A Message from the Chair

“When it comes to meeting energy conservation and sustainability goals, it’s been an extraordinary 2010 for Lowell.  The GBC acts to help educate, train, recognize and raise consciousness for green principles. Our commission advises but more importantly leads by example.  The resulting teamwork between the City leaders, the Division of Planning and Development and private individuals and entities has brought dramatic results.  We are all proud of these results.  To truly become a green city – which will save all of us resources and dollars - we need every Lowellian to play a role.  This web site describes both our activities and some of the things you can do to save help the environment as well as to build smarter and greener.”

                                                          --- David Turcotte, S.cD., Chair

                                                               Green Building Commission

MISSION

To promote and advocate for “green” design, construction and development practices in the City of Lowell through research, identification, and implementation of policies, programs, and education in order to increase the sustainability and reduce the environmental impacts of building activity.

EVENTS

August 25 - The City announces a funding opportunity for energy efficiency targeting buildings located in the Lowell Downtown Historic District.  Businesses, building owners, and residents will be eligible to seek up to $500,000 in grant and loan incentives to implement energy efficiency measures in their buildings.  The City will be leveraging a $5 million grant from the Department of Energy and partnerships with National Grid, Lowell Development and Financial Corporation (LDFC), the National Park, and a number of local banking institutions to incent significant energy savings, demonstrate historic preservation and energy efficiency are not mutually exclusive.  Incentives are expected to incourage significant private investment helping to create jobs in the local economy. 

Interested parties are asked to submit a Letter of Interest form to Amy Janovsky at the Lowell Division of Planning and Development (50 Arcand Dr.) by September 30, 2010.  More details on the application process will be released later September.  Read the complete press release for more information on the incentive program, review a map of the Downtown Historic District or check out the Historic Board web page to check if eligible.

UPCOMING SCREENINGS!

• On-going Stretch Code Training Opportunities,  The Board of Building Regulations (BBRS) and Department of Energy Resources (DOER) are sponsoring a number of energy code training sessions throughout the Commonwealth to provide a deeper understanding of the Stretch Code.  These training sessions are designed to be a resource for energy committee members, building inspectors, builders, architects, and concerned citizens.  The training series will address both the base energy code and the stretch code, and are broken up into separate sessions covering residential and commercial construction.  Follow this link for the Energy Codes Training flyer.  To view a calendar of upcoming training sessions and locations, follow the link to the Center for Ecological Technology.  Another training sessions is scheduled in Lowell with a date and time to be determined shortly.

 NEWS

• 2010 Schedule

• All Agendas

• All Minutes