Climate change and curbing of greenhouse gas emissions have dominated headlines for weeks, most recently as part of the debate in Copenhagen to reach a successor agreement to the Kyoto Protocol. Although the Copenhagen Accord did not result in ground-breaking decisions, many believe that climate action, including use of low-carbon technologies, will continue.
“Think globally, act locally” is particularly appropriate in Massachusetts, where both Gov. Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino have been in the forefront of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Later this spring, task forces established by the Governor and the Mayor will release recommendations for further reductions in emissions as well as potential measures to help adapt to rising sea levels and other expected climatic changes. We recommend attention by the task forces in these areas:
Create an Environmental Sustainability Clearinghouse: Consistent with Gov. Patrick’s Executive Order calling for state facilities to utilize 30 percent renewable energy by 2020, public agencies have already incorporated alternative energy sources and implemented best practices at their facilities. Boaters in Boston Harbor this summer saw installation of two 190-foot wind turbines at the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority’s Deer Island wastewater treatment plant, which will generate more than two million kilowatt hours per year. In addition to solar power on the island, methane gas generated during wastewater treatment is used to generate electricity and create steam that supplies hot water and heat for the treatment plant.
At Massport’s Logan Airport, solar panels are currently being installed to provide lighting at the Terminal B Garage, while the airport’s shuttle bus fleet is powered by compressed natural gas (CNG). At Massport’s Fish Pier, all fishing vessels will soon have access to on-shore electric power, in an effort to eliminate usage of boat engines or on-board diesel generators which generate more emissions. Massport’s Conley Terminal has a new gate system which reduces truck queuing time, thereby lowering diesel emissions.
The City of Boston has been a leader with the first in the nation requirement of all large new buildings to be LEED-certifiable, implementing single stream residential recycling, and launching of the “Renew Boston” energy efficiency program.
Creating an information clearinghouse which provides examples of best management practices and serves as a compendium of renewable energy projects throughout the Commonwealth will help both private and public facility managers as they, too, become “part of the solution”.
Plan for Sea Level Rise: In anticipation of potential sea level rise as a result of climate change, some property owners along Boston Harbor are beginning to plan for potential flooding and/or shoreline erosion. The leader in this area is Partners HealthCare System’s Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, which is incorporating a number of measures in its new Charlestown Navy Yard facility: raising the building one foot; moving its electrical substation from the first floor of the new building to the penthouse level; and providing operable windows in patient rooms to allow for fresh air in the event of power loss – a problem for New Orleans hospitals following Hurricane Katrina.
At a minimum, new structures and buildings involving the use of public funds should build in contingencies and adaptation measures taking into account sea level rise. The reports of the state and city task forces may want to include review of the state building code and local zoning requirements as means to identify appropriate adaptation measures.
Leverage Philanthropic Dollars: The Boston Foundation, Greater Boston’s community foundation, and the Barr Foundation, New England’s largest foundation, have quietly and generously supported the City of Boston’s efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As foundations continue their support of climate change activities, we are particularly encouraged by their efforts to focus on job creation in the renewable energy field and in their attention to the impacts of sea-level rise in waterfront neighborhoods, including lower-income neighborhoods where residents may have fewer resources to incorporate adaptation measures.
The challenges to addressing climate change are many, but thanks to appropriate planning and effective actions, Massachusetts and Boston are leading the way to a sustainable environment in the 21st century.
