Get the Facts

The City of Worcester is pleased to announce a launch of its Worcester Energy Program, a municipal energy efficiency program that encourages residents, businesses and institutions throughout the City to take action to save energy. Worcester Energy (WE) is the latest development in Worcester’s long-standing commitment to being green.

MA Designated Green CommunityCurrently, the WE Program offers two city-wide Pilots aimed at increasing energy savings for residences and businesses - a Residential Rebate Pilot and a Small Business Assessments Pilot. Click on the links if you want to learn more and participate.

The City of Worcester established itself as a leader in adopting energy policies that earned it the State's prestigious Green Community designation. Worcester was one of the first 35 municipalities to achieve that status. 

 

Curious about all the other ways Worcester is creating a greener future, today? 

Worcester's Climate Action Accomplishments:


Jan. 2012

Worcester Energy announces its Residential Rebate Pilot and Small Business Energy Efficiency & Sustainability Assessment Pilot

Dec. 2011

Worcester Energy Program launch

Oct. 2011

Renews its commitment to 20% clean, renewable electricity by extending its electric energy contract through February, 2014. Sept. 2011

City and National Grid cohost a Community Summit - see http://www.green2growth.com/ for details

July 2011

New energy-saving, Building 'Stretch' Code now applies to construction projects in Worcester

June 2011

City announces a $26.6M energy services contract with Honeywell International, Inc. to implement a comprehensive energy conservation program across 92 City and School facilities

Jan. 2011

City launches its Distressed Area Residential rebate pilot. This pilot layers energy efficiency Federal grant monies to comprehensively address homes in targeted areas hardest hit by the foreclosure crisis

July 2010

City awarded $852k grant from State of MA Green Communities Program to provide a financial incentive to encourage investment in building improvements that achieve the requirements of the stretch code and to develop and implement an education and outreach campaign about the life-cycle benefits of energy efficiency measures

May 2010

  • City of Worcester is designated a Green Community by the State of Massachusetts Green Communities Program
  • City becomes the 28th municipality in Massachusetts to adopt the Energy Stretch Building Code local option


Feb. 2010

  • The City manager reconvenes the Energy Task Force and charges it with updating the Climate Action Plan
  • 60 kW solar array announced for Water Filtration Plant.


Jan. 2010

Expanded Wind Ordinance approved by City Council

Nov. 2009


Aug. 2009

City achieves goal set forth by City Council by amending its electricity contract to include the purchase of an additional 15% of its supply from renewable resources bringing its overall total to 20%.

May 2009

Comprehensive energy audit of municipal facilities begins

Apr. 2009

  • City awarded $64.5K grant from Massachusetts Technology Collaborative.
  • Energy Services contract awarded to Honeywell to complete Comprehensive Investment Grade energy audit of all municipally-owned facilities.


Feb. 2009

City hires Manager for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program (now known as Worcester Energy Program).

Fall 2008

City completes high efficiency (LED) traffic signal lighting upgrade project throughout the city.

Jul. 2008

City implements single-stream (zero sort) recycling for its curbside recycling program.

Fall 2007

School Dept. implements single-stream (zero sort) recycling at all schools facilities.

Fall 2007

City completes high efficiency lighting upgrade projects in city-owned public parking garages.

Fall 2007

City completes energy audits of select City-owned buildings and implements lighting related energy efficiency measures through National Grid.

Dec. 2007

City Council endorses Climate Action Plan.

Jan. 2007

Energy Task Force completes City’s first Climate Action Plan (CAP) and transmits it to City Council. The Climate Action Plan proposes steps to promote energy efficiency and use of renewable energy in Worcester, and to initiate education and outreach activities designed to build support and participation from residents, homeowners and local businesses.

Feb. 2006

City Manager appoints Energy Task Force and hires Energy Consultant to develop Climate Action Plan and propose Green House Gas reduction target. The Energy Task Force is made up of representatives from local government agencies, businesses, environmental organizations, and utility companies.

2006

The City becomes a member to Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI) whose local government members commit to sustainable development.

Mar. 2005

City Council adopts resolution that sets as a goal 20% clean, renewable electricity for municipal use by 2010 and encourages residents and businesses to choose the clean energy option on their own energy bills.

Apr. 2004

City’s first greenhouse gas inventory completed using 2002 data identifies building energy, vehicle transportation, and waste as the primary sources of emissions

Oct. 2003

City Council adopts a resolution to join the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign, pledging to take a leadership role in promoting public awareness about the causes and impacts of climate change and to undertake a program to reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution in the city

1994

New Recycling and pay-as-you-throw trash program reduces total annual waste stream by ~40%