Green Communities

Eighty-six cities and towns from all regions of the state, ranging in population from 393 to 617,594 residents, are now designated as Commonwealth "Green Communities." Twelve cities and towns were added in mid-December to the third group of successful Summer, 2011 applicants. The newest Green Communities, which met five program criteria, are now ranked as clean energy leaders and are eligible for municipal renewable power and energy efficiency grants.

The Green Communities Division's charge is to guide all 351 cities and towns along a path of enhanced energy efficiency and renewable energy toward zero net energy.

The Green Communities Designation and Grant Program, an initiative of the Green Communities Division, works with municipalities toward qualification as a Green Community and provides funding to qualified municipalities for energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives.

DOER's Green Communities Division is available to work with all local and regional government entities to pursue energy efficiency. DOER is collaborating with the Energy Efficiency Program Administrators (investor-owned utilities and the Cape Light Compact) to administer efficiency services through Mass Save to local and regional government entities as well as to prior applicants of the Energy Audit Program. Green Communities is also collaborating with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to provide energy efficiency services targeted to drinking water and wastewater treatment plants.

Energy Management Services (energy saving performance contracting) is a streamlined procurement process used by public agencies to conduct solicitations under G.L. 25A, §11C (RFP) or §11I (RFQ) for the purpose of financing and implementing cost-saving energy-efficiency improvements and renewable electricity generation projects. DOER staff can assist jurisdictions to help them prevent problems during the procurement process.

MassEnergyInsight is a web-based tool to help cities and towns manage energy use of municipally owned buildings, streetlights, and vehicles.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act) are helping many municipalities to install projects for and facilitate investments in clean energy and energy efficiency.

The Green Communities regional coordinators provide hands-on, focused assistance to help cities and towns decrease energy bills through local policies and targeted investments that encourage greater energy efficiency and use of renewable energy. Find your regional coordinator through the Massachusetts region associated with your community.

Collaboration is essential to build Green Communities in Massachusetts. The plans and processes featured in this library are examples provided by cities and towns to share with other municipalities throughout the Commonwealth. Use these samples as reference tools to mobilize your community.

Many companies and organizations, including local utilities, offer resources and support to help cities and towns advance energy efficiency projects.