The Greening of Ogunquit

Our goal is to make Ogunquit a green town for several reasons: help protect our natural assets do the right thing for our children provide a unique status as Maine’s green town save money on energy, water and other things

The Greening of Ogunquit A three sector program developed by the Ogt Conservation Commission The program is community wide and encompasses Businesses Residents The Municipality

Business Program Utilizes the Maine State Environmental Leader Program for lodging establishments and restaurants Focuses on energy use, chemical use, water conservation, recycling and education Promoted by the Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce Going green is good for the environment and business, and provides cost-savings four businesses certified; five more in progress

Residential Program Self-certification program based on best practices Mailing to all homes with Ogunquit mailing addresses in July Households pledge compliance with 8 of “Top Ten Ways to Go Green” Educational seminar August, 2008 Residences display their participation by tying an eco-friendly green ribbon around one of their trees

Municipal Program Participate in the Governor’s carbon challenge to reduce energy use Educate Town employees and volunteers about green actions Short term actions to adopt green practices Long term considerations as opportunities arise

Green Practices Turn out lights Lower thermostat 2° Use fans not A/C Recycle Conserve water Use green cleaning agents Use organic lawn care products Ensure caulking is good Use energy efficient bulbs Educate employees Tell everyone what we are doing

Longer Term Practices Build or remodel according to LEET green standards Landscape with native shrubs Consider gas mileage when purchasing new vehicles Consider renewable resources

Governor’s Carbon Challenge By taking the short term & long term actions outlined above the Town will succeed in the GCC because those actions reduce energy use! Create a baseline of energy use and track it going forward. This will show how much we’re saving!

Cost Considerations CFL light bulbs cost less than $4, use % less energy and last 5 years Programmable thermostats cost $50-$80, but cut energy costs by over $100 per year Faucet aerators, water efficient toilets and eliminating leaks can save $100s per year Turn off PCs and electronic equipment at night and over week-ends to save electricity

Costs Continued Eliminate air leaks with caulk or weather stripping may reduce heat loss up to 46% Use native plants and organic lawn care techniques to reduce the need for fertilizers and water Install ceiling fans to reduce heat and A/C costs up to 40%

Long Term = Large Savings Build and remodel using green technologies and materials to reduce ongoing costs by up to 40% Renewable energy sources such as wind turbines or solar can provide significant energy savings. Hybrid vehicles save gas costs

Municipal Program Next Steps The Ogt Conservation Commission will: work with the Town Manager and Department Heads to implement short term green practices. consult with appropriate individuals and committees to discuss long term savings opportunities. work with the Dept Heads to educate employees and volunteers about green actions – and get their feedback. join the Governor’s Carbon Challenge.

This is an opportunity for the Town of Ogunquit to: Provide leadership to business and residents Act as a role model Obtain good positive publicity Save taxpayer money

We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children ~ Native American Proverb ~