Lowell Unites for Sustainable Future at 6th Annual Lowell Sustainability Council Summit (11/4/2023)

In a vibrant display of civic engagement and interest in a sustainable future, the 6th Annual Lowell Sustainability Summit convened about 55-65 individuals, spanning city officials, the university, non-profits, activists, students and residents. The summit marked a crucial juncture for Lowell as participants gave collaborative feedback on the city’s sustainability agenda over the next 1-3 years. Attendees discussed and ranked their top priorities for the City of Lowell amongst each other.

Congratulations to the following award winners!

LEADS Youth and Climate Change Action Awards: (photo at left)

• Jisella Sanquiche (plastic waste)

• Penina Mukundi (carbon footprint)

• Tyvohn Matias Mbugua (compost)

• Disha Patel (urban forestry)

Sustainable Lowell Awards (Lowell Sustainability Council:

Lowell Litter Krewe

Rist Institute for Sustainability

Insights from speakers, such as Katherine Moses, newly appointed Sustainability Director, Ruauri O’Mahony of Rist Institute for Sustainability and Jolette Westbrook from Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), enriched discussions. Moses spoke on the City’s progress with municipal energy efficiency upgrades, the current solar project successes, Community Choice Agregation (CCA), and a look ahead for this new city department. O’Mahony shared details about a networked geothermal pilot project in Lowell—one of two Federally-funded pilot programs in the country. He also mentioned that UMass Lowell is offering paid internships to high-school students through the Green Schools Program. Westbrook, who delved into issues regarding community engagement in large-scale energy projects in those communities, emphasized the importance of proactive community involvement.  Notably, she highlighted a new website Community Voices in Energy, a valuable resource for staying informed and engaged in the ongoing dialogue around energy projects and community initiatives, as well as tools and trainings for interested advocates.

John Wooding delivered a thought-provoking keynote, exploring the concept of social capital and its role in building a foundation to achieve the goals we want to achieve as a community. He discussed the importance of finding ways to build norms of reciprocity and trust within Lowell, and to break down the silos within the institutional structures within our community. His suggestion: find low hanging fruit, define projects and work on them instead of just meeting on them. Build social connections, build social capital, define projects, and work on them together.

The political panel discussion included City Council Candidates Erik Gitschier and Wayne Jenness, School Committee candidates Jackie Doherty, Stacey Thompson, Tewksbury Select Board member Jayne Wellman, and State Rep candidate Zoe Dizineku (via Zoom). The conversation touched on challenges in public transportation, funding gaps, collaboration issues, and the need for accessible information.

The 6th Annual Lowell Sustainability Summit served as more than a gathering; it was a collective testament to Lowell’s commitment to forging a sustainable path forward. The event not only showcased the community’s shared vision for a greener future but also underscored the collaborative efforts required to transform Lowell into a modern, sustainable post-industrial city.