Burlington Named Massachusetts Green Community, Wins $173K

BURLINGTON, MA — Burlington has officially been named a Massachusetts Green Community, Town Administrator Paul Sagarino told the Board of Selectmen at their meeting this week. The designation comes with a $173,000 grant. The state program required the town committing itself to reducing its energy usage by 20 percent over the next five years.

Department of Public Works analyst Rachel Caplan, who shepherded the town through the designation process, explained that the initial grant will go toward energy efficiency improvements at the library. The building's rooftop units and in-room HVAC controls will be replaced, she said.

In addition to the 20 percent energy use reduction, the town fulfilled four other requirements. Burlington officials identified areas zoned by-right for green energy, research or manufacturing facilities, has expedited permitting for those facilities, has a fuel-efficient vehicle policy, and has a new building efficiency code, achieved when the town passed the Stretch Code at the May, 2019 town meeting.

The energy reduction plan, the final step, was approved by the Board in October.

The state provides financial and technical support, including grants, to Green Communities. Over $44 million in grants have been handed out to Green Communities.

The selectmen praised Caplan after the announcement.

"Every time you come in here, it's always a positive for the town," Board of Selectmen Chair Joseph Morandi said.

The full meeting is available here from Burlington Cable Access Television.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.