CR4SEF board endorses GMS project funding
By GuestDear Editor:
The Canton Residents for a Sustainable Equitable Future (CR4SEF) board unanimously supports funding the sustainable Galvin Middle School project, which heads to a December 10 ballot vote following its approval at last week’s Special Town Meeting. This project includes cost-efficient clean energy systems, including geothermal wells, ground source heat pumps, and a solar array. These features provide a model for future energy policies and a town-wide decarbonization plan, offering long-term economic and environmental benefits. While acknowledging the financial burden on taxpayers, especially those on fixed incomes, the board emphasizes the importance of this investment for Canton Public Schools.
Geothermal: A Cost-Effective and Sustainable Choice – Massachusetts school projects under the Mass. School Building Authority (MSBA) increasingly feature geothermal wells, ground source heat pumps, and solar arrays. Communities like Watertown, New Bedford and Stoneham have adopted these systems due to their efficiency, cost savings and sustainability. For a building of this size, geothermal heating and cooling systems drastically lower energy costs compared to traditional gas or oil systems. Rebates through programs like Mass Save reduce the payback period, while MSBA offers additional incentive points for such energy-efficient designs. Over 50 years, this investment will yield significant financial and environmental returns.
Aligning with Climate Benchmarks – Canton’s buildings are the town’s largest contributors to air pollution from fossil fuel greenhouse gas emissions. The Galvin Middle School project aligns with state emissions benchmarks and the recent climate and economic bills passed by the Mass. legislature that promotes equitable clean energy development. By adopting geothermal and other clean technology, Canton positions itself to align with our state decarbonization benchmarks to reach net zero by 2050 and to replace aging systems, such as the Canton Fire Department’s boiler, with clean alternatives. This project sets a precedent for integrating sustainable energy systems across town infrastructure.
Educational and Economic Opportunities – The development of geothermal systems provides Canton’s students with hands-on exposure to green technology, preparing them to lead in clean energy innovation. Workforce benefits include opportunities for gas industry workers to transition into clean energy roles, supporting economic growth and aligning with state-level energy goals. Canton’s educational institutions and political leadership create further potential for geothermal education and training programs, fostering local and state-wide economic development.
Advancing Canton’s Green Future – Investing in clean energy systems enhances Canton’s eligibility for technical assistance, grants, and resources available to climate-forward communities. This initiative will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and contribute to the health and well-being of residents, and our vulnerable and Environmental Justice populations, while enriching students’ educational experiences.
The Cost of Inaction – A ‘no’ vote on December 10 will delay the new school’s construction, negatively impacting Canton’s middle and elementary school students and the town’s overall standing. Investing in the Galvin Middle School project now is a step toward a healthier, more sustainable, and economically resilient future for Canton.
Canton is worth the investment!
Jennifer Wexler, CR4SEF
Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=130382
Posted by Guest
on Nov 27 2024. Filed under From One Citizen to Another, Opinion.
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