The Epping Story

The Town of Epping

Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Design

The Epping Planning Board embarked upon this task with the simple question about the role of a community toward being economically sustainable and promoting the protection of the global environment. 

Article 22, an Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Design ordinance, was placed on the town warrant in March 2007.  The ordinance was similar to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) in terms of compliance process.  There is a point score system which is based off of the square footage of a building.  The larger the square footage, the more points the building will need.  Points are given based on a variety of energy efficiencies.  Some examples include HVAC efficiencies, building orientation, reduction in water usage, source of building materials, daylighting and production of onsite electricity.   

For Epping, significant importance was placed on distributed generation, which generally is not included in the limited number of green ordinances around the country.  The ordinance leaves room for onsite generation of energy to include solar, wind, cogeneration and any other innovative method.  The Planning Board wants to get developers to think about energy efficiency at the pre-design stage.  Steps were taken to simplify the point system for a small community.  By simplifying the point system, it is easier for residents and small business owners to understand.  The Board was also concerned that a gentle approach was necessary with the introduction of the ordinance since Epping is the first small community in the nation to take this step. 

In researching the issue before the ordinance was placed on the warrant, the Epping Planning Board looked at two developments in town; the WS Goodrich Brick Company new showroom and the Toyota dealership relocation to Epping from Stratham.  Both organizations predict a significant benefit in energy cost savings.  The Board also met with people from Jordan Institute and with Steven Winter from the Steven Winter and Associates, past President of the US Green Building Council.   

To get the ordinance passed, a massive education campaign was completed to confront issues of cost, flexibility, and benefits.   

The ordinance was passed by a vote of 700-606 on March 13, 2007. 

The next step Epping is taking is to look at our municipal buildings.  The Board is considering energy efficiency upgrades for the Town Hall and the school administrative building (SAU) With upgraded fixtures, new windows, and upgraded boiler systems to cogeneration units, the Board is hoping to achieve a 35% reduction in annual energy costs.