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Date: 1/30/2024
AMHERST — The town of Amherst has launched its sustainability focused community dashboard, available online to those interested in the town’s climate friendly efforts.
Available as of Jan. 29, the site provides information and percentages concerning community emissions, building energy consumption as well as weatherization and decarbonization.
Stephanie Ciccarello, Amherst’s director of sustainability, said the page is the go-to location for those seeking information on what the town is doing.
“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 regard to sustainability and climate action,” she said. “It also features recommendations on what residents can do and how to become involved in addressing climate change.”
The town made use of American Rescue Plan Act funds for the site, which was developed by Boston-based KLA Associates. Amherst’s Energy and Climate Action Committee and staff developed the dashboard’s Climate Action, Adaptation and Resilience Plan, under the direction of Linnean Solutions, Inc. of Cambridge.
Sector plans within the dashboard provide breakdowns of current or planned initiatives while sections and subsection offer guideless for residents on the reduction of fossil fuels in their community.
Town Manager Paul Bockelman praised Amherst’s efforts to address climate change and sustainability, including the goal set by the Town Council of achieving 100% carbon neutrality by 2050.
“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 said. “This website is a great representation of how a community that works collaboratively across all sectors can achieve success.”
The website is located at: sustainabilitydashboard.amherstma.gov/.