Chelmsford Climate Action Team
"The test of the morality of a society is
what it does for its children."
-Deitrich Bonhoeffer
"Sustainability balances the 3 E's:
Environment, Equity, and the Economy"
Chelmsford Climate Action Team was formed in 2020 to help educate our community about climate change
and to promote climate legislation and activities. Subscribe to our newsletter so you will know
when your voice is needed to help drive change in town.
Current Actions to Take
- Sign petition to stop private jet expansion as Hanscom Air Force Base
- Schedule your NO COST Home Energy Audit. Call 1-978-350-0293 or go to HomeWorksEnergy Chelmsford Program
- Opt Up for clean electricity in Chelmsford Choice
- Get trustworthy quotes for Solar on your rooftop from EnergySage who is partnering with National Grid
- Start planning your next car to be all electric using Green Energy Consumers Alliance’s Drive Green program
- Request a FREE consultation on heat pumps from Heat Smart Alliance
- Check out the incentives for electrifying your home
- Sign up for Chelmsford’s new curbside food waste composting program
upcoming events & Activities
Chelmsford Recruiting for MVP 2.0
The Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness grant program (MVP) provides support for cities and towns in Massachusetts to build resilience to climate change. Communities who complete the MVP Planning program (MVP 1.0) become certified as an MVP community and are eligible for future funding to complete resilience projects. Chelmsford completed MVP 1.0 and is in the process of building a core team for MVP 2.0.
Evan Belansky, Director of Community Development for the Town of Chelmsford, is seeking volunteers to join the MVP 2.0 team. Ideally, he would like one CCAT member to serve on the Core Team. He is also asking CCAT to assist with identifying / nominating a Community Liaison. or volunteer to be the CL.
Community liaisons are people who live or work in your community and who are from and/or have strong relationships with Environmental Justice or other priority populations. They may have a formal role within the community, such as an outreach coordinator for a community-based organization, or an informal role, such as someone who is well-connected and respected within their neighborhood or community. Consider
including a youth or young adult representative as one of your community liaisons. Grant funding will be used to compensate Community liaisons for their contribution to the process.
The below link provides an overview of the MVP 2.0 purpose and process.
If you are interested in volunteering or have questions, contact Evan Belansky
978-250-5231
Environmental Justice and Building Our New Grid -
Where Should It All Go?
Saturday, January 20th, 2024 2pm – 3:30pm
Hybrid Event: In person at First Parish Concord – 20 Lexington Rd and online
Join the MA Environmental Justice Legislative Table to discuss the elephant in the room- how do we build the renewable distributed electric grid we need fast, while not repeating the mistakes of the past? Learn more about our vision for infrastructure, energy democracy, and centering frontline communities in the process- as well as the current policy proposal from the EJ Table to greenlight good projects fast and nip bad projects in the bud.
The MA Environmental Justice Legislative Table members include GreenRoots, Alternatives for Community & Environment, Coalition for Social Justice, Arise for Social Justice, Groundwork Lawrence, and the North American Indian Center of Boston with allied support from Conservation Law Foundation, Union of Concerned Scientists, Massachusetts Public Health Association, Unitarian Universalist Mass Action, Clean Water Action, MA Climate Action Network, and Environmental League of MA.
This event is co-sponsored by
350 Mass
Brookhaven Residents’ Climate Change Committee
Canton Sustainable Equitable Future
Climate Action Group, Unitarian Society of Northampton and Florence
Climate Action Now (Western Mass)
Fix the Grid Campaign
Massachusetts Climate Action Network
Massachusetts Interfaith Power & Light, Inc.
Mothers Out Front Massachusetts
Our Climate
Slingshot
Sunwealth
To have your organization co-sponsor this event, fill out this form: https://forms.gle/ZX4nTCwgpkfrgRVn8
Recent Events & Activities
CEAS to Present Article 25 at Fall Town Meeting
Asking town to Opt-in to Specialized Energy Code
October 16, 19, and 23 (as needed)
7:30 at senior Center
The Specialized Energy Code:
- Affects new construction only, not existing buildings
- Allows for use of gas or oil in new construction but demands that solar also be added to building site to partly offset greenhouse emissions. Also wiring for future electric appliances and heat pumps must also be installed during construction.
