Amherst home showcases innovative energy-saving technologies – Daily Hampshire Gazette

Report on Residential Contributions to Sustainable Development Goals in Massachusetts

Executive Summary

This report details a case study of a private residence in Amherst, Massachusetts, which exemplifies the practical application of technologies and strategies aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The home, owned by Heather and Dan Sheldon, serves as a model for achieving SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The initiative is contextualized by the “Clean Energy Across America” report from the Environment Massachusetts Research & Policy Center, which highlights a significant statewide movement towards sustainable energy consumption. The case demonstrates how individual actions, supported by state and local policies, contribute to broader sustainability objectives.

Case Study: Amherst Residence as a Model for Sustainable Living

The Sheldon residence in Amherst has integrated numerous upgrades to reduce dependency on non-renewable energy sources, directly contributing to several SDGs.

Energy Generation and Efficiency (SDG 7 & SDG 12)

The home incorporates a comprehensive suite of technologies aimed at ensuring access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy while promoting responsible consumption patterns. These installations reduce the household’s carbon footprint and enhance energy efficiency.

• Solar Panels: Rooftop panels provide approximately half of the home’s energy needs, advancing the use of renewable energy sources.
• Air-Source Heat Pumps: High-efficiency pumps are used for both heating and cooling, replacing traditional fossil fuel-based systems.
• Natural Lighting Systems: Solatubes are installed to bring natural light into interior spaces, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
• Energy-Efficient Appliances: An induction cooktop is utilized in the kitchen to minimize energy use during cooking.
• Heat Recovery Systems: A heat recovery drain, consisting of a copper coil around a drain pipe, captures heat from hot water used in showers and appliances, preheating incoming cold water.
• Structural Improvements: Enhanced attic insulation and comprehensive air sealing, supported by the state’s Mass Save program, minimize energy loss.

Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure (SDG 11 & SDG 13)

To support the transition to sustainable transport systems, the residence has been equipped to accommodate electric vehicles (EVs), a critical component of climate action and building sustainable communities.

• EV Charging Stations: The garage is equipped with outlets, including a 220-volt charger, to power an all-electric and a hybrid vehicle, promoting the decarbonization of personal transport.

State-Level Progress and Policy Implications (SDG 7 & SDG 17)

The efforts of individual households like the Sheldons are part of a larger trend across Massachusetts, fostered by partnerships between citizens, government, and non-profit organizations.

Findings from the “Clean Energy Across America” Report

The report by Environment Massachusetts and the Frontier Group quantifies the state’s progress in adopting clean energy technologies:

1. Over 142,000 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are registered in the state.
2. More than 180,000 homes have installed grid-connected solar power systems.
3. Over 80,000 residents utilized the Residential Clean Energy Credit.
4. More than 23,000 residents claimed the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit.

Policy and Programmatic Support

State and local initiatives are crucial in facilitating this transition, demonstrating effective partnerships for the goals (SDG 17).

• Mass Save Program: Provides financial assistance for energy efficiency upgrades such as insulation and air sealing.
• Utility Rate Adjustments: New heat pump rates on utility bills lower electricity delivery costs for qualifying customers, incentivizing the adoption of clean heating technology.
• Local Government Initiatives: The Town of Amherst, in partnership with neighboring communities, offers the Valley Green Energy program to increase the share of renewable energy for customers and is committed to constructing net-zero municipal buildings.

Challenges and Recommendations for Accelerating SDG Achievement

Identified Barriers

Despite significant progress, several challenges hinder the widespread adoption of sustainable technologies.

• Grid Reliability: The electrical grid’s stability is a concern, as power surges can damage sensitive equipment like heat pumps.
• Regulatory Hurdles: Permitting processes for residential solar and energy storage systems can be slow and costly, discouraging homeowners.

Proposed Solutions and Future Actions

To overcome these barriers and accelerate progress towards the SDGs, targeted actions are recommended.

