By Julie Huss
DERRY — In an effort to help keep the town on track toward a more "green" standard, a group of town officials and citizens gathered last week to begin work on how to keep Derry environmentally sound.
Members of the new Energy and Environment Advisory Committee met to discuss where the group is headed and what its mission will be as it works on helping the town stay clean and green.
The committee comes on the heels of a new town ordinance passed last year encouraging Derry to adhere to green building standards when constructing and refurbishing town buildings and also to keep more fuel-efficient vehicles in mind when buying police vehicles, or other town equipment.
According to the ordinance, preference is given to hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles when the town is making a purchase.
The ordinance also requires the town to adhere to the United States' Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standard.
Derry is already working on meeting the statewide goal of obtaining 25 percent of its energy from renewable sources by the year 2025.
The energy committee will serve as an advisory board to the town and includes officials and residents with experience in environmental issues.
Town Councilor Brent Carney, who spearheaded the town's "green" ordinance last year, said the group would advise any board or group in town that is interested in learning more about staying environmentally sound and clean when it comes to new construction or refurbishing town buildings.
One project on the calendar is proposed improvements to the historic Taylor Library where new windows and lighting options are planned and will adhere to the town's ordinance for energy efficiency.
"We are very mindful of the historic nature of the building," Carney said. "They are looking for guidance to use money appropriately and save money in the long term."
Some other examples of how the town is working to stay environmentally sound includes improvements that were made to the Municipal Center's heating and air conditioning system, which will help decrease that building's energy use. Other town departments, including police and fire, are working hard to save money and reduce energy costs in how they handle their budget requests and other department issues.
As the energy committee continues to meet, the group will plan out its by-laws and will work with town boards and committees to advise on environmental matters and ways to save energy and money.
"It's up to us as a group to educate the town," Carney said. He added town departments including police and fire were working hard to do their part for the town's "green" life. He also recognized Derry's transfer station as a model for a positive recycling effort that is looked to by many others around the nation for its success.
The next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. at the town's municipal center.