- Costs of adding wiring are very modest. Solar install expense has been shown to be approximately recoverable in house sales price- it is also an improvement to the home, and an asset in reducing electric utility costs..
- New construction that is all electric has the same requirements as the already adopted Stretch Code
Please attend the Town Meeting and advocate for passage of the Article 25.
We have heard grumblings that Solar makes it harder to sell a house, and that incentives are better than regulations for private homes. In general, the current push to reduce emissions through
electrification is using incentives rather than penalties. As a result,
the home owner will get a 30% tax credit to install on-site Solar. When building a new house, an optimal Solar system can be designed by orienting the house toward the sun and maximizing the size of the rooftop on which to place the panels.
The home owner will have the choice to continue using fossil fuels in spite of the fact it is counter to our town and state goals to reduce emissions to net zero by 2050. In the long run that jeopardizes our
safety from the damages caused by escalating climate change. It is not such a hardship to ask them to make up for these emissions by generating some clean renewable energy.
Please attend the Fall Town Meeting at the Senior Center starting Monday, October 16 at 7:30 to give public input in support of the adoption of the Specialized Energy Code. Most likely it will come up on Thursday the 19th.
Westford Climate Cafe
Thursday, October 19th, 1:30 PM
J. V. Fletcher Library, Westford
Mary Atwood Room
Westford Climate Action will host an informal Climate Cafe: The Climate Crisis: What can we do in our daily lives? This will be the first in a series of informal community conversations based on residents’ questions and concerns on climate and sustainability.
A representative from the New England Energy Efficiency Company (NEEECO), an affiliate of Mass Save, will be available to discuss money saving ideas to make our homes more energy efficient. All are invited and no signup is necessary. Refreshments will be served.
Check our website for more information: https://westfordclimateaction.org/events.
Home Energy Efficiency - Tuesday, October 10, at 7:00 PM
Chelmsford Public Library
Are you interested in reducing your home energy costs, making your home more comfortable, and cutting your carbon emissions? Chelmsford’s Clean Energy & Sustainability Committee will discuss the town’s partnership with HomeWorks Energy. Come learn how you can save energy and money! Watch for further notice in the Chelmsford Library newsetter and calendar to register.
Fall Festival on The Chelmsford Common - Saturday Sept 30th 12-4 pM
CCAT will be participating in the 2nd annual Fall Festival on the Common, organized by the Chelmsford Health Department. We will have information about how residents can reduce use of polluting fossil fuels by transitioning from gas to electric stoves, dryers and heating/cooling systems, and by opting for clean energy sources through the Chelmsford Choice electrical aggregation program. We will also have a children’s activity to encourage adoption of sustainable actions. Stop by to chat with us at Booth #47 on Westford Street and help spread the word to your family, friends and neighbors about this new Chelmsford tradition.
Climate Impact of Private Jet Expansion Forum -
Thursday, September 28 - 6:30 - 7:45 -Reed Room, Bedford Town Hall, 10 Mudge Way, Bedford
Massport is planning a massive hangar build-out for private jets at Hanscom Field (NOT at
Hanscom Air Force Base), representing the largest single development in Hanscom’s history. If carried out, these plans will dramatically increase greenhouse gas emissions and undermine municipal, state, and national climate goals at a time when climate scientists are urging us to accelerate these goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The speakers will present information on the proposed expansion and its impact on our climate and our community. After hearing from the speakers, there may be opportunity for questions. RSVP to attend in person or by Zoom: REGISTER HERE – Registration link
For questions, contact: info.ma.bedford@mothersoutfront.org
"Neighbor to Neighbor": Heat Pumps 101 Thursday, September 28 @ 7:pM At J. V. fletcher Library, 50 Main Street, Westford
Westford Climate Action presents “Neighbor to Neighbor: Heat Pumps 101” a free, in-person and online event. The evening will include presentations by HeatSmart Alliance and Westford residents sharing their experience with heat pumps in their homes. A Q&A session will follow.
