Newton Gets More Than $500,000 in Clean Energy Grant

Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton, and Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Commissioner Judith Judson announced this week nearly $8.9 million in grants to fund clean energy projects in 51 communities across the Commonwealth, including Newton.

“Our administration is proud to help Green Communities reduce their energy use so they can reinvest their financial savings in schools, police, fire, municipal infrastructure and other local initiatives,” said Governor Charlie Baker in a statement. “Massachusetts’ leadership in energy efficiency continues to help municipalities around the state secure long-term energy savings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

Newton received $179,500 o fund the last phase of a comprehensive ‘deep energy’ retrofit of 1950’s building specifically the remaining envelope improvements such as replacement of original, single pane windows with triple pane fiberglass, high performance glazing X system, masonry wall insulation, foundation insulation and soffit insulation. Also, $250,000 was granted to fund a citywide streetlight replacement project with LED equivalents.

Newton has been designated as a green community since May 25, 2010.

“The Green Communities grants will allow municipalities to save a considerable amount in long-term energy costs, as well as to protect the environment and make progress toward the Commonwealth’s clean energy goals,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “These grants further reiterate the Commonwealth’s ability to work with cities and towns to ensure Massachusetts continues to be a leader in clean energy and energy efficiency.”

DOER’s Green Communities Competitive Grants are awarded to existing Green Communities that have successfully invested their initial designation grants and previous competitive grant awards. Grants are capped at $250,000 per municipality.

The grants, totaling $8,894,583, are funded through proceeds from Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative auctions and Alternative Compliance Payments under the Massachusetts Renewable Portfolio Standard.

“These grants are not only beneficial for the selected municipalities, but help to significantly reduce energy use around the state,” said EEA Secretary Matthew Beaton in the announcement. “Through this program, the Baker-Polito Administration continues its commitment to reducing Massachusetts’ greenhouse gas emissions and encouraging the innovation of our growing clean energy technology sector.”

The 136 Green Communities across the state are home to more than half of Massachusetts’ population. All Green Communities commit to reducing their municipal energy consumption by 20 percent after five years.