ENERGY COMMISSION
WHO WE ARE
At the September 4, 2008 City Council meeting the Mayor's Task Force on Energy Consumption was formed. Today's Commission strives to keep the costs of living, working, and enjoying all Bristol has to offer lower. Please take advantage of this website and all its benefits and visit one of our monthly meetings. The following is a timeline of notable milestones since the original Task Force's inception.
WHAT WE DO
What we're doing for you
APPROACHES
- Seek out community input and multiple perspectives at all stages of planning and implementation to ensure equitable solutions.
- Provide education and outreach to foster a culture of conservation and engage the community to make responsible energy choices.
- Facilitate and support participation in energy programs and services and the adoption of energy efficient behaviors, practices, technologies, and capital improvements.
- Develop and support policy and planning to ensure a sustainable clean energy future and the infrastructure to support it.
PROGRESS 2014-2024
- Purchased 5600 street lights from Eversource in 2015 - over $1 Million operating costs saved
- Energy Efficiency Fund (EEF) created - Commission issues grants from municipal project capital rebates
- School curriculum and focused projects such as recycling education and outdoor classrooms created
- Large solar array designed to cover Public Work's Transfer Station Landfill - X megawatt (Mw) output
- Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduced by X tonnes between 2014 and 2024
- New and renovated schools equipped with clean energy building systems
next steps 2025 -2030 Goals
Energy Commission meetings are scheduled the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7 pm in Meeting Room #111 on the first floor at City Hall.
Members
| Name |
|---|
| Sean Dunn, Chairman |
| Sheldon Scott, Vice Chairman |
| Mark Dickau, City Council Liaison |
| Lindsey Schaffrick, Secretary |
| Tom Ragaini |
| Jason DeConti |
| Greg Klimek |
| Thomas Hick |
| Open, BOE Liaison |
| David Oakes, Facilities Manager |
Agenda and Minutes can be found in the Agenda Center
BRISTOL EARNS GOLD CERTIFICATION FROM SUSTAINABLE CT
The Mayor’s Office is pleased to announce that the City of Bristol is among a select group of Connecticut municipalities to be recognized this year for achieving Sustainable CT Gold certification.
Sustainable CT, a statewide initiative that inspires and supports communities in becoming more efficient, resilient, and inclusive, announced this year’s list of certified communities.
Bristol met high standards in a broad range of sustainability accomplishments to qualify for the prestigious Gold-level certification.
“I commend City staff, elected officials, and Bristol residents for all their efforts in achieving Gold Certification in the Sustainable CT Program. The initiatives taking place here in Bristol are important as the City continues to build connection, social equity, and long-term resilience to provide our citizens and businesses with tools to improve opportunities for all,” stated City of Bristol Mayor Jeffrey Caggiano.
In its application for Sustainable CT certification, the City demonstrated significant achievements in twelve sustainable impact areas – 775 total points in 40 of 77 total possible categories – ranging from inclusive community building, thriving local economies, and vibrant arts and culture to clean transportation and diverse housing. Bristol successfully completed actions including:
- Implementation of Complete Streets Projects (Memorial Boulevard bike lanes & West Street traffic calming)
- Installation of bilingual signage at City parks & facilities
- The creation of an ADA restroom structure/parking lot at the Pine Lake Challenge Course
- Energy scoping audits of City & Board of Education Buildings
- Improvements to historical assets (Main Library & 51 High Street)
- Increased use of renewable energy at City and Board of Education buildings
- Partnering with youth on sustainable initiatives/projects
- Increasing open space in the City: Pigeon Hill Preserve
- Equity Statement adoption in partnership with the Board of Education
To achieve Gold certification, the City of Bristol was also required to achieve Climate Leader Designation, completing a specifically identified suite of actions intended to control and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change.
“It was honor and privilege to serve as the Sustainable CT Team Leader for the City of Bristol. The opportunity to share this success with the residents of the City of Bristol should not go unheralded. City staff work on a daily basis to make Bristol a stronger and more resilient community for all that live within its borders. Bristol serves as an example and leader to other communities in Connecticut and the future caretakers of the City and State. The work conducted today bears the fruits of tomorrow for the next generation,” stated David Oakes, Public Works Facilities & Energy Manager
for the City of Bristol.
“Bristol’s Energy Commission is excited and proud to hear of this year’s dual achievements of Gold Level Certification and Climate Leadership designation in the statewide Sustainable CT challenge! Many City personnel from a wide array of departments put in a great effort to attain these clean energy and other sustainability-related awards,” stated Sean Dunn, Chair of the Bristol Energy Commission. “Bristol has a long record of participating in this challenge with ever increasing success on our way to the highest attainable level of certification! These awards are shared with all of Bristol’s residents, businesses, and the municipal departments who together endeavor to advance clean energy and conservation solutions while lowering overall costs.”
“Congratulations to our Gold certified communities,” said Jessica LeClair, executive director of Sustainable CT. “We are inspired by the leadership and commitment of these communities. From elected officials and town staff to resident volunteers, these certified towns are improving opportunities and the quality of life for all.”
The program includes actions that help towns and cities build community connection, social equity, and long-term resilience. It includes an action roadmap and support tools that are especially relevant as towns seek practices and resources to promote racial justice and respond to the on-going challenges of climate change and economic uncertainty.
ABOUT SUSTAINABLE CT
Sustainable CT is independently funded, with strong multi-year support from the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, Hampshire Foundation, Connecticut Green Bank, Common Sense Fund, and the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut.
For more information about Sustainable CT and the certification process, please visit sustainablect.org.
Media Contact:
David Oakes, Public Works Facilities & Energy Manager
City of Bristol, CT
DavidOakes@BristolCT.gov
860-584-6107