Learn about financial incentives and rebates.
Cold-climate heat pumps can maintain 100% of their rated capacity down to 5° F and operate to -15° F. In summer, they provide all the benefits of central AC in homes both with and without ducts. Does this technology for heating AND cooling make sense for your home? Learn why you should invest in heat pump technology and how heat pumps will reduce your energy bills while lowering your home’s carbon footprint!
This seminar is co-sponsored by the Westford Clean Energy and Sustainability Committee, HeatSmart Alliance, and the J. V. Fletcher Library.
For online registration, please click here. Or go to WestfordClimateAction.org/events/
No registration is needed for in-person attendance at the library.
Here is a copy of the slick flyer
Home Energy Efficiency - Wednesday, September 27, at 10:30 AM
Chelmsford Senior Center, 75 Groton Road, Rm B07
Are you interested in reducing your home energy costs, making your home more comfortable, and cutting your carbon emissions? Chelmsford’s Clean Energy & Sustainability Committee will discuss the town’s partnership with HomeWorks Energy. Come learn how you can save energy and money! Call 978-251-0533 or email ndussault@chelmsfordma.gov to register.
Cornell Events
CCAT on July 4th
This year we are going to host a table. Visit the Chelmsford Climate Action Team at the Chelmsford Country Fair on July 3rd and 4th – We will be in the Unitarian Church parking lot. Learn about Mass Save audits, the Chelmsford Choice Electrical Aggregation Program, and other ways to save energy and help fight the climate change crisis.
Please stop by our booth and let us know how you view sustainability and climate change in Chelmsford.
• NEW Town sanctioned Mass Save weatherization program. Come to learn about energy savings
• Chelmsford Choice-our Town electricity aggregation program. Increase your use of clean electricity up to 100% without needing solar panels or contracts!
Last year we marched in the parade
Garden Tour at Pollinator Preservation Garden
saturday July 1st, 9AM - 11AM
Come to a garden tour at the Pollination Preservation Garden, Sunny Meadow Farm
168 Robin Hill Rd, Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Garden host Giancarla Kalpas will be available to answer questions about the plants and the at-risk pollinators that we are trying to help.
Haystack: Mission, History and Present Climate Change Work - Thursday, April 27 at 7:00 pm
On Thursday, April 27 at 7:00 pm at the Westford JV Fletcher Library, Dr. Colin Lonsdale, MIT Haystack Observatory’s Director and radio astronomer, will present a talk on “MIT Haystack: Mission, History, and Present Climate Change Work” both in-person at the Library and via Zoom. This is free and open to all. Dr. Lonsdale will be sharing the Observatory’s work, climate change science and how things affect astronomy. Q&A will follow with the audience. Please contact Justin Liberti for the Zoom link at jliberti@westfordma.gov.
Earth Day Celebration at Library on April 22nd, 1-4 pM
Hope you joined us for Earth Day for our second environmental fair that was held at Chelmsford Library on April 22. CCAT. In spite of the cold, several town committees and local climate related organizations provided information on the town’s sustainability efforts, heat pumps, electric vehicles, solarization and other topics. Plus some nature friendly exhibits.
Organizations that were represented were:
Chelmsford Library – (who had a display of books inside, co-sponsored the event, and gave out Douglas Fir seedlings from the Mass Tree Wardens.)
Chelmsford Climate Action Team – cohost
Chelmsford’s Clean Energy and Sustainability Committee
Chelmsford Land Conservation Trust
Chelmsford Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee
Chelmsford Recycling Committee
Chelmsford Center Water District
Chelmsford High School Eco Club
National Grid Clean Transportation
Energy Sage
Pollinator Garden at Sunny Meadow
Heat Smart Alliance
Community Teamwork CAP Contractor
Conscious Planet (SaveSoil)
This event was free and open to the public and held on the library’s Scoboria Greenway. The library lead contact was Jessica at jfitzhanso@chelmsfordlibrary.org
Here are some pictures showing you what it looked like at this terrific event. Please come out next year to celebrate Earth Day!
