Press Release  DCR Launches New Online Mapping Tool Highlighting Agency’s Decarbonization Initiatives

Boston — In celebration of Climate Week, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today launched a new interactive online map displaying the agency’s decarbonization efforts. The Decarbonization Initiatives Map illustrates the sustainable and equitable practices, strategies, and initiatives DCR is implementing at its properties across the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  

 The map is an initiative led by DCR's Office of Climate Resilience, which works to incorporate climate resiliency into every DCR project and program. To achieve decarbonization in 2050, DCR is transitioning from dirty fossil fuels like natural gas, oil, and propane to low- or zero-carbon fuels or electricity that are cleaner and sourced from renewable resources.  

"Reaching net zero requires bold, urgent action. It’s important to us to demonstrate climate leadership on the state level, and this map is a great example of how we can be transparent and accountable in our efforts,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “We are committed to meeting our climate goals, and we hope tracking our progress like this will empower residents and businesses across Massachusetts to advance their efforts in reducing their carbon footprint.”  

“As the state’s largest landowner, DCR has an obligation to lead in the effort to tackle the climate crisis. We are focused on implementing climate solutions and utilizing new technologies that will reduce emissions and ensure our green spaces are preserved for generations to come,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “The Decarbonization Initiatives map will allow visitors to see the measures DCR is taking to mitigate the effects of climate change in their regional areas, as well as across the Commonwealth, from a green building at Blue Hills Reservation to a pollinator garden at Natural Bridge State Park.”  

The interactive map enables the public to explore DCR's carbon reduction initiatives across properties in various sectors, including rehabilitation of existing buildings, fossil fuel reduction, energy performance, electric vehicles (EVs) and charging stations, adjustments to existing practices and procedures, and renewable energy. The map provides a geographical perspective, allowing users to pinpoint projects in their area as well as to gain a broader view of projects throughout the state.  

DCR has specific net zero goals that aim to reduce emissions and the environmental impacts of the agency’s infrastructure, assets, resources, and the daily operations of our facilities in compliance with the state’s Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2050 (2050 CECP). 

DCR is working to enact net-zero strategies that fall into the following categories: 

• Developing and implementing rehabilitation strategies that center on improving energy efficiency of the architectural elements of existing buildings, such as the building envelope, doors, windows, insulation, etc.; 
• Installing the highest efficiency equipment, monitoring building energy use, and substantially reducing onsite fossil fuel usage to decrease greenhouse gas emissions;   
• Adhering to rigorous energy performance and emissions reduction standards in all new construction by eliminating fossil fuel-based systems and meeting or exceeding the Mass Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Plus 2.0 Standard;  
• Developing a plan for a transition to electric vehicles (EV), starting with light-duty vehicles and moving to medium and then heavy-duty;   
• Installing EV charging stations for DCR’s fleet and public use; 
• Making adjustments to practices and procedures to reduce DCR’s energy, water, and fuel use at agency buildings, landscapes, and facilities through changes in daily operations, design, and maintenance;   
• Expanding, protecting, and managing land for biodiversity, long-term water supply protection, forest health, and maintaining the integrity of important habitats and natural communities; 
• Designing and installing on-site renewable energy generation and storage systems; and 
• Developing systems to monitor and report on DCR emissions, energy use, and progress.  

To view the map and learn more about DCR 's commitment to sustainability, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dcr-office-of-climate-resilience. 

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