Topic: Montpelier's Energy Vision Statement
Topic type:
The summer 2009 update, by City energy leaders, of Montpelier's Energy Vision Statement.
Montpelier and its neighboring communities will be leaders in creating an economically sustainable and environmentally responsible community reducing fossil fuel consumption by at least 80% by 2030.
Specific objectives for achieving this vision include:
- 50% of Montpelier homes will have undergone deep energy retro fits by 2015.
- Every year the number of fossil fuel-dependent vehicles owned and miles driven by the municipality and its residents will be reduced. The use of alternative transportation options/systems shall be increased.
- Every year an increasing percentage of the community’s energy needs will be from local, renewable resources.
- Montpelier is already home to national leaders in energy policy and the use of renewable energy resources.[1] The City will capitalize on this cluster of businesses as an economic development strategy by promoting the presence of this expertise and seeking to attract other similar businesses to locate in the City.
- Implement a downtown district energy system by 2015.
- Residents will be informed about the energy implications of their purchasing decisions. As a result, there will be greater purchases of locally-produced food and fiber.
[1] Alteris, Biomass Energy Resource Center, Clean Energy Group, Clean Energy States Alliance, Grassroots Fund of New England, Institute for Sustainable Communities, Pellergy, Regulatory Assistance Project, Renewable Energy Vermont, VNRC, VPIRG
