Healthy Buildings & Renewable Energy

The way we generate and consume energy is at the core of climate change. Today, the majority of our energy consumption relies on fossil fuels, such as oil or gas for heating buildings, and electricity generated by fossil-fuel based power plants. Using less energy in our buildings and transitioning to renewable sources is key to addressing climate change.

Be Part of the Solution

BY THE NUMBERS

29%

of total emissions comes from operating homes and 20% comes from businesses. Most of these emissions are from fossil fuels used for heat.

61%

of homes use fuel oil or kerosene for heat, 13% use propane, and 14% use natural gas

314

heat pump rebates and 79 weatherization rebates were issues to Yarmouth residents from Efficiency Maine in 2022

Buildings in Yarmouth, including both homes and commercial buildings, accountfor 50% of our total emissions. This includes emissions from the electricity weuse, as well as from the fuel used to heat them.

To reduce emissions from buildings, we need to maximize the efficiency of new and existing buildings, minimize climate impacts from construction and renovation, and ensure homes and businesses are powered, heated, and cooled by renewable energy sources, such as solar. The Town can tackle the first two steps by promoting weatherization and thoughtful retention and reuse of building materials for residential and commercial buildings in town.

The state’s efforts to supply the electricity grid fully from renewable sources by 2050 will reduce emissions from operating buildings. At the same time, reliability of the grid will become even more critical. The Town can support reliable and resilient electrical infrastructure through evaluating opportunities for battery storage, distributed generation, micro-grids, and supporting related state policies.To prepare for the expected impacts of climate change, buildings in Yarmouth must also be resilient to heavier storms, potential flooding, and bigger temperature swings

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

317 Main Community Music Center, the beloved hub in the heart of the village, expanded its rooftop solar array as part of its recent “Raise the Barn” campaign. According to Director of Finance Edward Tittmann, “Solar was a bit of a no-brainer. The system provides $8,000 worth of electricity at today’s prices, working out to a risk-free 10-year payoff.” Yarmouth residents, businesses, and nonprofits can take advantage of federal incentives which make renewable energy projects even more cost-effective.

RECENT PROGRESS

Viable sites for community solar assessed by CEES
All town street lights LED, reducing energy consumption by 64% and saving 81% in annual operating costs
92% of the Town and school’s current electricity use is produced with Maine solar energy through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
Established an Affordable Housing Committee and Historic Preservation Committee, with related Town ordinances passed

Our action plan

The Climate Action Plan has goals, strategies, and actions that address maximizing efficiency in our existing buildings while encouraging our transition to a renewable and resilient energy future.

Read the Plan

Be part of the solution.

Homeowner Incentives

See rebates and tax credits for efficiency, heat pump systems, and more.

Business Incentives

Explore State programs for businesses of all sizes, including multifamilies.

Solar 101

Learn more about solar energy - including the available rebates and tax credits that can lower upfront costs.

Renter Resources

Cut back on utility bills by making your apartment more energy efficient.

Older Homes

Get tips for maximizing energy efficiency in your older home.

Solar Property Tax Exemption

Learn more about Yarmouth's solar energy exemption.