Climate Smart Kingston assigns leads and homework for 2025 goals

Climate Smart Kingston members reviewed a circulated list of proposed 2025 initiatives on Feb. 26 and assigned commissioners and staff to research next steps and return with proposals at the April meeting.

The discussion, led by Julie Noble, chair of Climate Smart Kingston and a Parks Department staffer, focused on eight new initiatives the commission had previously identified: benchmarking/building performance standards, solar readiness for new construction, ED (electrification-ready) building codes, PACE and other financing mechanisms, community gardens/local food support, battery storage, clean mobility (bike/e-bike programs) and municipal building electrification. Commissioners discussed whether items should be pursued directly by the commission, supported as a partner to city departments, or referred to other county or regional bodies for action.

The commission’s agenda item began with a staff-prepared spreadsheet mapping each initiative to the city’s Climate Action Plan and to Climate Smart Communities program elements. Noble said she populated roles and actions only for items discussed at the meeting and wanted the group to…