Wayland climate panel pursues Green SchoolWorks grant, lines up summer building upgrades

WAYLAND — January 21, 2026 — Wayland climate panel races February grant deadline for middle school heat pump. The Energy and Climate Committee on Jan. 21 mapped a multi-grant strategy: a Green SchoolWorks application centered on a roughly $300,000 heat pump water heater at the middle school, and a Climate Leaders bid of up to $1.15 million focused on non-school town buildings, due in August. Facilities Manager Julie Gagnon said Rise Engineering will walk every town building before April to capture expiring Mass Save lighting incentives. Sustainability Coordinator Olivia Lizardo said HomeWorks is targeting 200 home energy assessments, 100 insulation installs and 20-30 heat pump installs in town. Chair Ellen Tohn floated a second ESCO contract, noting the prior $2.4 million package yielded 39 capital projects. Members approved December minutes and named Neil Gordon vice chair.