FREEPORT
Freeport Town Planner Donna Larson is one of 14 Maine business and municipal leaders, legislators, educators and representatives of non-governmental organizations headed to Denmark this month. They will study energy policy, renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Climate Tour: Denmark 2015 will focus on how Maine and local communities can achieve energy independence and prosperity while supporting community sustainability.
The delegation from Maine will engage with Danish business, government and nonprofit leaders to explore opportunities for economic improvement through renewable energy development. The tour runs from Aug. 30 through Sept. 6.
Larson has helped facilitate conservation efforts in Freeport, most notably the Solarize Freeport program that allows residents and buisinesses to buy into solar power through bulk purchasing.
Denmark has reduced its fossil fuel use by more than one-third since 1971, according to supporters of the program.
Climate Tour: Denmark 2015 is focused on cities and towns in Denmark that have community-based initiatives in recycling, biomass, wind and solar. The trip is led by Sue Inches, an independent consultant in business and community development.
“Maine towns want to reduce the financial burden and environmental impact of relying on fossil fuels, and the Denmark program will provide tools and inspiration to do just that,” said Inches in a statement.
Partners in the Denmark project are GrowSmart Maine, Hurley Travel and State of Green, a Danish agency devoted to sharing Denmark’s path to sustainability with visitors from other countries.
GrowSmart Maine’s Annual Meeting on Oct. 20 will feature trip participants sharing their findings. GrowSmart Maine is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to conservation of natural resources, community revitalization and economic development.
“Denmark is a fit with our goal to provide tools to communities that inspire them to provide high quality places to live and work,” said Nancy Smith, GrowSmart executive director.
The trip will stimulate and support specific initiatives such as local climate action plans, and incentives for recycling, renewable and distributed energy.
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