discontinued the program ef-
fective the end of 2008, so we no longer get any rebate of our additional costs for renewable energy cred-
its. The Town will need to determine whether or not it wishes to enter into a new contract with New
Wind Energy or some other renewable energy provider later this year.
• The Town Board was a sponsor at Sag Harbor’s Energy Fair in 2008 and will again participate in 2009.
The Green committee has a new education subcommittee working on public education through PSAs on
our local Sea TV channel, the Town’s website, library events, and other outreach programs.
• In connection with the 5 East End Towns, Southampton is currently engaged in a feasibility study with
the Volpe Center for a coordinated bus-rail service to help create a unified and continuous transportation
system to reduce car use.
• Mike Deering, Dir. Environmental Affairs and Walter Hoefer, Dir. of Municipal & Non-profit Programs, LIPA
• Rita Ebert, Greater LI Clean Cities
• Solar Codes update
• Suffolk County Planning Dept. Green Building Policy
• Brief update on Greenbuild
• Kyle Rabin, Network for New Energy Choices
Sample Clean Energy Action Plan
The County/Town of ___________ adopts the following set of goals for 2008:
1. To identify municipal facilities to target for energy audits; and to meet with LIPA and discuss their
commercial construction program for building retrofits, and meet with NYPA to discuss their fi-
nancing program for building retrofits.
2. To create an internal energy task force, or assign a commissioner to collect data and analyze the
possibilities, within a given timeline for action.
3. To select a priority energy efficiency project involving one major facility which incorporates a
comprehensive set of clean energy technologies. (For example, retrofitting the Town Hall with en-
ergy efficient lighting fixtures and windows, a geothermal heating and cooling system, etc.)
4. To adopt one (or a few) easily implemented technologies across many facilities. (For example,
changing “exit” light fixtures to energy efficient LED light bulbs in several municipal buildings.)
5. To pass an Executive Order mandating green building practices for all new construction and major
renovations of town owned facilities.
6. Strengthen building code to include Energy Star Labeled Homes requirement for new home
construction.
7. To create a policy to phase in alternative fuel (e.g. natural gas, biodiesel, etc.) and/or hybrid vehi-
cles into the municipal vehicle fleet.
8. To evaluate which municipal facility might be best suited for an installation of solar panels/wind
and prepare applications for funding of a solar/wind project.
9. To review town building codes and evaluate the need for changes that will eliminate unnecessary
impediments to using renewables and energy efficient improvements (i.e. solar photovoltaics).
12. To pass an Executive Order making energy efficient workplace practices a mandate. This would
include motion sensors, turning off computers at night, bottless water coolers etc.
13. To continue to participate in the Clean Energy Leadership Task Force's tri-annual meetings to
continue being informed about clean energy technologies and financial incentives available to
municipalities.
Produced by the
Sustainability Institute at Molloy
7180 Republic Airport, Farmingdale, NY 11735
516-678-5000 ext: 7562 • info@si.molloy.edu
Many thanks to the municipal staff and officials who participate in the
Clean Energy Leadership Task Force
for contributing to this report and for their efforts in implementing
clean energy projects to make Long Island greener.
Thank you also to the Baker Foundation for their support of the launch of the
Clean Energy Leadership Task Force in 2004.