The following links provide resources from CT Green Bank on Benchmarking for Water and Energy Efficiency:

• https://ctgreenbank.com/programs/multifamily/
• https://www.ctgreenbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Multifamily_Sheet_5-18-18-web.pdf
• Windsor Locks Housing Authority case study video
• East Meadow Condominiums case study video
• https://www.energizect.com/your-home/solutions-list/Multifamily

• ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager

Wego Wise

• Smart Real Estate Manager's Guide - provides an overview of steps from benchmarking to saving.
• Program Flyer for WegoWise Analytics - resource for NOI and asset value
• Summary of WegoWise Utility Benchmarking and Building Analytics
• WegoWise Property Utility Benchmarking Report
• Energy Disclosure Compliance (WegoWise)

• Eversource MultiFamily Initiative Application
• Eversource Multi-Family Initiative Postcard
• Eversource MultiFamily Initiative Case Study

Eversource Representative

Enoch Lenge, Supervisor, Energy Efficiency
Eversource Energy
107 Selden Street
Berlin, CT 06037
Phone: 860-665-5369
Email: enoch.lenge@eversource.com

C-PACE financing makes green energy upgrades more accessible and affordable to building owners. This innovative financing program is accelerating the green energy movement, and making a positive impact on many different stakeholders across Connecticut. C-PACE is a proven and familiar means of financing, and the Connecticut Green Bank is deeply experienced in making the process go smoothly. For all these reasons, nearly 130 of Connecticut’s 169 towns and cities, including Glastonbury, have chosen to participate in the C-PACE program. Municipalities must pass a resolution and “opt in” to C-PACE to join the program and for their building owners to enjoy the benefits of green energy financing.

C-PACE Stakeholders include:

• Building owners
• Contractors
• Municipalities
• Appraisers
• Mortgage Holders
• Capital Providers

If you fall in one of the stakeholder categories above, click here to learn more about how the C-PACE program can benefit you/your business.

Green building standards - https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/green-building-standards

Invasive species are non-native plants that disrupt natural ecosystems and cause environmental and economic harm by crowding out native plants thereby altering the way that plants, animals, soil and water interact within native ecosystems. The introduction of invasive species often has negative impacts on entire ecosystems in addition to the harm that one plant species experiences.

Town Partnerships

The Town partners with Glastonbury Partners in Planting (GPIP) to educate our citizens about the destruction caused by invasive (or non-native) plants such as Oriental bittersweet, Japanese knotweed, Japanese barberry, mugwort, multiflora rose, garlic mustard and more. Many of these plants are present in backyards and on town property throughout Glastonbury.

Invasive plants cause environmental harm because they crowd out native plants and in the case of Oriental bittersweet, a very aggressive vine, it can girdle trees making them weak and eventually causing them to die. The presence of invasive plants alters the way plants, animals, soil and water interact within native ecosystems. The altered ecosystem is often harmful to other species in addition to the plants that have been crowded out. Invasive plants are often referred to as a form of “biological pollution” that is sweeping through natural minimally managed and cultivated landscapes here in Glastonbury and throughout Connecticut.

Information on identifying and controlling invasive plants is available at the following links. The first link: Invasive Plants in Your Back Yard! A Guide to their Identification and Control, published by the Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District is a highly recommended guide for every property owner.

• GPIP Invasives Information
• GPIP Invasives Journal
• Invasive Plant Walking Tour
• Invasive Plant List
• Native Plants and Pollinator Pathways

The Town and Glastonbury Partners in Planting partner throughout the year on numerous events and initiatives to control and eradicate invasive plants growing in our Town parks.

Invasive Species Resources

Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group: The Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group(CIPWG)’s mission is to provide information about the presence, distribution, ecological impacts, and management of invasive species. CIPWG strives to promote native and non-invasive alternatives. Visit CIPWG’s website to access educational tools, workshops, and to learn more about invasive species removal events throughout CT.  

CT DEEP: The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s invasive species web page offers fact sheets on common invasive species throughout CT and lists additional statute information on invasive species management. Visit their website for more information.

CT Forest & Park Association: The Connecticut Forest & Park Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting forest, parks, walking trails, and open spaces in Connecticut for future generations. The Connecticut Forest & Park Association has produced flash cards on common invasive species in Connecticut complete with descriptions and pictures. Visit the above link to access the flash cards.

For additional information about low impact development, please visit the following resources:

• CT Nemo Program: The Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO) Program provides information, education and assistance to local land use officials and other community groups on how they can accommodate growth while protecting natural resources and community character. Please visit the NEMO Program website for more information on NEMO sponsored training sessions, LID mapping and more.
• University of Connecticut CLEAR The Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR) oversees the NEMO program and works with communities to protect water quality through better land use practices. Visit the CLEAR website for more information on rain garden training sessions, LID mapping and more.
• US Environmental Protection Agency: The U.S. EPA Nonpoint Source Outreach (NPS) Toolbox is designed to help state and local agencies educate the public on nonpoint resources. Please visit the NPS website for outreach materials, media campaigns and more. 
• University of New Hampshire Stormwater Center: The University of New Hampshire Stormwater Center is dedicated to the protection of water resources through effective stormwater management.
• Sustainable CT LID Brochure:This brochure was developed by Sustainable CT and offers descriptions and examples of potential LID projects and also offers additional resources for communities looking to invest in LID.  

