North Salem Climate Smart Community Leadership Committee fall update

From the Town of North Salem Climate Smart Community Leadership Committee

We have been busy these past few months and are pleased to be able to share with you some recent initiatives and accomplishments:

Bronze Certification - On September 19, 2022, North Salem was awarded Bronze Certification. Bronze certification signifies that the Town of North Salem is a leader in the fight against climate change and that we have completed a suite of actions that will help the town mitigate its effects and adapt to a warming planet. We will be working toward silver certification in the coming years, but silver certification is a heavy lift for a small town! To date, all of the actions taken have not only reduced the town’s carbon emissions but also saved money. We remain committed to both objectives.

Climate Action Plan - The North Salem Climate Action Plan has been released. The plan was created by the Climate Smart Committee, approved by the Town Board, and was made available for public review and comment in May of 2022. It provides a roadmap for the Town to follow, with a goal both to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through clearly identified steps, and to equip residents with ways to adapt to climate change and become more resilient. The priorities as outlined in this plan will put the Town of North Salem on a path to reach net carbon neutrality.

NYStretch Energy Code - on February 8, 2022, the North Salem Town Board adopted legislation which puts into effect a more stringent energy code than the current base energy code. NYStretch2020 provides increased efficiencies of approximately 10% and will provide cost savings through energy efficiency, as well as climate benefits.

Clean Energy Campaign - Are you interested in making your home more energy efficient and comfortable year-round? The Climate Smart Community Leadership Committee is partnering with Sustainable Westchester to inform residents about available clean heating and cooling opportunities. Sustainable Westchester’s EnergySmart HOMES program can help you get started.

How you can get involved:

• Join Community Solar, a clean energy program where you will see substantial savings.
• Join the Clean Heating and Cooling Energy Efficiency Campaign.
• Subscribe to our news at www.northsalemny.org
• Visit our webpage to learn more about energy saving initiatives, waste reduction ideas, healthy gardens, etc