BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Energize Acton - ECPv6.15.18//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Energize Acton
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://energizeacton.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Energize Acton
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/New_York
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20250309T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20251102T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20260308T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20261101T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20270314T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20271107T060000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260429T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260429T200000
DTSTAMP:20260526T004428
CREATED:20260406T130437Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T133433Z
UID:10000087-1777489200-1777492800@energizeacton.org
SUMMARY:Climate Goals: Why Heat Pumps Matter
DESCRIPTION:Massachusetts Heat Pump Targets:\nWhere Do We Stand and Why Are They Important?\n  \nAs the MA legislature considers cutting clean energy incentives\, do climate goals still matter? Join Amanda Barker\, of the Green Energy Consumers Alliance\, as she looks at a specific slice of the climate picture–how we heat and cool our homes and buildings. What are Massachusetts heat pump goals and are we on track to meet them? Can heat pumps work in the north? Outlining Maine’s success story with cold weather heat pumps\, she looks at new Massachusetts heating and cooling solutions\, including the heat pump discount rate and the New England heat pump accelerator program. Please join us for this hopeful talk about heat pumps as part of a strong\, reliable energy future. \nEnergize Acton is celebrating heat pumps this month (ground source heat pumps—geothermal—in the Boardwalk Campus and air source heat pumps for households). Amanda’s talk will give us a bigger view as the State of Massachusetts takes on both  the challenges we face and the potential for success. \nSome Background \nLast fall\, a Massachusetts House of Representatives committee floated the idea of a significant step back from state climate goals. After an outcry from the environmental community\, this winter the Mass House of Representatives passed its new proposed climate bill* that saw improvements over the fall version. However\, it still includes major funding cuts to Mass Save. In effect\, without an alternative to Mass Save\, this is a step back from state climate targets for clean energy.  (*The Massachusetts Senate will do its own version of a climate bill and the two versions\, House and Senate\, will have to be reconciled.) \nSome voices in the media—and in the legislature—are saying that clean energy is too costly. They claim that\, by cutting back on Mass Save and slowing the transition to clean energy\, the state government can lower energy costs. \nMassachusetts energy costs are an incredibly valid issue. The question is\, “Will reducing our commitment to clean energy also reduce heating\, cooling\, and electricity costs for Massachusetts residents?” Energy in New England is a tough topic! But the Green Energy Consumers Alliance will lay out the argument that achieving climate goals for heat pumps and other forms of electrification will save costs in the long run and\, for many\, even in the short run. \nCurrent events bring home the reality that we live in a complicated world. Committing to renewable energy brings New England a higher degree of energy stability and reliability. Plus\, the western United States (really\, the west of all the Americas\, from Canada to Chile) just experienced an extraordinarily hot March\, racing past all previous records. This reminds us that fossil fuels also have costs. As much of the world is successfully implementing clean energy\, let’s remember . . . We can do this! And it could even be affordable!
