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Columbia Association crafting plan for getting eco-friendlier
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BALTIMORE (Map, News) - The Columbia Association has replaced hundreds of light bulbs and purchased hybrid vehicles, and now officials are developing a comprehensive plan to be more environmentally friendly.
“Every time we do something, we have to think about going green, whether it’s the ceiling tiles we install or the amount of insulation [we use] when we renovate our facilities,” said Dennis Mattey, assistant director for the CA’s Open Space division.
The homeowners association has developed a plan for going green, which must be approved by the CA board, outlining ways to reduce energy use and boost sustainable land maintenance practices, such as converting mowed areas into meadows or wooded areas.
Also included in the plan is setting up a CA committee to take the lead on green initiatives and designating a staff member to attend conferences and workshops, according to a memo from CA President Maggie Brown to a board committee.
By 2010, the CA will survey four facilities to establish a baseline of energy use, the memo states. This will allow the organization to reduce energy consumption by 15 percent within three years.
Four more facilities will be surveyed each following year until all facilities have been evaluated.
Earlier this month, the Howard County government announced plans to develop a countywide greenhouse gas inventory, which will serve as a baseline for developing a climate action plan for reducing emissions.
Cathy Hudson, a member of the county’s Environmental Sustainability Board, said the CA’s push to develop its own plan is “appropriate,” just as many organizations and homeowners are evaluating their energy use.
But groups must work together, Hudson said.
“The problems are so similar, and we need to encourage each other,” she said.
smichael@baltimoreexaminer.com
Comments from Examiner Readers
7:22 AM MST on Wed., Aug. 29, 2007 re: "Residents question CA salaries, bonuses"
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12:27 PM MST on Tue., Aug. 28, 2007
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12:51 PM MST on Fri., May. 4, 2007
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Examiner Reader said:
Sounds like Mr. Hekimian wants Ms. Browns job. Is she making more money than him?
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King said:
Columbia is run by a homeowners association? News to me.....What a stupid decsion to buy a home there....you still pay taxes right? and you pay thiis too? Lovely.
178 agree | 158 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Columbia no longer needs the CA, we've outgrown it. We need a mayor, city and be run like a real city instead of a homeowners association.
191 agree | 185 disagree
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