Objective: Fully evaluate land use and development activities to minimize environmental impact and to protect and enhance natural resources through open space preservation. A primary component of this objective includes improvement of surface and subsurface water quality.

Conservation Activities to Date Include:

• Plan of Conservation and Development sets guidelines for development practices to protect the Town’s natural resources and the environment. 
• Land use proposals are reviewed to create environments that encourage healthy living choices.
• Updated and widely distributed “Glastonbury Grown” brochure to encourage purchase of locally grown products.
• Successful and longstanding efforts as part of the Land Acquisition and Preservation Program, established in 1988.
• Updated the Town’s Aquifer Protection Regulations to further protect water sources utilized by drinking water wells in Town.  More Info
• Continued establishment of conservation easements as part of development proposal review and permitting processes.
• Developed Storm Water Management Plans for Town-owned industrial sites to improve the quality of storm water discharges.
• Developed Spill Prevention and Counter Measure Plans for Town facilities containing above ground fuel storage tanks which outline measures to be taken to prevent or minimize impacts to receiving waters in the event of an accidental spill.
• Continued use of Integrated Pest Management principles in the care of turf areas to reduce water consumption and minimize use of herbicides and pesticides.

Objective: Implement work practices and employ procurement processes that reduce natural resource consumption, improve air quality, and educate the community on the means and benefits of sustainable practices. Examples include:

• Implemented internet auction sales for recycling and revenue generation of surplus vehicles and equipment. More Info
• Leveraging technology and document management/storage software for electronic record-keeping and service delivery processes and reduction of paper waste - e.g. web-based e-recording of land records, building permits, etc.
• Recycle scrap metal and other various materials at Town Transfer Station for revenue. More Info
• Purchase electricity, natural gas and motor fuels through competitive cooperative purchasing programs; participate in other government co-ops when in the Town’s best interest.
• Employ green cleaning practices and products to maintain Town facilities including the purchase of chemicals certified by Green Seal, EcoLogo, or the California Air Resources Board, as appropriate.
• Procure new appliances and office equipment with Energy Star ratings.
• Installed bike racks at various Town facilities allowing residents to choose non-motorized means of transportation.
• Implemented environmentally friendly procedures for Integrated Pest Control.
• Utilize environmentally friendly products and systems to reduce waste, including Smart Systems (paper towel dispensers, soap dispensers, faucets, toilets and lighting), "green" building products - e.g. paint, sheet rock, insulation, floor coverings, window treatments, etc., and products made from recycled materials for park amenities - e.g. benches.
• Educate Town employees on power saving initiatives.

Click here to view the town's Sustainable Purchasing Policy.

Objective: Employ practices which increase the overall fleet fuel efficiency and use alternative fuels and means of transport that reduce vehicular emissions and dependence on petroleum products.

Objective: Reduce the amount of waste generated and maximize the amount of materials recycled as practicable. Glastonbury has numerous programs and seasonal events to encourage recycling in the community. Visit the Recycling Programs page for more information.

Water conservation, the practice of using water efficiently to reduce unnecessary usage, is essential as fresh, clean water is a limited resource. Glastonbury, through our Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD), emphasizes the importance of conserving this natural resource through policies related to aquifer protection and wetlands and watercourse preservation. Aquifers are essential drinking water sources for areas of Town not serviced by public water. The Town has longstanding policies in the POCD pursuant to aquifer protection and has had zoning regulations in place since 1996 for the protection of groundwater. Wetlands and Watercourses are also essential to the environment and help recharge and purify groundwater. To supplement these policies, the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency works to protect this valuable resource through the land use decision-making process.

The CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reports that a typical shower uses 25 gallons of water and normal dish washing uses 30 gallons!* With day-to-day activities having such a significant impact on water use, it’s imperative that we each do our part to conserve water whenever possible. There are many simple ways to reduce water usage in your home and business, including the following:

• Turn water off while shaving or brushing your teeth
• Take short showers and fill the tub halfway when bathing small children
• Repair leaky faucets and toilets promptly 
• Wash and peel fruits & vegetables using a bowl of water rather than running the faucet
• Fill your dishwasher/laundry machine completely rather than running small loads
• Water the lawn or garden during the coolest part of the day (early morning is best). Avoid watering on windy days and when rain is in the forecast. You can also keep your lawn length a little longer to avoid the need to water more frequently.
• Sweep your driveway / garage to remove debris rather than using a hose
• Take the Watershed Pledge!

For a more comprehensive list of water conservation tips and resources, please view "Tips for Conserving Water" on the CT DEEP website. Interested residents can also view the State Water Status here.