URL:https://energizeacton.org/event/why-climate-goals-matter/
LOCATION:Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://energizeacton.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2026/04/Media-Why-Heat-Pumps-Matter-8-x-8-in.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="EnergizeActon.org":MAILTO:energizeacton.org@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260422T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260422T200000
DTSTAMP:20260526T004428
CREATED:20260331T200745Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T200745Z
UID:10000086-1776884400-1776888000@energizeacton.org
SUMMARY:Heat Pumps 101
DESCRIPTION:  \nGo Heat Pumps!\n  \nYou may have heard more people in Massachusetts talking about heat pumps—and for good reason. Heat pumps are an efficient\, all-electric system that can heat and cool your home while lowering emissions and improving comfort year-round. Join wonderful Bob Zogg of the HeatSmart Alliance and animated Kit Wu of the Laminar Collective to get an orientation to heat pumps\, how they work\, and how incentives can help you transition to clean energy. \nHere’s why heat pumps are gaining popularity across Massachusetts: \nHeating and cooling in one efficient system\nHeat pumps provide both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. They’re highly efficient\, even in cold New England temperatures\, and can help lower your energy use. \nLower emissions and a cleaner energy future\nHeating with fossil fuels is one of the largest sources of climate pollution in Massachusetts. Switching to heat pumps helps reduce your home’s carbon footprint and supports the state’s transition to clean electricity. \nComfort\, safety\, and better indoor air quality\nHeat pumps don’t burn fuel inside your home\, which means no on-site combustion and fewer indoor air pollutants. They also provide steady\, even heating and cooling. \nIncentives can cover thousands of dollars\nPrograms like Mass Save offer generous rebates\, 0% interest financing\, and support to help make heat pumps more affordable. Additional programs through organizations like the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center may also be available. \n📣 Curious if heat pumps are right for you?\nJoin our webinar to learn how heat pumps work\, compare costs\, explore available incentives\, and learn how to get quotes from trusted installers. \n  \nApril 22\, 2026\, at 7:00 PM\n Register: bit.ly/heat-pumps-101\nTogether\, we can create more comfortable homes and a cleaner energy future for our communities. \n \nAn Acton Clean Energy Coach explains his heat pump system. (Photo: K. Root Watkins) \n  \n 
URL:https://energizeacton.org/event/heat-pumps-101/
LOCATION:Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://energizeacton.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2026/03/Heat-Pumps-101-Apr26-11-x-8.5-in.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="EnergizeActon.org":MAILTO:energizeacton.org@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T201500
DTSTAMP:20260526T004428
CREATED:20260227T131945Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T142218Z
UID:10000081-1774465200-1774469700@energizeacton.org
SUMMARY:Biosphere Book Club -- Book #2:  Abundance
DESCRIPTION:We Foster Reflections on Climate and Environment!\nOur March 2026 Book is  Abundance\,  by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson.\nPlease register HERE.\nOf all the books that Energize Acton volunteers display at community events\, this book–Abundance\, by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson–has generated the most enthusiasm and interest. \nThe blurb that went out with the book calls it a “once-in-a-generation\, paradigm-shifting call to renew a politics of plenty\, face up to the failures of liberal governance\, and abandon the chosen scarcities that have deformed American life.”  Katherine Sypher\, of NPR\, writes\, “The woes of the world can be paralyzing. It was refreshing\, therefore\, to be called to action by Abundance. Well-known journalists and podcast hosts Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson argue that\, yes\, we really can build and invent our way to the better future that we want and need.” \nThis title focuses largely on politics and economics\, but it has many connections to climate and environment. We suggest that you approach the authors’ work with an open\, but critical\, mind. As with every Book Club text\, it is great if you can read the book\, but it is not required. The host will prepare a brief outline of the text with key quotes and discussion points constructed in a way that all can participate. The Biosphere Book Club will meet every other month in 2026–January\, March\, May\, July\, September\, and November. In May\, we hope to try for an in-person or hybrid meeting. \nTo whet your thoughts for this month\, here are a few initial questions. \n\nWhat does abundance mean to you?\nDo you or others in your family experience scarcity? E.g.\, related to consumer goods\, healthcare/health insurance\, housing\, childcare\, etc.?\nWhat are the ecological and human costs of material abundance?\nHave you heard of the concept\, “Joy in enough”?\n\nBig questions aside\, pour yourself a cup of tea or other beverage\, have a good time\, and celebrate the written word! \nPlease register HERE.\nEnergizeActon.org is sponsored by the Acton Climate Coalition and the Town of Acton Sustainability Office. \nWould you like to help EnergizeActon.org? Contact us at EnergizeActon.org@gmail.com. We meet the first Wednesday of each month. However\, there are many non-meeting ways to be involved. Thanks for your support!
