Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Designates Randolph as a New Green Community

Randolph — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) designated the town of Randolph as a Green Community. As a new Green Community, Randolph commits to reduce energy use and emissions through clean energy and energy efficiency initiatives. The town is now eligible for grant funding that will cut municipal energy costs and support local energy projects.

“I’m excited to welcome Randolph as our newest Green Community and to recognize its commitment to cutting municipal energy use, which lowers costs for its residents,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “This program is a great example of how state and local government can work together to create healthier, more affordable communities and strengthen local economies.”

“Congratulations to Randolph on its hard work to achieve this milestone. We’re delighted to support town’s efforts to address its energy goals in a way that frees up budgeting for other vital local services,” said Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony. “As a Green Community, Randolph will lower ongoing energy costs, upgrade municipal buildings and fleets, and cut harmful pollution through local clean energy projects.”

With today’s announcement, 298 of Massachusetts’ municipalities hold a Green Communities designation. Since the program began in 2009, DOER has awarded more than $204 million in grant funding to cities and towns through designation and competitive grants and has helped municipalities reduce municipal energy costs by more than $30 million each year.

The 298 Green Communities each commit to reduce municipal energy consumption by 20 percent within 5 years. The town of Randolph has committed to reduce its energy consumption by 16,412 MMBTUs in five years. This energy savings represents an estimated annual cost savings of $220,900 and a greenhouse gas emission (GHG) reduction of 786 tons.

Randolph is now eligible for a Designation Grant. After the town submits its project plans and they are approved by DOER, Randolph is eligible to receive up to $242,930 for energy efficiency projects in municipal and school facilities and fleets.

Under the Green Communities Act, DOER’s Green Communities Designation and Grant Program can provide up to $20 million annually to qualified cities and towns. The goal of the Designation Grant Program is to support communities’ investments in energy efficiency and local energy projects that further the clean energy goals determined by the designated communities. Initial designation grants are based on a $125,000 base for each designated Green Community, plus additional amounts tied to per capita income and population.

DOER’s Green Communities Division (GCD) provides grants, technical assistance, and local support from Regional Coordinators to help municipalities reduce long-term energy use and costs and strengthen local economies through clean energy projects in municipal buildings, facilities, and schools. GCD serves all 351 Massachusetts cities and towns. Funding for these grants is available through proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).

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