Candidate von Hoffmann supports Connolly petition for net zero construction
I’d like to express my support for the “Connolly petition,” filed Wednesday by 26 Cambridge residents. This citizens zoning petition would require most large building construction projects to meet a standard of net zero emissions of greenhouse gases. It was filed by Cambridge attorney Mike Connolly in conjunction with Green Cambridge, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
I believe that we have a responsibility to make cutting-edge sustainability a top priority for the city. I would like to thank and recognize the many individuals and departments in Cambridge who have already worked tirelessly on environmental issues, including our City Council, city manager, Department of Public Works and our Community Development Department, among others.
I believe, though, that moving forward as a municipality we must take even bolder steps at the government level. Such bold steps can be done thoughtfully and with careful consideration. I believe the Connolly petition is one such step in the right direction.
Key elements of the amendment include a review by the Planning Board to be added to the existing Project Review Special Permit process for traffic and urban design impacts, the encouragement of energy efficiency and onsite renewable energy and, finally, a requirement that all energy consumed on site, beyond renewable energy generated on site, must be from approved renewable sources or offset by verifiable renewable energy credits.
One of the reasons I think this is an excellent amendment is because it requires that developers incorporate the design aspect of creating a net zero building from the start. Designing for a net zero building is admittedly a comprehensive process, particularly in urban settings. As Connolly’s petition describes, though, net zero can be achieved in various ways, and working toward that goal from day one is much easier.
Sustainable systems are intended to mitigate humans’ impact on the natural environment. I work in sustainability management, and I’ve managed multiple projects that have saved both energy and money. I want the city to be a national leader for green job growth, clean energy and innovative solutions to fighting climate change. We have tremendous resources in technology and education here in Cambridge, and I want to capitalize on that strength.
As we move forward in the age of climate change, sustaining the city will require taking actions that are both thoughtful and bold.
Kristen von Hoffmann, candidate for City Council
As Sustainability Manager for the Cambridge Public School Department, she actually knows this subject and is a very credible voice on the matter.
Call it what you will but the petition is nothing more than a Hail Mary pass at the last minute to derail/delay/obstruct development in Kendall Square, and completely squash any chance of Central being developed before it gets a chance. Net zero is a laudible goal and should be approached incrementally. I’m also uncertain that zoning can enforce things like where and from whom I buy energy. If you want to set a goal like California of a net zero policy by 2030 or at least have a conversation about where should be heading; that is super, but a petition isn’t the way to go about it, and it should fail.
Further, that its first signatory is “No Money” should raise the collective eyebrows of anyone who has been to a planning board meeting or city council. I can only hazard a guess that von Hoffman is simply trying to cull the “No Money” vote with this latest pander. I guess you’ve got to do what you can to get those #1’s.
I realize that Cambridge Day needs to shill for they who pay the bills but this nonsense just makes this site read more and more like the funny pages.
Pay the bills?
You mean the $14.99 domain name renewal?
I guess I am not sure what the “obstruction” to development in Kendall or Central or wherever lies in the advocacy for greater standards of building? Performance criteria to meet LEED Gold are already fairly high when it comes to energy efficiency and renewable energy use. This measure takes the next–LOGICAL–step to a resilient development strategy that ALL communities will have to adhere to in the not-too-distant future. Proper legislation, a cooperative and collaborative relationship between the community, the city government, and the developers will ease the hesitation that may arise when introducing criteria but the short and long term effects for both the citizens and the city government to meet an ever growing issue of buildings that will struggle to meet the energy issues that are coming due only reinforces the need for action…and soon. Having leadership moving this type of action forward is the right thing and right time to do so. Kudos.