Town Launches Sustainability Dashboard

Source: amherstma.gov

The Town of Amherst has announced the release of its community dashboard focused on sustainability.  The dashboard will be available to community members beginning Monday, January 29, 2024.  “It’s pretty much a one stop opportunity to access information on what has been done, what is being done, and what we plan to do in regards to sustainability and climate action,” said Amherst Director of Sustainability, Stephanie Ciccarello. “It also features recommendations on what residents can do and how to become involved in addressing climate change.”

The website is located at: https://sustainabilitydashboard.amherstma.gov/

The town utilized ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds to engage KLA Associates to develop the site. The Climate Action, Adaptation and Resilience Plan (CAARP) developed by the Energy and Climate Action Committee (ECAC) and staff, under the guidance of Linnean Solutions, Inc., serves as the foundation for the site’s overall layout.  The plan’s sectors are broken down so that each one is featured with current or planned initiatives.  Each section includes a subsection on what residents can do to contribute to reducing fossil fuels, particularly carbon, within the community. There is also a page for residents to access relevant reports and tools, such as the Amherst Solar Mapping Tool developed and released in 2023.

“We are pleased to be able to prominently feature the great work that has been done, and is being done, to address climate change and sustainability in Amherst,” said Town Manager, Paul Bockelman.  “Amherst is a leader in this regard as proven by our success in meeting our Green Communities goal of reducing municipal carbon emission levels 20 % below baseline emissions over the last three years.” He continued, “This website is a great representation of how a community that works collaboratively across all sectors can achieve success.”  Bockelman noted that there is a lot to be done and it will take the efforts of the entire community to achieve the goal of 100% carbon neutrality by 2050 established by the Town Council. “It is important that we maintain our focus on the long-term goal, and hopefully this tool will make it easier for community members to both see how they can help and to track our town’s progress.”