First Parish in Concord

Green Sanctuary Group

First Parish > Green Sanctuary > Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes

March 8, 2007

Present: Bob Andrews, Maria Cox, Bob Harper, Lorraine Loviglio (left early), Peter Norton, and Matteo Paris

Building Project

Maria Cox joined the group for the first time; she expressed a strong interest in whether the church will use the LEEDS standards for green buildings as they move head with the building expansion project. In addition, she expressed concern about whether sustainable building materials will be used.

Other members of the group supported Maria’s interest in these topics. Peter Norton and Bob Andrews communicated their perception that there is a definite interest in these topics on the part of the building committee. Sergio Siani, who is on the committee has a background in green building and is environmentally concerned. He has recently said in an email that the committee has a draft of a green design. They are prepared to join with us in having an open meeting for church members where the extent of conformity to LEED standards is discussed.

Maria was told that if she wants to work on this issue she should connect with Andy Proulx, who will be working with Sergio and Peter Nobile to review the design and plan an open meeting. The group agreed that we should strongly advocate for following the LEEDS standards, even if the cost of getting LEEDS certification is prohibitive.

CCACE Global Warming Symposium and Fair

Green Sanctuary’s role in planning and participation in the CCACE Global Warming Symposium and Fair on March 24 was also discussed. Bob is on the planning committee and is handling publicity for the event. Andy Proulx is speaking at the Symposium, possibly both on his own and as part of the Concord Green Team. Both he and Bob will have exhibit tables. Bob is working with Gary Kleiman and Peter Norton on an exhibit focused on state and federal global warming legislation. He has coordinated with Rick Beinicke, whose new group will have an adjacent table, also involving legislation at the state level. Lorraine Loviglio has written an excellent article for the Journal based on an email interview with March Breslow, the keynote speaker at the event. We would like to see as many of you there as possible.. Watch the Concord Journal for full information about it.

March 11 Coffee Hours

Gary Kleiman, assisted by Bob, will staff an exhibit table this coming Sunday at both coffee hours. The focus this time is on the science of global warming, using data from the recently released report of the International Panel on Climate Change. Come by and see it & talk with us about it.

Light Bulb Project

We discussed further an idea introduced by Matteo Paris in the previous meeting. The idea was for us to make the new energy-saving light bulbs available to church members at coffee hours, perhaps, at the same time collecting old incandescent bulbs for recycling.

It was agreed that this is a project needing cooperation with the Light Plant. Bob Harper will bring it to the next Light Board meeting. It would involved our purchasing the bulbs, giving them away or selling them for a small amount, and then getting a credit for the expense on the church’s electric bill.

The group had some concerns about collecting incandescent bulbs due to the mercury that they contain. If we do so, we will collect them in a special bin for recycling and turn them over to the town. Matteo Paris will work with Bob Harper on this project and be responsible for the management of any collections and distributions at church.

Nationwide Step-It-Up Global Warming Rallies

Nationwide rallies have been called for on April 14 by a global warming activist group led by Bill McKibben. Bob informed the group that our Global Warming Action Team decided recently not to try to organize a Concord rally due to the other events that are consuming people’s energy and time here right now. We will, however, support and publicize a rally in Lexington that is planned for that day. Bob will distribute further information about the program Lexington is planning as it becomes available. Maria expressed some interest in a Concord rally. She was encouraged to take leadership of this if she had enthusiasm and time for it.

“Green” Coffee Hour Plates and Cups

Maria expressed concern about the fact that Styrofoam plates, which are not recyclable, are being used at church events (Marvelous Mondays). She will discuss the possibility of some changes with Rhoda Miller and Doug Baker.

Solar Panel Challenge

Some of our neighboring communities notably Lexington and Acton) have recently taken on a challenge to raise local money for the New England Wind Power Fund and, at the same time, win for the town one or more solar energy panels. We agreed that more information is needed about this; and Maria said that she would pursue this information. Bob Harper agreed to take up with the Light Board the potential for the Town accepting and using the solar panels. For more information visit the website for the Lexington Global Warming Coalition (Just Google it.)