Environmental Council Meeting--October 25, 2012
- The major purpose of this joint EC/SCAPE meeting was to introduce Mr. Ted Flanigan, Millbrook’s client rep for carbon neutrality, to SCAPE and EC members. Mrs. Meigs and Mr. Flanigan led a discussion about Millbrook’s goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2020.
- We defined the concept of carbon neutrality, talked about the climate change and the need for an updated greenhouse gas inventory for Millbrook, discussed pursuing parallel tracks for both energy efficiency and a major PV solar installation.
- Our new greenhouse gas inventory will be coordinated by LeAnne Harvey, a graduate student in climate science at Bard College.
- We need to be sure that the wind energy credits that provide 100% renewable energy for the Barn (to gain LEED points) are continued as part of our carbon neutrality climate action plan.
- We briefly discussed the idea of raising Millbrook’s current Green Building Policy standard from LEED silver level to encouraging the design of net zero buildings.
- We would like to add student members to the Carbon Neutrality Planning Committee, whose current members include Mr. Casertano, Mr. Connelly, Mr. Stuckey, Mr. Schnoor, Mr. Meigs and Mrs. Meigs.
1) Expand Recycling
New brown recycled content paper napkins fit the dispenser properly. Minor triumph…
2) Improve Energy and Resource Conservation
- Receipt of funding to put more filtered water fountains in dorms. Student involvement needed.
- Have re- requested data from Mrs. Fuller on comparing paper use of last school year to the previous year.
- See general notes above on carbon neutrality. We also noted the possibility of raising the Green Building Policy standard from LEED silver level to encouraging the design of net zero buildings.
- Composting needs education and support. SCAPE will send email and make announcement about composting. Plan for composting in winter needs work.
- Mrs. Pope will discuss the Winter Bounty Project at our next EC meeting. This would involve adding a unheated 22’ X 48’ greenhouse so that Millbrook could grow vegetables in the winter.
- SCAPE Field Trip to NYC to visit green projects and attend 350.org Do the Math evening event on Friday, Nov 16.
- Attendance at EC is important. Please commit to attend meetings and email if you cannot attend.
