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Danvers Climate Action Plan

Posted on
August 16th at 10:01am.

The Danvers Selectboard discussed the draft Resilient Danvers Climate Action, Sustainability, Preservation and Resiliency (CASPR) plan at their meeting on Tuesday, August 15, 2023. The draft CASPR climate action plan outlines strategies to reduce carbon emissions and increase sustainability in Danvers.

In Danvers the three largest sectors that contribute to climate change are: transportation (47%), buildings (43%) and waste (10%). To reach the state goal of zero percent carbon emissions by 2050, the CASPR draft plan provides an overview of the following key strategies:

  • Electrify transportation
  • Electrify buildings and pursue efficiency
  • Divert solid waste
  • Eliminate methane leaks
  • Reduce energy demand everywhere

Relating to reducing carbon emissions for buildings, the CASPR plan established the following goals, strategies and actions:

Goal 1: Buildings in Danvers are designed, constructed, and maintained to be energy efficient and minimize greenhouse gas emissions.

  • Strategy: Require new construction and significant renovations to minimize greenhouse gas emissions
    • Action: Adopt the state Stretch Energy Code
    • Action: Establish expedited zoning and permitting processes for new construction and significant rehabilitation that utilizes on-site renewable energy and storage, as well as-of-right renewable energy facilities
  • Strategy: Pursue deep energy efficiency through retrofits and electrification in existing buildings
    • Action: Enhance existing incentives for homeowners to encourage energy efficiency and conversion of homes to all-electric systems
    • Action: Development incentives to encourage energy efficiency and conversion of commercial and institutional buildings

Goal 2: Homes, businesses, and municipal buildings are resilient to the impacts of climate change.

  • Strategy: Prioritize and incentivize resilient retrofits for existing buildings to minimize their vulnerability to physical climate risks, including heat stress, flooding, and intense storms
    • Action: Establish and implement flood prevention measures that exceed the Town’s current standards to be eligible for the FEMA Community Rating System program in the future
    • Action: Review guidelines for historic buildings to identify potential conflicts with energy-efficiency enhancements and identify appropriate solutions
    • Action: Provide financial assistance to low- and fixed-income individuals for weatherization and efficient cooling

For a complete summary of the goals, strategies, and actions to reduce carbon emissions is buildings, and to read the entire draft CASPR plan, please click HERE.

Updates will be posted on the NSR blog.