Fairfax is served by both Central Vermont Public Service (CVPS), and Vermont Electric Co-op (VEC). The majority of the state's electricity, including that purchased by CVPS and VEC, is generated through nuclear, hydroelectric, and oil or gas plants.

Nuclear power for the state is purchased from the Vermont Yankee nuclear facility, as well as from sources in Maine and Connecticut. Hydroelectric power sources are mostly non-local, with the exception of small scale operations such as dams on the Lamoille River. Out of state facilities are the source for the majority of hydroelectrically generated power, including Hydro Quebec, which holds purchasing agreements with both CVPS and VEC.

According to the 1990 2000 U.S. Census, nearly 18% 8% of all occupied housing units in Fairfax use wood as a primary source of heating fuel, down from 18% in 1990. With an abundance of woodlands in Fairfax and the surrounding region, use of wood as a primary home heating fuel has the potential to increase in the future. With careful management, local forests could provide a sustainable, local fuel source which promotes economic vigor at an affordable cost per BTU.

Potential for other forms of renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, exist in Fairfax, and may provide affordable, local, non-polluting heat and power if utilized to their full potential. Also in use in Fairfax are geothermal heating systems. Heat pumps use the natural thermal stability of the earth to partially heat a system of underground water pipes, which in turn heat the home through a forced hot water system.

Despite the initial insurgence of solar power in the 1970's, solar technologies are still not widely utilized, and federal funding for research into solar and other alternative energy resources has been less than generous in recent administrations. Solar power, though proven successful even in Vermont's northern climate, is not used as a heat source in any homes in Fairfax or Franklin County, according to the 2000 U.S. Census.

The 1994 Vermont Twenty Year Electric Plan shows residential use accounts for 41% of total energy demand statewide, compared to 30% for commercial uses, and 28% for the industrial sector, including agriculture.

Though there are no support data available, it may be reasonably concluded that a significant portion of Fairfax's commercial and industrial energy usage is contributed by the agricultural sector.

The farming community has been specifically targeted by utilities for assistance in increasing efficiencies and reducing electrical costs. Both CVPS and VEC offer these programs to help reduce energy demand through conservation. Statewide efforts aimed at agriculture include proposals to improve energy efficiencies in farm buildings and machinery. Alternative technologies which produce new sources of renewable energy are being investigated, including digesters which capture methane for use as an energy source.

As shown in Figure 1, fossil fuels are the primary source of home heating fuel in Fairfax by a wide margin. Fuel oil and kerosene heat nearly 70% of all occupied housing units in the Town, compared to 53% in Franklin County. This difference may be explained by the lack of utility gas available in Fairfax, which is used in 20.9% of all homes in the county.

Despite the lack of available utility gas in town, the use of bottled or liquid propane gas accounts for 0.9% of all home heating in Fairfax.

This reliance on non-local, unsustainable energy sources could have negative implications for future energy affordability and reliability. Alternatives to current energy consumption patterns should be investigated which provide greater public benefit at lower economic, social, and environmental costs.

According to Fueling Vermont's Future: Vermont Comprehensive Energy Plan and Vermont Greenhouse Gas Action Plan, 1998, transportation accounts for 46% of total energy demand in Vermont, the majority of which is contributed by residential uses. Transportation related energy conservation efforts could significantly reduce energy demand. Ridesharing, and encouraging local and home businesses would help reduce transportation related energy consumption, and would promote economic vitality in accordance with state energy goals.

Of all work related trips originating in Fairfax, 60.4% have destinations which are outside Franklin County. Chittenden County work destinations account for most of these trips, comprising 56.8% of all work trips. Comparatively, only 17.9% of all work trips remain within Fairfax, not including the 9.8% of Fairfax residents who work at home (1990 U.S. Census).

Over 77.9% of all Fairfax commuters drive alone to work. Another 14.5% carpool. Given that most work trips are to destinations outside Franklin County, commuter use results in significant energy consumption by the Town. Alternatives to consumptive, long distance, single occupancy work trips would greatly decrease energy demand and pollution resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels. Some alternatives include constructing park and ride lots to encourage carpooling, and seeking ways to develop the local economy to decrease the necessity for long distance commuter trips.

