100 turn out for new 'green' committee for Andover

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October 29, 2009

The "Greening Andover" event on Oct. 24 brought together nearly 100 participants, including residents, business owners, and town leaders to hear from representatives from Sierra Club, National Grid, Bay State Gas, and the Massachusetts School Building Authority about ways that they, and Andover, can be more energy and resource efficient.

At the event, Rep. Barry Finegold told participants that while the United States has led the global economy in developing new sources of energy, it's also led in consuming energy: roughly a quarter of the world's demand for oil.

He recognized Andover as a leader in community sustainability and highlighted the need for increased energy efficiency for both residents and town offices, and for the use of wind technology in Andover in order to gain energy independence.

"Greening Andover" was a forum for participants to ask questions, learn valuable information about conserving energy and reducing costs before the winter months arrive, according to Finegold's office. It was also the kickoff event for the new "Andover Green Advisory Board", an advisory committee that will work with local officials and the Department of Energy Resources provided consultant to develop action plans for meeting the criteria required to be a "Green Community".

"This was a great event for providing education and resources about sustainable living for Andover residents, and also a chance for town departments and residents to begin to interact and align around key goals and projects that will further boost Andover's reputation as a community with a high quality of living," said Greg Sebasky, chairman of the Advisory Board.

"People who attended the event, and those who participated, have deep concerns over the rising costs of energy and the need to conserve resources for future generations of Andover residents" said Representative Finegold. "The benefits of this exchange of ideas and resources are substantial, and I am excited for the work that we can all do moving forward to help Andover become a Green Community."