7.23.2026 Sustainability Committee

The City of Portsmouth, New Hampshire Sustainability Committee held a meeting on August 20, 2026, focusing primarily on ongoing and upcoming sustainability projects and initiatives. Key procurement-related discussions included the potential submission of capital improvement plan (CIP) proposals for a zero waste plan and a solar capacity feasibility study for city-owned properties, with emphasis on defining clear scopes and tangible savings to support funding requests. The committee also discussed the formation of a task force for a multimodal city transportation project, which includes exploring public-private partnerships and funding sources, with a report due by October 2026. Additionally, there was mention of potential involvement in drafting requests for proposals (RFPs) for consultant services related to these projects. Updates were provided on various sustainability efforts such as the municipal greenhouse gas inventory, electrification of the city fleet, and stakeholder engagement strategies, highlighting the importance of aligning projects with city council strategic objectives and securing budget allocations. The committee emphasized collaboration with city departments and external partners to advance these initiatives and discussed the need for ongoing advocacy to ensure project funding and implementation.