New England Grassroots Environment Fund

Group Resources

Brattleboro’s Climate Action Plan
2002 Brattleboro Selectboard ICLEI Resolution
ICLEI (International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives) Website

Group Details

Bratlteboro Climate Protection’s primary goal is to reduce the level of greenhouse gas emissions generated in the Town of Brattleboro that contribute to global climate change.

The group’s successes so far include: improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions in fifteen municipal and school buildings, saving $130,000 annually in reduced energy costs and 746 tons of CO2 emissions; assisting a local fuel dealer in opening two retail biodiesel pumps, assisted the regional waste district in its conversion to biodiesel, and successfully advocated for the Town of Brattleboro to switch to biodiesel in its municipal fleet; working with the District Energy Committee to develop a plan to create a biomass district cogeneration system for Brattleboro; initiating loan programs with local banks for homeowners, small business owners, and landlords to make efficiency improvements in their buildings, buy fuel-efficient vehicles, and convert fleets to biodiesel; launching the 10% Challenge Campaign with 25 local businesses signed up; launching a no-idling campaign, successfully advocating for passage of a resolution by the town Selectboard and posting no-idling signs in key areas of town; creating a Sustainable Business Award program in partnership with the Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce. In addition, the group organized energy fairs and other public events to educate Brattleboro residents about the benefits of efficiency and renewable energy.

The group, located in Brattleboro (VT), received its latest grant in November 2008 to develop renewable sources of heating and electric generation for the town, improve energy efficiency and use of renewable energy in town and school buildings, and increase public education efforts about energy and sustainability issues.