Delivering on a call from citizens across Norwalk, Walter Briggs and Common Council candidate Marc Bradley announced their commitment to implement a “green building” program in their first term in office.

“As a coastal community, Norwalk must lead the way in establishing green building practices,” said Briggs. Noting the inclusion of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards in the Master Plan, he added “Our city buildings should be the first under the microscope – we’re paying unnecessary costs because of a failure to address these problems in a timely fashion.”

Describing his term as Chair of Norwalk’s Planning Commission, Briggs noted that “I listened to Norwalk’s residents, who were clear that we need a long-term vision for making our city environmentally sound. We can set the bar higher, which will benefit Norwalk’s environment and economic health at the same time.”

Marc Bradley, an At-Large Common Council candidate who has worked professionally in energy conservation, agrees.

“As one of the largest cities in the state, we need to make sure that our city is leading the way in energy efficiency and in implementing greener technologies. This is not simply a matter of cleaning up our air or doing our part to curb global warming — this is about smart government and saving Norwalk’s taxpayers’ money.”

Added Bradley, “By evaluating our existing municipal buildings and schools, and ensuring that all new development meet LEED energy standards, Norwalk can potentially save over 10% in energy costs.”

The candidates also pledged to follow through on the Master Plan’s promise of enacting a Renewable Energy Plan, including biofuels and other sources such as solar and wind power.

“Creative thinking can turn back rising energy costs,” said Briggs. “The plan we put together for Oyster Shell Park is a great example of how conservation and renewable energy can be included in an attractive and accessible public space.” The park is “off the grid,” meaning that it draws no power from the city’s energy infrastructure, and as Briggs noted, “in time, this kind of project can even turn into a plus on our city’s balance sheet, as we provide energy to the surrounding community.”