Thomas Philbin, Westwood's Energy Manager, was honored at the Massachusetts State House on December 6, 2018 with a Public Sector Individual Award in the 12th annual Leading by Example (LBE) awards. These awards, given by the Baker-Polito administration, recognize those who promote clean energy and sustainable initiatives. Additionally, Philbin was awarded congratulatory citations on the LBE award by the Massachusetts State Senate and Legislature.
Philbin received this honor for introducing numerous clean energy initiatives and encouraging broad stakeholder collaboration across the Town of Westwood. Initially, Philbin’s position was funded by a DOER Green Communities Energy Manager two year grant award. Since that time, the town has enthusiastically continued funding the Energy Manager position based on Philbin’s early accomplishments, which include efforts advancing the installation of 780 kW of solar in the town, extensive energy efficiency projects, initiating efforts for DOER Green Community designation, and planning for future "near zero energy” buildings.
"DOER is proud to partner with state and local agencies through our Leading by Example Program to provide them with the tools they need to remain on the cutting edge of clean energy innovation", said Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Judith Judson. "These investments mean real savings – not only in emissions and energy use, but also in operational costs for municipalities, colleges and facilities."
"We are pleased to recognize the efforts of today's awardees and the many public agencies that work hard to fulfill the Commonwealth's commitment to energy sustainability," said Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance Commissioner Carol Gladstone.
Over an extensive career in the energy field, Philbin has been involved in numerous power projects throughout the world and specifically in Energy Efficiency efforts for over 20 years. Philbin is a resident of Westwood and has served as Westwood's Energy Manager since 2013. The award and congratulatory citations were presented to Philbin by Nick Connors, the Green Communities Director. The Westwood Board of Selectmen honored Philbin at their meeting on December 17.
Philbin is an alumnus of the Manhattan College with a BS in Physics and the University of Michigan with a Masters and PhD in Environmental Health Sciences.
