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Green Power Community
In February 2009, Wellesley’s Municipal Light Plant introduced the Voluntary Renewable Energy POWER TO CHOOSE program to improve home efficiency and offer a variety of options for the community to lower energy consumption. As a result, many residents, businesses, and the three colleges voluntarily pay a premium to purchase electricity generated by wind power. In 2014 Wellesley ranked third in the nation for customer participation after Portland, OR and Sacramento, CA.

In 2012, Wellesley was designated a Green Power Community by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the only Green Power Community in Massachusetts and second in all of New England.

Also in 2012, the Wellesley Municipal Light Plant was the only green power supplier nationwide to receive the Innovative Green Power Program of the Year Award.

Reducing our Carbon Footprint
In the summer of 2009, the Town established the Municipal Energy Efficiency Committee (MEEC) made up of representatives from various Town departments, to develop and evaluate municipal policies to reduce energy use.

In 2010, Wellesley’s Sustainable Energy Committee (SEC) was formed by Town Meeting. The Committee’s primary objective was a 10% Town-wide reduction in Wellesley’s carbon footprint; and 20% reduction in carbon footprint for all municipal departments by the end of 2013. In 2014 Town Meeting voted to support a new goal of 25% reduction by 2020 using 2007 as the base year.

The Committee is responsible for Wellesley’s adoption of the Massachusetts Stretch Building Code approved by Town Meeting effective January 2012.

In 2013, the Committee organized Wellesley’s Green Collaborative, a group of organizations that are concerned about environmental issues in Wellesley and beyond.

In 2014, the Committee served to double participation in the Town’s Voluntary Renewable Energy POWER TO CHOOSE program and organized the More POWER TO CHOOSE Solar Program.

Natural Resources Protection
Wellesley is the longest running Tree City USA community of any city or town in Massachusetts.

Effective July 1, 2011 Town Meeting passed Wellesley’s Tree Bylaw that requires property owners to protect certain trees and critical root zones during construction projects, and either replace trees that are cut down or donate money to a special tree fund. A project Tree Plan from a certified arborist is required. The Town's Natural Resource Protection (NRP) Development bylaw, approved by Town Meeting in 2013 applies to any subdivision generating 5 or more lots. This bylaw requires a minimum of 50% of the property be preserved as open space in exchange for reduced lot sizes without increasing density.

Established in 1979, Wellesley has a unique elected Natural Resources Commission (NRC) bearing the statutory authority and responsibility of Park Commissions, Conservation Commissions, Tree Wardens, Town Forest Committees, and Forestry and Pest Control Officers. The Commission maintains Wellesley’s two community gardens and maintains a trail network that includes 26 miles of marked trails interconnecting open spaces and conservation lands for walking, dog walking, jogging, bicycling, cross-country skiing and more.

In 2001, the Commission in collaboration with the Health, Public Works and School Departments developed a Pesticide Awareness Campaign resulting in an Organic Pest Management Policy governing pesticide use on all town-owned property.

In 2003 the Commission created the Preservation Master Plan for Fuller Brook Park in collaboration with Wellesley’s Department of Public Works. This major restoration project will be completed in 2016.

In 2009 the Commission launched the Green Wellesley Campaign advocating for sustainability by raising awareness and promoting increased environmental action.

Green Schools
Wellesley Green Schools was established in 2006.

Their No Idling Campaign received an Excellence in Energy and Environmental Education Award from the state of Massachusetts in 2014.

The Town’s new high school opened in February 2012 and includes such elements as green vegetated roof, geothermal heating and cooling, solar photovoltaic panel, and rainwater recovery systems.

Waste Management
In 2015 the Wellesley 3R (Reduce/Reuse/Recycle) Working Group was formed to consider possible initiatives to increase recycling and reduce waste in Wellesley. The initiative is a joint-effort of the Department of Public Works, Natural Resources Commission and Sustainable Energy Committee.