Energy-saving plans for 'Green Community'

By Brock Parker, Globe Correspondent

A day after being named one of the state’s 35 “Green Communities,” Arlington officials said there are additional plans in the works to make the town even more energy efficient.

Town Manager Brian Sullivan said in a press release Wednesday that the recognition from the state shows that the town has already demonstrated a commitment to being environmentally friendly.

“It also puts the Town in the position to further reach energy reduction goals, through access to State grant dollars for green energy projects,” Sullivan said.

Governor Deval Patrick named Arlington one of the state’s first official “Green Communties” Tuesday, making the town eligible to apply for a portion of $8.1 million in additional grant funding for energy efficient projects.

Arlington met all five clean energy benchmarks set by the program, including the recent adoption of the energy-saving building “stretch code” by Town Meeting.

Sullivan said being named a Green Community will also allow the town to pursue more projects.

Working with Sustainable Arlington, Arlington officials are now planning to apply for grants to fund projects that will reduce energy consumption and increase efficiency, including a proposal to convert high pressure sodium streetlights to more energy efficient LED streetlights. The town is also hoping to secure grant funding for energy management and heating systems at the Hardy School and Arlington High School.