Transportation energy demand is also affected by the orientation of facilities and services relative to the population. Compact, mixed-use centers of activity reduce fuel consumption by enabling accessibility to bicycle and pedestrian traffic.

Land Use Effects

The significance of land use related impacts on energy consumption and conservation are often underestimated, though critical considerations in formulating sound energy policy. Dispersed settlement patterns put a greater strain on energy supplies by increasing transportation related consumption, and by reducing space efficiencies in the delivery of essential services. Reliance on automotive travel for work, school, shopping, and recreation also results in greater energy expenditures for both individuals and municipalities.

By nature of their design, single family structures are generally less energy efficient in northern climates such as Vermont, due to a greater number of outside walls per dwelling unit. Multi-family structures, with more common interior walls, provide greater thermal integrity against the elements. A greater mix of single and multiple unit structures would improve energy efficiency on the municipal level, resulting in reductions in per capita energy consumption.

The striking rural character of Fairfax is defined in large part by a dispersed settlement pattern routed in the agricultural traditions of early settlers. It would be undesirable to sacrifice this rural character, so important to Fairfax residents, through intensive development on a town-wide scale. However, Encouraging future development in a more concentrated, mixed-use center, such as the current village area would provide more efficient delivery of the essential services already concentrated there.

Opportunities for growth at a greater density than that of the rest of Fairfax, including commercial uses and multi-unit dwellings, exists ought to exist in this area where due to the availability of public utilities such as Town water and sewer services exist. Adding on to the existing interconnected street network in the village would reduce transportation related energy consumption by reducing the number of dead end streets, and by providing increased opportunities for pedestrian and other non-vehicular traffic, such as bicycles, as functional modes of transportation.

The Town's current zoning bylaw conditionally provides for the clustering of buildings and services to "facilitate the adequate and economic provision of streets and utilities, and to preserve the natural and scenic qualities of the town". These provisions come in the form of Planned Residential Developments (PRD's), and Planned Unit Developments (PUD's). PRD's and PUD's are widely used tools in land use planning which promote energy efficient siting and design. PRD's, PUD's, and other innovative techniques, should be investigated and utilized where implementation would result in net benefit to the public.

The general energy policy established in 1992 by the Vermont Legislature states that Vermont's energy needs should be met, to the extent feasible, through energy sources which are reliable, secure, and sustainable. The policy favors the use of energy sources which are environmentally sound, affordable, and which ensure the efficient use of energy resources and encourage economic vitality.

The VT Comprehensive Energy Plan proposes several efforts which reflect the goals of the 1992 policy, including:

• develop locally based renewable resources
• shift to low impact, sustainable energy sources
• increase efficiencies in energy use
• ensure energy affordability in support of economic growth

These statewide energy goals are also applicable for energy planning in Fairfax, as energy consumption and conservation continue to be local concerns. Initiatives in support of state energy policy at a local level would be beneficial to the Town in achieving energy affordability, reliability, and sustainability.

Energy costs can be a major factor influencing housing affordability for many Vermonters. Several fuel assistance programs exist, sponsored by the state, participating utilities, and nonprofit groups. These programs (such as LIHEAP, WARMTH, SHARE) serve a critical function in ensuring that access to energy supplies is available to all, including those most at risk of not being able to afford yearly energy costs. However, many of these programs rely on federal funding which has decreased in the past few years. A shift to more affordable energy sources would place less reliance on often tenuous federal funding to meet these basic human needs.

Use of local, renewable sources of energy, such as wood and passive and active solar energy, would help make Fairfax less dependent on outside energy sources, and would allow the Town to have greater control over the environmental and cultural impacts of accessing energy resources. Decreased dependence on global market forces would result in potential economic benefits to the Town, and may prove more affordable to Fairfax residents.

The Town has taken several steps to ensure that efficient use of energy and the development and implementation of renewable energy resources are supported. The older public buildings such as Bellows Free Academy, and the Town Clerk's office receive energy audits periodically. Past audits have resulted in improvements to the windows, lighting, and heating systems in both facilities.

