Mayor Charles C. Kokoros is pleased to announce the Town of Braintree has been designated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a Green Community and will receive an initial grant of $202,590.00.
The Green Communities Designation and Grant Program provides a road map and financial and technical assistance to municipalities that pledge to reduce municipal energy use by 20 percent over 5 years. In addition to the 20 percent energy use reduction, the Town fulfilled other designation requirements including: designating areas for as-of-right siting for renewable or alternative energy research and development facilities in two zoning districts within the Town with expedited permitting, approving a fuel-efficient vehicle purchasing policy for municipal vehicles, and the adoption of a more stringent building efficiency code, achieved when the Town adopted the Stretch Energy Code in 2019.
“I want to recognize and thank Grant Writer Lorraine See who shepherded the Town through the designation process and has worked diligently to ensure the Town receives these funds so we can achieve our clean energy goals,” said Mayor Kokoros. “This development marks a significant achievement in the mission of the Town as we work to improve energy efficiency and reduce our environmental impact.”
The Green Communities Division of the Department of Energy Resources was established through Section 10 of Chapter 25A of Massachusetts General Law. The Division is responsible for the administration of the Green Community Designation and Grant program which is able to provide up to $20 million annually to the 85% of cities and towns within Massachusetts that have achieved Green Communities designation.
“Sustainable Braintree is thrilled to see our town get some well-deserved recognition for its environmental initiatives by this acceptance in the DOER’s Green Community program,” said a representative from Sustainable Braintree. “We are especially grateful to the Mayor’s Office for persevering through the lengthy application process. Addressing climate change is crucial to the future of our town, our region, and our planet. The steps the town has taken and the funds we can access through this program will help us to do that.”