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This is reflected in the priority this topic has been given in previous planning efforts. Throughout the current planning work, people have pushed on topics of climate adaptation, climate action, renewable energy sources, ecological protection and sustainable development. This reflects a deep underlying value and desire to see Keene be a responsible community. As the climate changes, adaption will be essential. Urban environments will need to be designed to handle a hotter world, and more intense climate events. There will be a need to provide infrastructure to help transition to carbon neutral transport and energy systems. Keene has an opportunity to build on the existing solid work and move the community to a more resilient and sustainable future.
Below is what we know so far (from the community visioning phase of the comprehensive master planning process):
The environmental stewardship focus offers a way to take a proactive and positive approach and think creatively about ways to improve Keene’s community amenities while enhancing the environment. The exciting challenge is to create urban landscapes that are highly livable and appealing to people, while also enhancing and improving the environment.
Keene is fortunate to have fantastic landscapes, ecosystems, and natural resources. These are a key part to the community value proposition and appeal, and should be further enhanced and nurtured through this Comprehensive Master Planning process.
As cities across the world grapple with the effects of climate change paired with the challenges of transitioning to green energy, opportunities are arising for municipalities looking to become more resilient and sustainable. Due to its history of environmental stewardship, Keene is well positioned to take advantage of these new opportunities.
Reduction in GHG emissions from the energy sector happens in two ways, shifting to renewable energy production and the reduction of energy use.
Due to Keene’s older housing stock, weatherization and energy efficiency improvements have the potential to greatly reduce emissions. The 2015 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory identified that even though the number of households increased by 4% between 1995-2015, residential energy consumption increased by 20%.
On the other hand, completing the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy is a priority for the community. However, the public is concerned about expanding green energy production in ways that does not consume open space and productive agricultural lands. Therefore, regulating and incentivizing ways to concentrate energy production like solar onto rooftops and parking lots will be essential in boosting energy production while conserving undeveloped land. Maryland created its Solar Canopy and Dual Use Technology Grant Program for this reason.
Keene is a community that is attractive to many people. Knowing that there are a range of views on this topic, we are keen to hear your comments about the future trajectory of the city.
For more information about the Keene Comprehensive Master Plan Project, please contact:
Mari Brunner, Senior Planner
City of Keene
3 Washington Street
Keene, NH 03431
(603)352-5440
mbrunner@keenenh.gov
David Beurle
Chief Executive Officer
Future iQ
(612)757-9190
david@future-iq.com
Future iQ® provides customized research and planning services to governments, communities, corporations and industry groups. Please contact us to discuss our services.
3 Comments
I love that environmental conservation and climate action are so important to the people of Keene. It makes me very proud of my hometown.
The important thing about sustainable thinking is that it permeates every aspect of citywide decision-making, and Keene is, to a large extent, making that happen. We must remember to remain vigilant as outside, short-term pressures encourage poor long-term environmental decisions.
Energy efficiency and sustainability are crucial to ensuring we have a resilient community. This pillar transcends all the other pillars. For example, housing affordability is tied to how energy efficient homes are and access to renewable energy sources that aren’t as susceptible to ever increasing energy costs. The same is true for our businesses and organizations that drive our local economy.
We are in a state that is making short sighted decisions in this area and as a state we have fallen far behind all the other states in New England. We have some the highest energy costs and lowest percentage of renewable energy generation in the country. This puts our businesses at a competitive disadvantage due to higher costs and takes money out of residents pockets that could otherwise be spent supporting the local economy. We must continue to make progress on sustainability and energy efficiency to remain a vibrant and resilient community for years to come.
What is going to happen to the Bent Ice House part next to the new dam on Wilson Pond? The rather steep slopes would make a great pollinator garden and eliminate the need for mowing it. There may be some local volunteers that could plant and maintain it.