Clean Energy and Sustainability Committee
Dave's Wind Turbine
Recycling Committee
CHS Eco Club
Energy Sage
Heat Smart Alliance
National Grid Clean Transportation
Pollinator Gardens
Chelmsford Climate Action Team
Tom's Tesla Y
Community Teamwork CAP Contractor
Chelmsford Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee
Save Soil (Conscious Planet)
Tamar's Teepee
The What, Why, and How of EVs, LIRA Zoom April 18, 1-3
This presentation explained what an electric vehicle is, and how it differs from hybrids. It also covered the many benefits associated with electric vehicles, the various brands available, what to consider when buying an EV, and resources for assistance in selecting an EV. The many rules for rebates and incentives were also presented and clarified, along with specifics of charging an electric vehicle.
The speaker was Tom Amiro of Chelmsford Climate Action Team and Elders Climate Action. He has been driving an EV since October 2019 and recently drove 1557 miles back from St Pete Beach FL. Here is a blog he wrote about the trip.
Here is a document with all sorts of links for information relevant to the presentation
Understanding Massachusetts’ Stretch and Specialized Energy Codes at library on Tuesday, April 11⋅7:00 – 8:15pm
Learn about Massachusetts’s Stretch and Specialized energy codes-how they address building energy efficiency and how the new Specialized code encourages building electrification. Chelmsford may decide whether to adopt the new Specialized code at a future town meeting. In the first part of this event the Chelmsford Clean Energy Committee discussed what this adoption would mean for the town.
Then the main speaker, Paul H. Raymer, discussed moving from the Stretch Code to the Opt-In Specialized Code; the thought behind the new energy codes and the impacts to new and existing buildings, locally and globally.
Paul Raymer has more than 45 years of experience in the energy conservation field and is presently Subcommittee Chair for Heating, Cooling, and Ventilation of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Standard Work Specification; He has held numerous positions within the Building Performance Institute and is a certified HERS Rater. He has also developed and taught courses for numerous colleges, professional societies, and states.
You can get more information on the Specialized Stretch Energy code from:
McCarthy PTO Rock and Roll Bingo Fundraiser
March 25 8-11pm
The McCarthy Middle School PTO presents Rock and Roll Bingo Friday, Mar. 25 at the Chelmsford Elks Lodge (8-11 p.m.) located at 300 Littleton Road. Doors will open at 7 p.m.
Rock and Roll Bingo is open to adults aged 21 and over. Tickets for a table of 10 cost $250 with proceeds to directly benefit enrichment programs for all McCarthy Middle School students.
Purchase Tickets | View Flyer
A cash bar will be available (no outside alcohol is permitted) while contestants are encouraged to bring their own snacks. Raffles will be held and prizes will be awarded through the evening, which includes a 50-50 drawing. CCAT has participated in the donation of a Sustainability Basket with!
