The chairman of the Barrington Resilience and Energy Committee announced his resignation this week and pointed to the town’s “lack of progress on implementing the renewable energy pledges” as his reason why.

In a letter to the Barrington Times, Magnus Thorsson wrote that the town has failed to fulfill its pledges detailed in the Barrington Resilient Future Resolution and the Town Comprehensive Plan. 

“Both plans prioritize installing solar and zero-carbon systems on Town owned buildings including schools to achieve a 45 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and net-zero by 2050,” he wrote.

Thorsson argued that the current $250 million school construction project does not align with the goals or state mandates, such as the 2021 Act on Climate.

“This failure not only jeopardizes Barrington’s environmental commitments and exposes taxpayers to unnecessary future costs, but it also risks the health of our children, who deserve to learn in environments free from harmful emissions,” Thorsson wrote. 

“Moreover, neglecting renewable energy undermines the educational potential of our schools to teach science, climate change, and sustainability through real-world applications, depriving students of valuable learning experiences.”

Thorsson has criticized Barrington School officials in the past for not installing solar panels atop the Barrington Middle School building, despite the structure being “solar-ready” as part of its construction. School officials have responded by outlining various steps and environmental initiatives that will be part of the new construction project. In July, it was reported that the schools are working on a report that details the district’s efforts on climate resilience and sustainability, including Lower Energy Use Intensity (EUI) and Efficiency and adaptability. The draft report states “The current EUI for Barrington High School, Nayatt School, Primrose Hill School and Sowams School ranges between 83-140 EUI. The Building Project is targeting a 33-51 EUI, which is significantly below the baseline code minimum of 70-80 EUI.”

Barrington Middle School has also won a Green Ribbon Award from the US Department of Education. The award recognizes the country’s most successful education institutions in “reducing their environmental impact and cost, improving health and wellness, and providing effective and sustainable education.”

Thorsson and members of the Barrington Resilience and Energy Committee have recommended the Town Council adopt net-zero building standards for all new construction and rehabilitation of town-owned buildings, including the public schools. 

In his letter to the editor, Thorsson wrote that “The gap between the project’s promotion and its actual design raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability.”

He added that he could no longer support the direction the town is taking.

“I hope my resignation will prompt the Town to reassess its approach and fully commit to the sustainable future we’ve pledged, ensuring the well-being of our children and the integrity of their education,” he wrote.