URL:https://energizeacton.org/event/biosphere-book-club-book-2-abundance-by-ezra-klein-and-derek-thompson/
LOCATION:Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://massenergize-wp-media.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sites/36/Abundance-Hoz.-11-x-8.5-in-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="EnergizeActon.org":MAILTO:energizeacton.org@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T200000
DTSTAMP:20260526T004428
CREATED:20260310T161308Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T161308Z
UID:10000082-1773946800-1773950400@energizeacton.org
SUMMARY:From Gas to Induction: Cleaner Cooking for Your Home and Climate
DESCRIPTION:Explore the Wonderful World of Induction Cooktops!\nLearn\, ask questions\, and find out how incentives can help you make the change. \nRegistration at bit.ly/cleaner-cooking.\nYou may have heard more people talking about switching from gas to induction cooking—and for good reason. Induction cooktops offer a cleaner\, safer\, and more efficient way to cook\, while helping reduce indoor air pollution and supporting your home electrification journey. Join Andee Krasner\, of Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility\, to learn more about health impacts of gas cooking and how induction is a comparable alternative.  \nHere’s why induction cooking is gaining popularity across Massachusetts: \nCleaner and healthier indoor air\nGas stoves release pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and methane into your home. Recent studies in Europe and the United States indicate that gas stoves have serious respiratory risks\, including increased asthma rates for children\, from the off gassing during cooking and even when the stove is off. (See The Stanford Report\, May 4\, 2024) Induction cooktops produce no on-site emissions\, helping create a healthier indoor environment for you and your family. \nFaster\, safer\, and more efficient cooking\nInduction uses magnetic technology to heat your cookware directly\, making it faster than gas and traditional electric stoves. The surface stays cooler\, reducing burn risks and improving safety. \nSave energy and reduce emissions\nInduction cooktops are highly efficient\, using less energy and supporting Massachusetts’ transition to cleaner electricity. They’re an important step toward an all-electric\, climate-friendly home. \nIncentives can help lower the cost\nMassachusetts and local programs offer rebates and incentives that can make switching to induction more affordable than you might expect. \n📣 Curious if induction is right for you?\nJoin our free webinar to learn how induction works\, compare costs\, explore available incentives\, and hear answers to common questions from local experts. \n  \nRegistration at bit.ly/cleaner-cooking.\n. Sponsored by MassEnergize.org and EnergizeActon.org.
URL:https://energizeacton.org/event/from-gas-to-induction-cleaner-cooking-for-your-home-and-climate/
LOCATION:Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://energizeacton.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2026/03/From-Gas-to-Induction-Cleaner-Cooking-for-Your-Home-Climate-8-x-8-in.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="EnergizeActon.org":MAILTO:energizeacton.org@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260130T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260130T200000
DTSTAMP:20260526T004428
CREATED:20260130T132918Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260130T132918Z
UID:10000080-1769799600-1769803200@energizeacton.org
SUMMARY:Biosphere Book Club - Is a River Alive? by Robert Macfarlane
DESCRIPTION:The Biosphere Book Group is an experiment!  \nJoin us to read authors who reflect on climate vis-à-vis the health of human and ecological communities. \n  \nOur first author is Robert Macfarlane who has received acclaim for his 2025 book\, Is a River Alive? \nWe know that folks have many demands on their time. As much as we would like to read on a regular basis\, this goal is often difficult. So\, the Biosphere Book Group will be “text-based\,” that is\, each session leader will read the book\, pull out key quotes\, and plan questions or reflections that can involve all the participants\, whether they have read the book or not. Of course\, if you have time to tackle the book\, that enriches the experience for you! But reading the book before our meeting session is not required. The session page of quotes and questions\, along with the zoom link\, will go out to registered participants the Friday before each session. \nOur first session will be online\, but perhaps we might meet in person at times\, depending on our participants. The idea is to explore a different book every 2 months\, for 6 sessions per year. \nThe true goal is to foster discussion about our extraordinary\, yet endangered biosphere. What are researchers\, scientists\, journalists\, and authors saying about the natural world? Can clean energy advances\, government policy\, and life style choices make a difference? What are we ourselves noticing and thinking? What gives us joy? What leaves us deeply concerned? Can we create a sense of community\, however humble\, that gives us strength? Can that sense of community help us to make a concrete difference? Big questions aside\, pour yourself a cup of tea or other beverage\, have a good time\, and celebrate the written word!
URL:https://energizeacton.org/event/biosphere-book-club-is-a-river-alive-by-robert-macfarlane/
LOCATION:Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://massenergize-wp-media.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sites/36/Biosphere-Book-Club-Jan26Horizontal.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="EnergizeActon.org":MAILTO:energizeacton.org@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR