CAP Governance Action Dashboard

Governance is one of six pathways in Wellesley’s Climate Action Plan (CAP). The CAP Governance Action Dashboard tracks progress on implementing CAP governance actions. Each action supports a CAP goal and strategy. The dashboard indicates the status of each action (“not started,” “in progress,” “implemented”) and provides numerical values for metrics associated with each pathway. Scroll down to view action status and metrics.  

Jump to Governance Action Status

Jump to Governance Metrics

Governance Action Status

Governance Pathway Small
0
Not Started
13
In Progress
2
Implemented


Goal 1: Town government leads by example and is accountable for implementation of the Climate Action Plan.

Goal 2: Climate action beyond town borders supports progress toward Wellesley’s climate goals. 

Goal 3: Methane emissions from natural gas infrastructure are reduced.

Goal 4: Municipal systems and infrastructure are resilient to impacts of climate change.

Strategy 1: Integrate sustainability into the policies and executive operations of the town.

Change Town Bylaws so that the Sustainability Director reports directly to Executive Director of General Government Services.
Details: The change in reporting structure was approved by 2022 Annual Town Meeting.
Lead Departments: Climate Action, Select Board
Status: Implemented
Work with IT to establish web-based dashboard to track Climate Plan progress to provide information, accountability, and transparency.
Details: The dashboard provides details on completed and ongoing work for each CAP action as well as metrics related to each CAP pathway.
Lead Departments: Climate Action, Information Technology
Status: Implemented

Strategy 2: Integrate sustainability and resilience into systems and processes.

Incorporate GHG reductions and other sustainability considerations into the budget process, including capital planning and prioritization.
Details: Multiple departments are incorporating GHG emissions considerations into their capital and budget planning as required by the Climate Resolution passed by 2020 Annual Town Meeting. Facilities Management's capital planning incorporated electrification of the new Hardy and Hunnewell elementary schools, Town Hall interior renovation, and Warren Recreation Building HVAC replacement project. DPW is now budgeting for transitioning its vehicle fleet and landscaping equipment to all-electric. 
Lead Departments: Climate Action
Status: In Progress
Develop an evaluation framework/tool to assist departments with sustainability analysis of proposed projects and initiatives.
Details: Launched an initiative to identify a climate champion in each department to work with the Climate Action Office to customize a previously drafted evaluation framework.
Lead Departments: Climate Action
Status: In Progress

Strategy 3: Engage the community in a town-wide effort to implement the Climate Plan.

Launch a program to coordinate community education and engage the public in initiatives to support Climate Action  Plan implementation.
Details: Community education and engagement take many forms including in-person events, webinars, and digital and print communication. Webinars on topics such as heat pumps, electric vehicles, materials management, sustainable landscaping, new policies. In person events include: EV Showcase and Test Drive events, tabling, presentations, and the Climate Action Passport at Wellesley Wonderful Weekend.  The Town is developing an Energy Coach program and a comprehensive Climate Action website that will assist community members in taking climate action.
Lead Departments: Climate Action, Municipal Light Plant
Status: In Progress
Continue to enhance climate change and sustainability education through Wellesley Public Schools’ curriculum, activities, and operations.
Details: Development of Municipal Sustainable Building Guidelines and the application of these guidelines in two new schools. The opening of these schools promises education for building occupants and residents at large. Recycling and food waste diversion in schools; efforts to increase bus ridership and promote Safe Routes to School; 8th grade sustainable building project, STEAM Month 2022.
Lead Departments: Wellesley Public Schools, Facilities Management, Climate Action
Status: In Progress
Coordinate messaging concerning Climate Action Plan implementation and related sustainability measures with Public Information Officer and relevant town departments.
Details: Sustainability Director works closely with Public Information Officer, DPW, MLP, and NRC to coordinate sustainability messaging.
Lead Departments: Climate Action
Status: In Progress

Strategy 4: Pursue local and regional partnerships and support climate-friendly state rules and policies.

Collaborate with other communities to build local and regional decarbonization efforts.
Details: Wellesley CAC members actively engage in the MAPC Regional EV Working Group, Massachusetts Climate Action Network, MA Building Electrification Accelerator, ZeroCarbonMA, Multi-town Gas Leaks Initiative, Charles River Chamber of Commerce Environmental Committee, and the Town of Wellesley engages with MWRTA, MBTA, and MPO to improve regional transportation.
Lead Departments: Multiple  Departments
Status: In Progress
Identify and evaluate opportunities to advocate for state laws and policies that will further Climate  Action Plan goals and other sustainability priorities.
Details: Advocated for the Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind, Municipal Opt-in Specialized Building Energy Code, and most recently for three bills in the state legislature: H.3137/SD.2603 An Act relative to intervenors and utility work, S.2105/H.3203 An Act relative to the future of clean heat in the Commonwealth, and S.452/H.869 An Act establishing the Municipal Reforestation Program.
Lead Departments:  Climate Action
Status: In Progress

Strategy 5: Adopt a triage and transition approach to reducing methane emissions.

Identify and track gas leaks in Wellesley, particularly the highest volume leaks that have the greatest environmental impact.
Details: This is a goal of the recently formed Gas Leaks Working Group; Planning a "gas leaks safari"
Lead Departments: Wellesley Gas Leaks Working Group (Climate Action, DPW, NRC)
Status: In Progress
Advocate with National Grid for repair of Wellesley’s highest volume leaks.
Details: Wellesley advocates with National Grid through the Multi-town Gas Leaks Initiative.
Lead Departments: Wellesley Gas Leaks Working Group (Climate Action, DPW, NRC)
Status: In Progress
Advocate at the state level for repair of gas leaks, including highest volume leaks, to reduce methane emissions during state transition to fossil-fuel-free alternatives.
Details: A CAC member participates in the Gas Transition Allies ; CAC recent advocacy for S.2105/H.3203 An Act relative to the future of clean heat in the Commonwealth which proposes to require natural gas utilities develop a plan to transition away from sales of natural gas.
Lead Departments: Wellesley Gas Leaks Working Group (Climate Action, DPW, NRC)
Status: In Progress
Educate the public about methane emissions and about safe, fossil-fuel-free alternatives for heating, cooling, and cooking.
Details: To be determined
Lead Departments: Wellesley Gas Leaks Working Group (Climate Action, DPW, NRC)
Status: Not Started

Strategy 6: Identify municipal actions to build resilience.

Develop a Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Details: The Select Board hired a consultant to develop a Hazard Mitigation Plan in coordination with multiple Town departments and other stakeholders. A draft plan was completed in July 2023 for public review and comment, and the Town is waiting for approval by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Lead Departments: Select Board
Status: In Progress
Strengthen emergency preparedness and communications to reach the public in Wellesley, as recommended in the Town’s 2020 Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Summary of Findings Report.
Details: The Town of Wellesley is working to strengthen its communication with the public by refreshing its website in 2022 for improved navigation and  for expanding its presence and reach to residents on social media.
Lead Departments: Select Board
Status: In Progress

Governance Metrics

Acronym Key:

GHG emissions = greenhouse gas emissions

EVs = electric vehicles

MLP = Municipal Light Plant;  DPW = Department of Public Works;  WPS = Wellesley Public Schools

BETR = Building Energy Tracking and Reporting program

MSBG = Municipal Sustainable Building Guidelines