Andover Residents Asked To Fill Out Climate, Sustainability Survey

ANDOVER, MA — The Town of Andover has announced the release of a survey that will be used for the development of the town's first Climate Action and Sustainability Plan.

The Climate Action & Sustainability Plan Survey is available online and will take about 10 minutes to complete, according to town officials. Responses must be submitted by April 5.

Town officials said they are looking to gather input from students, businesses, renters and homeowners about the community's climate and sustainability priorities. Ultimately, the town said it hopes to receive input from at least 1,000 residents about the plan, some of that through the survey.

The Climate Action Plan, officials said, is designed to achieve long-term and interim emissions reduction goals that align with the state's Clean Energy and Climate Plan. The latter is designed to incrementally reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050.

Andover officials said the Climate Action Plan is intended to incorporate climate resilience best practices and ensure that diversity, equity and inclusion are incorporated into all proposed climate actions.

"The Climate Action and Sustainability Plan will provide a comprehensive roadmap for reducing greenhouse emissions in Andover in the decades ahead," said Joyce Losick-Yang, Andover's director of sustainability.

Losick-Yang continued: "This survey is a convenient way to participate in the development of the plan and to ensure that it aligns with the vision and priorities of the community. We urge all residents to take a moment and weigh in on this important process to make sure that the plan reflects a diverse range of viewpoints."

According to Andover officials, the development of the Climate Action Plan is being guided by a steering committee that features members of the community who have expertise in sustainability and resilience.

A kickoff meeting was held in December where residents were given an overview of the development process for the Climate Action and Sustainability Plan.

Anybody with questions about that process or the survey, or who would like to get involved with Andover's sustainability efforts, can reach out to Losick-Yang at joyce.losickyang@andoverma.us.