The town garage and Fire Department buildings are heated to minimum levels when not in use. The recent purchase of a waste oil heating unit will both save on energy costs and recycle oil. The Town currently accepts waste oil from residents for use in the new unit.

The Town's truck fleet is completely diesel at this time. The school maintained bus fleet is also diesel. The quality of this maintenance program is evidenced by a 14 year life span for a bus owned by the school district.

According to Annual Reports, total municipal energy expenditures, for heating fuel, electricity, and vehicle fuels (excluding school) was $22,919 in 2002, down from $23, 990.31 in 1996; or 3.2% and 2.3% of total disbursements in 2002 and 1996 respectively, according to Annual Reports.

Such efficient uses of energy in the operation of Town facilities and services promote savings in municipal energy costs, and place less demand on available energy resources.

1. Encourage the most energy efficient practices feasible in the delivery of all municipal services and programs.
1. Provide to the extent feasible, access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy sources for all residents of Fairfax.
1. Promote land settlement and economic development patterns, which minimize energy demand.

1. Implement projects and programs, which minimize transportation related energy demand.
1. Encourage future development at greater densities in multiple use areas that will allow residents to access a variety of public and private services with a minimum of travel.
1. Reduce the Towns' reliance on non-local, nonrenewable energy resources to exert greater control over the affordability and reliability of energy in the future.
2. Develop and implement zoning regulations that enable public installation and application of appropriately sited, small scale renewable energy production systems, such as wind energy conversion and photo voltaic systems.

1. Investigate alternatives to the construction of a park and ride lot to increase commuter vehicle occupancy.
1. Concentrate future development within the town's mixed use, high density growth center, and keep the town functions of government, library, and educational activities clustered within this zone.
2. Continue periodic energy audits of Town buildings and vehicles.
1. Explore options for the continual development of renewable energy resources.
2. Encourage home occupations and local enterprises, which reduce the need for travel to work destinations outside Fairfax and Franklin County.

Fairfax has an excellent K-12 facility and educational program. Students have access to vocational training at both the Essex Technical Center and the Burlington Technical Center for a wide variety of programs. The Fairfax School District budgets on a yearly basis for adult diploma programs for adults who have not yet graduated from high school. Residents may petition the Board for an additional learning experience beyond high school. Because Fairfax has no town hall, the school is the strong focus of the community. The Fairfax Community Library is located within the school and is one of a small number of Vermont libraries which marries school and public libraries in the same facility. In addition to the shared library, Bellows Free Academy is the center for a myriad of community activities: it provides space for church dinners, and facilities for local community groups and athletic activities. The comprehensive use of the school generates a high level of pride in, and commitment to the school by the community.

In 1996, the voters of Fairfax approved a bond issue to finance the construction of an elementary wing on the existing Bellows Free Academy. This new addition, scheduled for ground breaking constructed in the spring of 1998, will provided much needed classroom space in the currently then overcrowded facility. In the interim, aggressive time and space management will be necessary while new construction is underway to minimize the conflicts associated with diverse use of the building.

Population growth continues to over-tax the 800 1,200 student design capacity of the school, as illustrated in Figure 1. The school serves Fairfax residents in grades K-12 and accepts tuition students from Fletcher in grades 7-12 and Westford, Georgia and the surrounding communities in grades 9-12. The Town has an obligation to serve Fletcher and Westford students as the result of a 1973 construction agreement. Obligations imposed by the State as a condition for funding started in the 1950's.

An enrollment analysis conducted by the Fairfax School Board in 1995 as part of an investigation into the growth problem revealed that enrollment will continue to increase., and that additional classroom space will be necessary to maintain the present quality of services and level of tuition students. If additional space is not provided, it may be necessary to limit or stop accepting tuition students in order to ease overcrowding. Under current agreements, the Town can legally limit or refuse to accept any tuition students that are not from Fletcher or Westford.

