Green Community

Overview

Since first receiving Green Community designation in 2010, Williamstown has participated in the state program that provides guidance and funding to help municipalities reduce energy use. The designation reflects the Town’s commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmental stewardship. This work is supported by local initiatives such as the COOL Committee, climate action planning efforts, and green building projects.

Town Programs and Partnerships

• Climate Action Plan guides town efforts to achieve net zero emissions. In May 2024, Williamstown’s Net Zero Task Force, an initiative of the COOL Committee, adopted the plan. The document includes plans for the residential, municipal, and institutional/commercial sectors.

• Composting takes place at the Transfer Station where trash and recycling may also be dropped off. Residents with a Transfer Station Permit may drop off food waste at no additional cost, including fruits and vegetables, dairy, meat, and bones. Residents may also contract independently with local businesses:
  • Second Chance Composting
  • Tommy’s Compost Service

• Green Building Projects: Please check back. More information coming soon.

• Home Energy Assessments are available through HomeWorks Energy, which partners with Williamstown to offer assessments at no cost to the homeowner. Find out how to start saving energy and money, which rebates and incentives you qualify for and how to access them so that your energy-efficiency upgrades are as affordable as possible.

• Right to Farm Bylaw legally prioritizes and protects Williamstown’s agricultural heritage by balancing farming needs with development pressures.

• Williamstown’s Solar Field went live in November 2017. The energy credits generated by the site pay for power to municipal buildings, the town’s fire district, streetlights, and the Mount Greylock Regional School District. You can see lifetime and daily energy production of the solar array, information about environmental impact, and more details on SolrenView’s website.

Citizen-led Initiatives

• Bee Friendly Williamstown promotes the preservation and expansion of habitat for insect pollinators in recognition of their essential role in the health of our planet’s ecosystems.
• COOL Committee is a climate action committee that promotes sustainable living practices and inspires community engagement, prompts individual action, and promotes exchange of ideas and practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Energize Williamstown is an initiative of the COOL Committee. Go there to learn how you can take action and report progress you’ve already made to move Williamstown toward net zero.
• Hoosic River Watershed Association (HooRWA) is a citizens’ group that looks after the river.