Mass Save Municipal Energy Manager Grant Program Supports Sustainable Energy Efficiency in Massachusetts

Program Overview and Objectives

The Mass Save Municipal Energy Manager Grant program has been initiated to enhance energy efficiency across Massachusetts municipalities. This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), by promoting reduced energy consumption and lowering carbon emissions in public buildings.

Key Features of the Grant Program

1. Appointment of Energy Managers: The program will fund 24 energy managers tasked with leading energy reduction and carbon emission initiatives in municipal buildings, with a focus on leveraging Mass Save programs and incentives.
2. Targeted Support: Among the 24 energy managers, 22 will serve designated environmental justice census blocks, and seven will represent designated Gateway Cities, supporting equitable access to sustainable energy solutions (SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities).
3. Municipal and Regional Coverage: The initiative supports 63 municipalities and four regional planning authorities statewide, fostering regional collaboration and sustainable urban development.

Collaboration and Training

The program sponsors will collaborate with four regional planning authorities to:

• Provide comprehensive training for energy managers.
• Share services related to planned use and economic development.

This collaborative approach supports SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by enhancing cooperation among governmental and regional entities.

Support and Incentives for Grant Recipients

Grant recipients will benefit from a range of resources designed to promote sustainable energy improvements, including:

• Financial incentives for building energy upgrades.
• Technical assistance to identify energy improvement opportunities.
• Support for capital planning.
• Hands-on training and professional development.
• Training and clean energy curriculum for K-12 teachers and students, contributing to SDG 4 (Quality Education).

Statements from Program Leaders

Christopher Porter, Director of Customer Energy Management at National Grid, emphasized the program’s impact: “This grant is an incredible opportunity for cities and towns from Hampden to Barnstable Counties to invest in their communities while simultaneously pushing Massachusetts to a more energy-efficient future. The work of these energy managers will provide resources to create healthier and more sustainable schools and municipal buildings across the state.”

Tilak Subrahmanian, Vice President of Energy Efficiency and Electric Mobility at Eversource, added, “Residents and businesses throughout Massachusetts will benefit from increased energy efficiency that these 63 municipalities will experience through this impactful program. We are committed to working with participating communities over the next three years to complete projects that immediately lead to energy savings and improved sustainability of community fixtures like schools, fire departments and public spaces.”

Municipalities Benefiting from the Grant

The 63 municipalities participating in the program include:

• Agawam, Ashfield, Athol, Auburn, Ayer, Becket, Belchertown, Berlin, Bernardston, Brockton, Buckland, Charlemont, Chester, Conway, Dalton, East Longmeadow, Easthampton, Erving, Everett, Fairhaven, Fall River, Gill, Granby, Groton, Hampden, Harvard, Hatfield, Hinsdale, Huntington, Lanesborough, Leominster, Leverett, Lincoln, Longmeadow, Ludlow, Lynn, Maynard, Medfield, Milton, North Adams, North Andover, North Brookfield, Northfield, Orange, Palmer, Plainfield, Quincy, Randolph, Royalston, Shelburne, Shirley, South Hadley, Southampton, Southbridge, Taunton, Warwick, Wendell, Westhampton, Wilbraham, Williamsburg, Williamstown, Woburn, and Yarmouth.

Regional Planning Commissions Involved

The program also engages regional planning commissions to provide grant funding for regional energy managers who will lead energy efficiency projects in select cities and towns. These commissions include:

• Berkshire Regional
• Franklin Regional Council
• Hampshire Regional Partnership
• Montachusett Regional Planning Commission
• Pioneer Valley Planning Commission

Further Information

For more details on the Mass Save Municipal Energy Manager Grant program and related initiatives, visit masssave.com/community.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article discusses energy efficiency improvements and the reduction of energy use in municipal buildings, aligning with the goal of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The focus on improving energy efficiency in municipal buildings and supporting regional planning authorities contributes to making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The program aims to reduce carbon emissions, directly supporting efforts to combat climate change and its impacts.
4. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Training and clean energy curriculum for K-12 teachers and students are mentioned, promoting inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities.
5. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Targeting designated environmental justice census blocks and Gateway Cities reflects efforts to reduce inequalities within and among communities.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
4. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including education for sustainable lifestyles and climate change mitigation.
5. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Energy Use Reduction
   • Measurement of energy consumption in municipal buildings before and after upgrades to assess energy savings.
2. Carbon Emissions Reduction
   • Tracking reductions in carbon emissions from municipal buildings as a result of energy efficiency measures.
3. Number of Energy Managers Deployed
   • Counting the 24 energy managers funded and their coverage across municipalities and environmental justice areas.
4. Training and Curriculum Implementation
   • Number of K-12 teachers and students receiving clean energy curriculum and training.
5. Number of Municipalities Benefiting
   • Tracking the 63 municipalities and four regional planning authorities participating in the program.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: heraldnews.com