Elon Sustainability Committee forms subcommittee to draft benchmarks and policy

The Elon Sustainability Committee voted unanimously on May 28 to form a subcommittee to draft a town sustainability policy and 5–10-year benchmarks to prioritize projects based on cost and payback. The motion was offered by Adam Shaw and seconded by Kelly Harer and passed 5-0.

Chair Dennis Pagano said the committee’s goal is “to promote sustainability by conserving resources and improving the quality of life of citizens as a whole.” Pagano and other members discussed using a resolution or similar overarching goal to help secure resources and guide future allocations.

Members noted existing plans and frameworks that could inform the town’s work. Kelly Harer pointed to Elon University’s 10-year Master Sustainability Plan as a model, and Audrey Nott recommended the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a possible framework to shape benchmarks. Randy Orwig, the Town Council liaison, said the town should set its own goals first and have the town manager evaluate whether those goals are realistic before forwarding recommendations to the council.

Town Manager Rich Roedner cautioned that major projects compete with other capital needs and that constrained revenues make large investments harder; he said the town’s budget distinguishes maintenance from capital projects and that borrowing or reallocation may be required for larger items.

The subcommittee membership was set as Brian Kennedy, Audrey Nott and Chair Dennis Pagano, with Adam Shaw and Kelly Harer serving in rotation. The committee directed the subcommittee to draft a policy and propose measurable benchmarks to present to the full committee and, eventually, the Town Council.