Newton City celebrates renewable energy achievements and electrification initiatives

During a recent meeting of the Newton City Joint Zoning & Planning and Public Facilities Committees, significant strides in sustainability and energy efficiency were highlighted, showcasing the city’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting renewable energy initiatives.

One of the standout achievements discussed was the city’s extensive solar installations on municipal properties, which reportedly surpass those of any other city or town in Massachusetts. This initiative not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also generates financial savings for the city. Additionally, the Newton Power Choice program, which defaults to 95% renewable energy, sets a benchmark for other municipalities, demonstrating a successful model for municipal aggregation that benefits participants economically.

The meeting also spotlighted the city’s innovative energy coach program, believed to be the first of its kind in the state, which has facilitated 736 consultations since its inception in 2021. This program aims to guide residents in making energy-efficient choices, further enhancing community engagement in sustainability efforts.

Moreover, Newton has made significant investments in electric vehicle infrastructure, with a fully electric fleet of municipal sedans and 24 publicly available electric vehicle charging stations. The city is also participating in the state’s fossil fuel-free building program, mandating that all new constructions and substantial renovations be all-electric. This ordinance positions Newton among the top ten cities in Massachusetts committed to reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

The city’s public buildings department has been recognized for its electrification projects, which have been supported by green community grant awards ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 over the past nine years. These efforts have leveraged an additional $1.4 million in utility rebates, resulting in annual energy savings of over $350,000.

While the progress is commendable, city officials acknowledged that there is still much work to be done in the realm of sustainability. The collaborative efforts of the administration, including the mayor and city council, were praised as essential to the ongoing success of these initiatives.

As Newton continues to lead by example in renewable energy and sustainability, the community can anticipate further developments and enhancements in these critical areas. The commitment to reducing environmental impact while fostering economic savings remains a priority for the city’s leadership.