The Town of Newbury, along with Peabody, Gosnold, and Leyden, became one of the newest additions to the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources’ (DOER) Green Communities Division in 2024, making them eligible for grant funding throughout the state. The Green Communities Division helps cities and towns reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions through clean energy and energy efficiency initiatives. 

Since its launch in 2009, the Green Communities Division has awarded over $177 million in grants to participating municipalities. Currently, 296 of the state’s 351 municipalities are participating. With the addition of Newbury, 14 of the Merrimack Valley’s 15 communities have now received this designation. To become a Green Community, municipalities must commit to reducing municipal energy consumption by 20% within five years. Green Communities are eligible for grants and technical support to fund projects such as building weatherization, electric vehicle adoption, and renewable energy system installation. DOER provides funding, technical support, and local assistance to help municipalities lower energy costs, enhance sustainability, and strengthen local economies. Communities that achieve this designation are recognized for their efforts in meeting the Commonwealth’s goal of Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. For additional details about the Green Communities Division, click here. 

Newbury was recognized this fall during DOER’s Green Communities Summit alongside the other three new designees. With their Designation Grant Funding, Newbury intends to fund an energy reduction project at Newbury Elementary School. MVPC is grateful to have had the opportunity to work closely with Newbury to achieve this designation and applauds its effort to become a Green Community. MVPC advocates for similar pursuits of clean energy initiatives in the region. To learn more about MVPC’s Environmental Program and how we support our communities, visit our program page: Environment | MVPC.