The Hopkinton Sustainable Green Committee is holding a drop-in event on Wednesday, October 11, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Hopkinton Senior Center, 28 Mayhew Street, where members of the community can learn and provide input regarding the town’s Climate Action Plan and related initiatives. There is no registration and no cost to participate.

At the event, attendees will visit a series of stations, each focused on a different topic related to sustainability where they can review and discuss information, ask questions, and offer feedback. Stations will cover these areas:

• The source of Hopkinton’s greenhouse gas emissions and what the effects of climate change will mean for the town in terms of warming, extreme weather events, etc. An overview of the Climate Action Plan will show the town’s plans to help mitigate the effects.
• A scale model of a home, showing energy-saving strategies, such as a heat pump and an induction stove, along with other sustainable practices that can be employed, including composting and native plants. A Mass Save contractor will offer advice about free home energy audits and incentives for making energy-saving improvements.
• Electric vehicles, including the benefits, the options, and incentives for moving to them, along with other means for more sustainable transportation.
• A municipal aggregation plan that will allow for greener, cheaper electricity for everyone in town.
• The building code article proposed for adoption at the November special town meeting, which will help ensure that new construction better supports sustainability.
• Sustainable measures in the proposed Elmwood School replacement and their cost-benefit assessment, along with other steps the schools have taken towards sustainability, including solar panels and their resultant cost savings.

This program was developed and will be staffed by the Hopkinton Sustainable Green
Committee members, along with School Committee members and the Mass Save contractor,
NEEECO. In addition, Julia Chun, the town’s Sustainability, Economic Development, and
Equity Project Manager will be on hand to meet attendees and discuss sustainability as it
relates to businesses in town.

By participating in the event, attendees can gain a better understanding of what Hopkinton is facing with respect to climate change, what it is planning and doing in response, and changes that residents and businesses can make. Attendees can also provide input to help refine the plans and initiatives.