91 percent of Massachusetts’ Population Now Resides in a Green Community
BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced that the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) designated the town of Reading as a Green Community. As a new Green Community, Reading commits to reducing energy use and emissions through clean energy and efficiency initiatives. Reading is now eligible for designation grant funding totaling more than $160,000 for energy projects in municipal and school buildings and fleets.
“We are proud to welcome Reading as our newest Green Community. We value our partnerships with municipal leaders to help cities and towns lower energy costs and cut harmful pollution,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “These local projects help protect communities, residents and businesses from high energy bills and extreme weather, and show how much we can achieve when we work together.”
“Congratulations to Reading on its commitment to cut energy use and upgrade its municipal buildings and fleets to modern, ultra-efficient equipment,” said Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony. “We are proud to help our Green Communities advance their clean energy goals, which lowers costs for residents and businesses and creates healthier, more resilient communities.”
With today’s announcement, 298 of the state’s 351 municipalities hold a Green Communities designation. Since the program began, DOER has awarded more than $199 million in grant funding to Massachusetts’ cities and towns through designation and competitive grants.
The 298 Green Communities each commit to reducing municipal energy consumption by 20 percent within 5 years. The town of Reading has committed to reduce its energy consumption by 11,256 MMBTUs in five years. Implementing its energy reduction plan will save Reading more than $100,000 annually. The energy savings is equivalent to taking 179 gasoline-powered cars off the road, or the energy use of more than 87 homes.
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 clean energy projects that further communities’ local energy goals. 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.
