Energy & Buildings Sub-Committee

The Buildings and Energy subcommittee is working on approaches to reduce energy consumption in our environment, including vehicles, buildings, and lighting, and to facilitate the shift to clean, renewable energy sources. Buildings are the source of 30% and transportation the source of 44% of greenhouse gases in New York state, according to NYSERDA. Increasing energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy in our homes and businesses and establishing a clean energy transportation infrastructure reduces greenhouse gas emissions in our community and contributes to the goals of the New York State climate action plan of net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.

Sub-Committee Initiatives

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations

In 2019, the Village adopted a resolution encouraging the use and replacement of Village Fleet Vehicles with Hybrids and Electric Vehicles and adopting the installation of EV Stations in Municipal Lots. The Village, working with Ron Kamen of EarthKind Energy Consulting, submitted grant proposals this spring to the NYSDEC Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) funding program for up to five electric vehicle charging stations.

New York State Building Stretch Codes

The NYStretch Energy Code 2020, a statewide model energy code for new construction and major renovations, exceeds the minimum energy code requirements and results in greater energy cost savings within a 5-10 year period. Improving insulation and window performance, reducing indoor and outdoor lighting demands on electricity, and adding mechanical ventilation in homes are some of the ways that new or replacement building components could increase energy efficiency by 11% and result in lowered energy bills for property owners.