- An indoor compost bin
- A bag of compost starte
- A pass to Garden in the Woods
- A book on native plants
- A cloth grocery bag
- A book on zero-waste homes
For more information, contact Kristen Faucher at kristen.faucher@yahoo.com
Get Your Compost Bins and Rain Barrels:
Order by March 17 and Pick up on March 25th
Compost Bin
Composting is one of the easiest ways to reduce trash, address climate change, and build healthy soil for our plants. By using a compost barrel and turning food scraps and yard trim into compost, we can change our waste streams into a beneficial resource. Chelmsford is offering Free-Garden Compost Bins at the discounted price of $25 versus the retail price of $100. To take advantage of this community program discount please go to
Rainwater harvesting helps homeowners to reduce their water bills while conserving water and protecting the environment. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, lawn and garden watering comprise nearly 40% of domestic water usage during peak summer months. Rain barrels save most homeowners about 1,300 gallons of water each summer, reducing the demand for clean water. Chelmsford is offering the FreeGarden Rain Barrel at the discounted price of $70 versus the retail price of $120. To take advantage of this community program discount please go to:
Deadline for purchase: Orders must be received by March 17th, 2023 at midnight. Barrels will be available for pick up at the DPW side entrance, 9 Alpha Road on Saturday, March 25, 2023 9:00 am-1:00 pm
For more information contact Chris Haley, Sustainability Manager: 978-250-5203 or 9rncyoet@chelmsfordma.gov
Ongoing Events & Activities
Chelmsford's Curbside Composting Program
The Chelmsford DPW innitated a new curbside organics program for food scraps. The curbside service provides every other week pickup. A 6-month subscription for every other week pickup is $14.99/month.
DPW will provide the compost starter kit, which includes a 13-gallon bin or 4-gallon (apartment option) bin and set of compostable liners that will be delivered by Black Earth. Interested residents can sign up directly through Black Earth at https://blackearthcompost.com/residential-curbside-compost-pickup
Starter kits will be delivered on October 4th and pickups will begin Wednesday, October 11th at the DPW on Alpha Rd.
Residents that participate in the curbside program are also provided with a voucher for one 40-lb. bag of compost redeemable at places nearby.
Should more than 300 Chelmsford households register, the subscription price will be lowered by 20% for all participants.
Monthly member meeting
Usually hosted on the third Monday of every month at 7:30pm. These meetings are not content-focused. They’re about accomplishing our goals around town, so the conversation largely revolves around strategy, priorities, and logistics. If you’d like to attend, just reach out to us and we’ll send you the link for the Zoom meeting.
December’s meeting will be moved up to the 2nd Monday, so it will be December 11th.
- 3rd Monday each month - 7:30pm via Zoom
About Us
We are residents of Chelmsford, Massachusetts who share a commitment to climate legislation, advocacy and education in our community. We want to prevent the harmful effects of climate change and protect the planet.
Are you concerned about climate change?
Then join our team! Reach out to one of us if you have any questions, or feel free to just show up to one of the meetings you see in the Calendar section of our site.
Taking action in Chelmsford
A proven track record of helping to make Chelmsford green!
Net Zero Chelmsford
It was our group that introduced the Warrant Article at Town Meeting that set Chelmsford on the path to net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Sharing Ideas and Connections
We sponsor occasional speaker programs with the Library, along with environmental fairs to meet with other organizations..
future programs and plans
We are coordinating with the town's Clean Energy and Sustainability Committee (CEAS) to help drive equitable change in Chelmsford.
Let's talk
Please reach out to us if you have any questions about Chelmsford Climate Action!
Blog Posts by our Members
2022 Newsletter Released
2021 Year in ReviewChelmsford Climate Action Team (CCAT) had a successful year in 2021 with the achievement of ourmain initiative – to promote the formation of a town committee to
Who Should Supply Your Electricity?
Be wary of unsolicited offers to supply you with electricity, even if it is 100% clean and cheaper electricity. Recently, I got a glossy offer in the mail from Inspire
How I have reduced my carbon footprint
We should all take inventory of our personal carbon footprint. A good calculator is at carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx Before I tell you what I’ve done to reduce my footprint, you may want
Chelmsford Choice is about more than just savings
Alana Melanson, Lowell Sun reporter, covered Chelmsford’s bulk electricity purchase program, Chelmsford Choice, almost 5 years ago when it was first introduced and caused quite a stir. Chelmsford residents aired
CCAT’s Annual Report or “What We Did During the Pandemic”
Chelmsford Climate Action Team, CCAT, our local climate group began in 2019, as “The Chelmsford Node” of the MA Chapter of Elders Climate Action (ECA). In early 2020, that Node
Start Simply. Simply Start!
There is no shortage of problems and issues in this world for us to be concerned about, but science shows that there are things we can do now to mitigate