Background

In 2017, voters at Town Meeting approved Article 51, which set ambitious climate goals in line with the Massachusetts Global Warming Solutions Act, including a 100% non-emitting municipal power supply by 2030, and an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. In 2020, the Town published the Sustainable Concord Climate Action and Resilience Plan, which outlines the steps that the Town, commercial entities, and residents will need to take to meet these climate goals.

The Comprehensive Sustainability and Energy Committee (CSEC) and the Climate Action Advisory Board (CAAB) have been instrumental in forwarding Concord’s sustainability agenda in this period. Over time, CAAB’s policy-making and CSEC’s advocacy missions have increasingly overlapped, requiring greater levels of coordination. By combining forces with a shared purpose, a single, a unified Climate Action Committee will focus the Town’s future efforts.

The purpose of the Climate Action Committee is to implement policies and practices to achieve the objectives of the Town’s Climate Action and Resilience Plan. These may include:

• Town procurement and operational policies, town bylaws, and rules and regulations that promote sustainability and climate resilience. 
• Effective educational and incentive programs for both businesses and residents. 
• Strategies to leverage and coordinate with local, state, regional, and federal climate-related programs and funding.

Members

Staff Support

Eric Simms, Sustainability Director

Email: esimms@concordma.gov

Phone: 978-318-3008

Meetings

Agendas are posted prior to the meetings. Meeting minutes are posted following approval. The most recent agendas and meeting minutes can be viewed here.

Charge

Climate Action Committee Charge - Approved January 30, 2023