Sustainability & Energy Commission

Mission Statement

The Sustainability and Energy Commission (SEC) was created as a means for implementing aspects of the Master Plan and approved by Town Meeting to serve as a forum to promote high levels of energy efficiency, energy and natural resource sustainability and to guard against the effects of energy and natural resource disruption/depletion and climate change.

  • The SEC has engaged with town departments encouraging reduced energy use, preparedness for joining the Commonwealth's Green Communities grants program, and general awareness around the topic of Sustainability.
  • We presented our work, goals, and vision at the Know Your Town program on 10/11/18

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Members


  • Michael F. Beauchemin, Chair
    Term Expires: 2020
  • Jennifer DeForge
    Term Expires: 2022
  • Karl Hidden
    Term Expires: 2022
  • John Howard

Term Expires: 2020

Water Use

Curious about water use in South Hadley?

According to the Sustainability and Energy Commission, District No. 1 residents in 2016 consumed a total of 411.6 million gallons of water, amounting to 62 gallons per capita each day. In 2017, that number was 370.7 million gallons, amounting to 57 gallons per capita each day.

District No. 2 residents in 2016 consumed a total of 156.9 million gallons of water, amounting to 53 gallons per capita each day. In 2017, that number was 146.7 million gallons, amounting to 59 gallons per capita each day.


Incentives from SHELD

Residential Renewables - https://www.sheld.org/pages/community/renewables/

Residential Rebates - https://www.sheld.org/pages/residents/energy-rebates/

Commercial Rebates - https://www.sheld.org/pages/businesses/commercial-rebates/


Free Energy Audits for South Hadley Residents

Not a Columbia Gas customer call 1-888-333-7525 for a SHELD Home Energy Audit.

Columbia Gas customers call Mass Save at 1-866-527-7283 for an audit and the above.


Electric Vehicles (EV) Incentives

SHELD reduced price on Nissan Leaf ($14,000) and Chevy Bolt ($12,000)

Free level 2 Charger http://www.munihelps.org/rebates-incentives/ev-charger-incentive/

MA Drive Green Program amount varies with Dealer https://www.massenergy.org/drivegreen

MA State Rebates (up to $1,500) https://mor-ev.org/

IRS 30% credithttps://www.edmunds.com/fuel-economy/the-ins-and-outs-of-electric-vehicle-tax-credits.html


Photovoltaic Solar (PV) Incentives

SHELD call for information 413-536-1050

MA Income Tax Credit (up to $1,000) & no sales or real estate tax

https://www.energysage.com/solar-panels/solar-rebates-incentives/ma/

MA Solar Loan Program http://www.masssolarloan.com/

State pays (based on income) off 10%-30% of loan plus low interest rate

IRS Tax credit (click how to apply) https://www.energystar.gov/about/federal_tax_credits/2017_non_business_energy_property_tax_credits


Mini Splits (air source heat pumps) Incentives

SHELD ($500) https://www.munihelps.org/rebates-incentives/south-hadley-electric-light-department/

MASS rebates South Hadley residents do not qualify as the town has not joined the Renewable Energy Trust

IRS ($300) https://www.energystar.gov/about/federal_tax_credits/air_source_heat_pumps