Sustainability & Environment
The City of Bath has a strong record and long-standing commitment to sustainability. The Office of Sustainability and Environment was created in 2022 to integrate sustainable practices into municipal operations, infrastructure, services and policies. The Office of Sustainability and Environment is responsible for incorporating City Council’s Strategic Goals and City Resolutions pertaining to sustainability within the City.
To accomplish these goals the Office works with the Climate Action Commission (and other aligned municipal committees), Municipal Departments and Staff.
NEWS
Municipal Facilities Plan
The City of Bath was successful in receiving its second Community Resiliency Partnership grant to conduct a municipal facilities planning effort. The goal of the Municipal Facilities Plan is to provide, maintain, and model, high-performing facilities for staff, occupants, the public, and the broader environment. To identify items/ allocations to fund significant building improvements and deferred maintenance projects. Projects include but are not limited to upgrades of buildings (envelopes and structures), heating and ventilation systems to provide resilience in extreme weather events, strategic electrification in order to transition from fossil fuels in order to reduce municipal greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing environmental impacts of department operations.
EV Charger Grant/ Installation
The City of Bath, partnering with the Patten Free Library will be installing four new public EV chargers at the Library Parking area on Summer St. This project is funded through the Efficiency Maine Trust EV Charger grant program.
Vulnerability Assessment
The City of Bath is kicking off a Vulnerability Assessment in the winter of 2022/2023. We have hired GEI consultants to conduct the assessment.
What is a Vulnerability Assessment?
Vulnerability assessments (VA)’s are an approach for synthesizing information on biophysical conditions, infrastructure, economics, social characteristics and other locally important factors. They provide a framework and iterative process for examining vulnerabilities and evaluating potential intervention
What Vulnerability Assessments are useful for.
- Identifying and prioritizing threats and assessing local vulnerability across different sectors.
- Guiding decision-making - for prioritizing specific mitigation strategies that reduce vulnerability.
- Advancing discourse - and dialog about adaptation and resilience, using language and indicators that reflect local concerns.
- Identifying and strategizing funding - for the accompanying range of adaptation measures that need to be taken.
Council Voted to Adopt an updated Climate Resolution
On August 3rd, the Council voted update a Climate Resolution. The resolution was developed by the Bath Climate Action Commission over many months. The resolution sets ambitious goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, preparing & managing for sea level rise, and aligning local polices with the Maine Won’t Wait Climate Action Plan. For more information about the resolution please see this INFORMATION SHEET
The Resilient Bath Initiative developed a series of outreach and educational guidance documents for residents and businesses to assist in their efforts to seek more efficient buildings and transportation options. The Resilient Bath Initiative provides the "Climate Conversations" community events. This ongoing event series can be accessed at the Climate Conversation page.
LED Streetlights
In December 2022 the Bath City Council authorized the purchase and conversion to LED of all of the streetlights within the City of Bath. Working with RealTerm Energy, we will conduct an audit of all lights within the City, conduct a design/ plan for replacement, and install new LED fixtures. We anticipate a significant cost savings and carbon emission reduction as a result of this conversion.
The Bath Solid Waste Advisory Committee successfully launched a backyard composting program and delivered 100 compost bins for free to residents who were interested. The committee is monitoring the usage, offering guidance, conducting surveys, and working with the Department of Public Works to manage the program.
The Bath Climate Action Commission sponsored this week long community build of window inserts. The event was held at the Freight Shed, where we coordinated with Maine’s First Ship to take over the space for the week to build inserts. Over 130 inserts were built by more than 30 volunteers. This program helps homeowners reduce their energy costs and consumption throughout cold winters. Learn more about the program at the WindowDresser website.
Small Things you can do
4 things you can do:
- Electrify and weatherize your home. Learn more about the Resilient Bath Initiative.
- Reduce waste, recycle, and compost. Check out the EcoMaine Recyclopedia tool.
- Walk, ride your bike, or take the bus to your destination. Learn more from Bike Walk Bath.
- Support local businesses. Learn more from Main Street Bath.