# 10.22.2026 Sustainability Committee

The City of Portsmouth, New Hampshire Sustainability Committee meeting, titled October 22, 2026, focused on sustainability priorities and the city’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The committee discussed a proposed $50,000 CIP request for a consultant-led zero-waste study, covering waste volumes, best practices, implementation challenges, and estimated costs and savings. Public Works and Planning staff were described as supportive, but the request had not yet been approved. Members also reviewed solar projects and fleet electrification; staff viewed EV purchases as part of the city’s rolling-stock planning, while members sought clearer commitments and follow-up. Public transit and a shuttle-loop initiative were also discussed; a combined parking/public-transportation CIP entry was cited at $150,000, though the amount attributable to transit was unclear. The committee voted to authorize members to send the CIP subcommittee additional context and clarifications on the solar and EV proposals. No contract awards or procurement approvals were made.

The committee also approved a motion supporting a grant application for a heat-sensor network, with committee representatives to provide a letter of support. A guest presentation covered waste reduction, reusable containers, composting, state legislative proposals, and local limits on regulating plastics. Members discussed possible community engagement and coordination with city departments, but made no further spending decisions. The minutes were approved with amendments.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities, Transportation
**Topics:** Grants & Funding, Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** November 03, 2026

### Sources
- [10.22.2026 Sustainability Committee](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLERDLL73tQ) - City of Portsmouth, New Hampshire