Projections from the Vermont Department of Education predict that Fairfax school enrollment will continue to grow. Enrollment is estimated to increase to 978 by the year 2000, and to 1,010 by the year 2002. The student population is projected to level off at that time, and even slightly decrease by the year 2003. Current enrollment (November 1997) is equivalent to previous State projections, which predicted 922 students in 1997.

It is rare to find classroom space available during the day, even with several courses offered before the normal start of the school day, the use of long distance inter-active television, and some students attending local colleges. Academic programs/spaces are currently being taxed. Art, Music, and Physical Education programs are at or near capacity. One nurse Two nurses respond to the needs of all students K-12. The two science labs in the high school can barely handle the growing number of lab courses. A computer lab expansion during the summer of 1995 has enabled business courses to use the expected technology but has not made additional computers sufficiently available for increased use by other classes or students school wide. A satellite lab in the elementary school has contributed to relieving some of the pressure also.

The single two cafeterias are is used for lunches for grades 1-12 daily. The expansion provided for a cafeteria in the elementary school and the use of the multi-purpose room.; one lunch serves 232 with a seating capacity of 208. Occasional use of classrooms, absences, and small group meetings during lunch allow all to eat although the numbers reduce the actual time used for eating. The multi-purpose room is available on an irregular basis for large groups of students and community members. All extracurricular programs and facilities are fully utilized and are constantly competing for available spaces. No intramural programs are regularly scheduled because of the space constraints. The eight bus routes (despite one route which was added in September 1996) are at capacity. If all eligible students rode the buses, the system would have to be expanded further. Studies still show that the school's effective bus maintenance program is less expensive than a contracted service would be however. Parking spaces for students, staff, visitors and library patrons are at a premium. The shared school/community library serves the entire population of the town.

Continued public use of the facility has mandated an effective maintenance program and has increased the demands for custodial supervision and cleaning. Additional help may be warranted as community use and evening school activities have an impact on the custodial staff's cleaning and maintenance schedule. Community use of the building typically includes meeting spaces used by local government, service organizations, adult recreation, self-help groups, youth activity groups, and cultural groups. Even though the school board has encouraged community use of the facility, an increase in school programs may restrict community use of the building in the future, until new construction is complete.

In response to many of the issues raised above, the residents of Fairfax voted at a special meeting on March 5, 1996 to bond for $3 million for the construction of an addition to the existing K-12 school. The State of Vermont will provided an additional $1.2 million for the completion of the project.

The new addition will houses all elementary facilities in a single structure, attached as a wing to the existing building. Classrooms currently used for elementary programs will be converted to high school facilities. The proposed school expansion will resulted in a total capacity of 1,259 students. This capacity is 149 students greater than the Department of Education projected enrollment for the next five years, and so should easily accommodate any growth which occurs during the life of this Town Plan.

Construction will likely begin in the spring of 1998. In addition to more classroom space, the expansion will included improvements to existing kitchen facilities, additional parking, greater separation of elementary and high school facilities, and installation of fiber optic technology.

The expansion of the current BFA facility will also provided the essential additional classroom and program space necessary to extend the high quality educational experience currently offered into the future, and will ensure that the importance of the school as a community focal point is not diminished by overcrowding.

At Town Meeting Day 2003, voters passed a motion to purchase 3 lots adjacent to the school campus. These lots will provide additional area for school facilities in the future, though specific plans do not currently exist.

1. Provide a quality comprehensive educational experience for all residents of Fairfax, regardless of age.

1. Maintain the school as the educational, cultural and social center of the community.
2. Continue to provide access to educational and vocational/technical training for traditional and non-traditional students.

1. Expand the existing Bellows Free Academy using funds bonded by the voters of Fairfax in 1996 appropriate and available funding to accommodate future growth, augment existing educational and community programs, alleviate overcrowding, and maintain or improve the quality of education currently offered.
2. Develop a program to coordinate school and town events and programs for the most efficient use of the current facility, and to minimize conflict between various uses.
3. Encourage the School Board to investigate the anticipated effects of increased school growth on the use of school facilities, and to make resulting recommendations to the Planning Commission for further action.