Energy and Environment

As of January 4, 2023, the Penfield Town Board has combined the Penfield Energy and Environmental Advisory Committee and the Conservation Board to form the Energy and Environmental Conservation Committee (EECC). This webpage is now inactive and serves as a historical reference. For the most current information, please visit the EECC page.


The Penfield Town Board passed a resolution to create the Penfield Energy and Environmental Advisory Committee on January 6, 2010. The group held its first meeting in February 2010; since then, it has continued to meet regularly.

The purpose of the advisory committee is to build on the work the Town has done to lower its energy consumption and costs to taxpayers and to promote responsible stewardship of the environment by the Town and its residents. Areas of focus include public education and awareness, environmental stewardship, reduced energy consumption, use of natural landscapes and gardens, and recycling.

"This advisory committee will further the work of the Town to reduce its use of resources and help residents reduce their own energy consumption and expenses. Our motivated citizens and staff will focus on understanding behaviors, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities so all of Penfield can benefit from better stewardship of natural resources," said former Supervisor Tony LaFountain.

The Penfield Energy and Environmental Advisory Committee will also leverage the Town's work on energy audits, energy stimulus grant funding, and internal efforts to create a resource-savvy culture. See Agendas and Minutes for meeting dates. The public is welcome to attend.

Video Archive

Energy and Environmental Advisory Committee Meetings  
The Electric Car: The Future is Here Recorded September 29, 2014: Bob Kanauer of LTHS Solar will discuss the history, design, and growing popularity of the electric car, as well as pros and cons, and the future of the electric car. 
Solar Photovoltaic System Recorded November 3. 2014: Ram Shrivastava from Larsen Engineers will talk about how Solar PV Systems work, tie into the electrical grid, and what makes a good site for the installation of solar panels. Also learn about the cost, NYSERDA incentives available, and tax credits.
Raingardens and Stormwater Management Recorded October 6, 2014: Town of Penfield Planning Department Head Mark Valentine, and landscape consultant Bruce Zaretsky of Zaretsky Assoc., Inc. will talk about how rain gardens can turn a wet spot in your yard into an attractive and useful feature for managing water on your property. They can also be a habitat for birds and beneficial insects while keeping clean fresh rainwater out of the sewer system. 
Recycling & Creatively Reusing in Monroe County Recorded September 22, 2014: Representatives from Monroe County’s Solid Waste division talk about how recycling works in Monroe County, and then Deb Muratore from Greenovation will demonstrate some ways to creatively reuse products that have outlived their original purpose.
Ten Practical Steps to Reduce Carbon Living Recorded October 20, 2014: Whether you want to save the planet or just save some money, there are practical things we all can do to reduce our carbon footprint. Environmental Engineer Cynette Cavaliere will share 10+ simple things we can do to reduce emissions, energy use, and waste.
Butterfly Garden and Wildlife Habitats Recorded October 27, 2014: Bruce Zaretsky of Zaretsky Associates will talk about an essential part of our ecosystem – butterflies. Learn how butterflies are important to our environment and how you can create your own butterfly-attracting garden using plants right outside your door. Tim Fowler of the Seneca Park Zoo will explain the basics of the Butterfly.
Electric Car Charging - Community Center Grand Opening Recorded April 28, 2012: The event also features an electric car show from a local Rochester Group. This charging station was the first to be activated in Monroe County.
Solar Powered Sewer Pump Station - Maple Park Heights off Creek Street Recorded May of 2012: This particular pump station was chosen because its small size makes it a manageable project and an ideal introductory step towards using renewable energy more town facilities.
Home Energy Smart Workshop Recorded January 17, 2012 to help residents understand programs available to help them reduce energy use and annual energy costs by an average of $700.