Wayland economic panel delays vote on specialized energy code

WAYLAND — March 15, 2024 — Wayland's Economic Development Committee held off on endorsing a specialized energy code town meeting article. Energy and Climate Committee co-chair Ellen Tohn and Sustainability Manager Abby Schuette told the panel the opt-in code, already backed by the Finance Committee 4-1, the Select Board 5-0 and the Permanent Municipal Building Committee 4-0, would take effect Jan. 1, 2025 and push new construction toward all-electric systems, with solar required for mixed-fuel buildings. Tohn said 32 communities have adopted it and that Wayland's Energy Committee has brought in roughly $1.6 million in grants, leveraged $7 million in private investment, and saves the town about $250,000 a year through solar. Member Brad warned the town is "so starved for new companies coming in" that adding requirements could backfire, and asked whether commercial provisions could be split out. Chair Rebecca M. Stanizzi said the committee would revisit the article April 12.