• Streamline Permitting: Encourage or require local jurisdictions to adopt instant permitting platforms for residential solar and energy storage systems.
• Enhance Grid Infrastructure: Utilities and policymakers must invest in modernizing the electric grid to ensure it is reliable and capable of supporting widespread electrification.
• Continued Investment: Homeowners are planning further improvements, such as window replacements and the installation of battery backup systems, indicating a continued commitment to sustainability that policy should support.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: The article’s central theme is the adoption of clean energy and energy efficiency technologies at the household level. It discusses solar panels for renewable energy generation, and various technologies like heat pumps, improved insulation, and energy-efficient appliances to reduce energy consumption.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The article highlights efforts within the community of Amherst to become more sustainable. This includes individual homeowner actions, local government initiatives like having a director of sustainability, pursuing net-zero public buildings, and inter-town partnerships like the Valley Green Energy program. The adoption of electric vehicles also contributes to reducing the environmental impact of the community.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The article describes a shift in consumption patterns, specifically moving away from reliance on non-renewable energy sources. By investing in technologies that reduce energy use and generate clean power, residents are engaging in more responsible consumption. The mention of government incentives and tax credits also relates to promoting sustainable consumption patterns.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: The underlying motivation for all the actions described in the article is to combat climate change. Reducing dependence on fossil fuels through clean energy and efficiency directly contributes to mitigating climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The article also mentions educational efforts, such as the tour for university students, which raises awareness and builds capacity for climate action.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • The installation of solar panels on the Sheldon’s home and the report’s finding that “more than 180,000 homes have grid-connected solar power” in Massachusetts directly address this target by increasing the share of renewable energy.
2. Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
   • The article details numerous energy efficiency upgrades: “Air-source heat pumps,” “improved insulation in the attic,” “air sealing,” “double-pane windows,” “induction cooktop,” and a “heat recovery drain.” These measures are all aimed at improving energy efficiency in the home.
3. Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities.
   • The use of electric and hybrid vehicles, mentioned as “more than 142,000” in the state, helps reduce air pollution and the carbon footprint of transportation within communities. The town’s goal to build “net-zero buildings” also directly supports this target.
4. Target 12.c: Rationalize inefficient fossil-fuel subsidies… including by restructuring taxation.
   • The article mentions federal incentives that encourage clean energy adoption, which is a form of restructuring taxation to favor sustainable options. It states that “more than 80,000 residents were able to take advantage of the Residential Clean Energy Credit and more than 23,000 claimed the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit.”
5. Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation.
   • The event described, where Heather Sheldon gives a tour of her home to “UMass Masspirg students,” serves as an educational and awareness-raising activity. The release of the “Clean Energy Across America” report by Environment Massachusetts is another example of an effort to inform the public and build capacity for climate action.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article provides several specific quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress.

• Number of homes with renewable energy installations: The article explicitly states that in Massachusetts, “more than 180,000 homes have grid-connected solar power.” This is a direct indicator for progress on renewable energy adoption (Target 7.2).
• Number of clean energy vehicles: The report found there are “more than 142,000 electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids on the state’s roads.” This is a clear indicator of the shift towards sustainable transportation (Target 11.6).
• Uptake of financial incentives for clean energy: The article provides data on the number of residents using federal tax credits: “more than 80,000 residents were able to take advantage of the Residential Clean Energy Credit and more than 23,000 claimed the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit.” This measures the effectiveness of policies promoting responsible consumption (Target 12.c).
• Adoption of energy-efficient technologies: While not providing a statewide number, the article implies that the adoption of technologies like air-source heat pumps, improved insulation, and induction cooktops can be tracked as an indicator of progress towards energy efficiency goals (Target 7.3).
• Implementation of local climate policies: The mention of Amherst having a “director of sustainability,” pursuing “net-zero buildings,” and participating in the “Valley Green Energy electricity program” are qualitative indicators of institutional capacity and policy integration for climate action (Target 13.2).

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Source: gazettenet.com