Swampscott will receive $125,000 to fund energy conservation measures, including a heat pump and weatherization upgrades at the cemetery building, high school and library.
Gov. Maura Healey announced more than $8 million in funding for cities and towns across Massachusetts to support energy efficiency and clean energy projects. The Department of Energy Resources (DOER) selected 57 municipalities, including Swampscott, to receive Green Communities Competitive Grants. Swampscott is a designated Green Community and a certified Climate Leader Community in the Commonwealth.
“Our administration is committed to helping cities and towns lower energy costs and make public buildings more efficient,” said Healey. “These investments will reduce energy use, save money and help communities make the most of every taxpayer dollar.”
The projects funded across the 57 municipalities are expected to save about $701,411 annually in energy costs while leveraging $3.2 million in utility incentives. Annual energy savings of 28,141 MMBtus are equivalent to the annual energy use of 320 Massachusetts households. The projects are also expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1,634 metric tons annually, roughly equivalent to the emissions from consuming 3,783 barrels of oil.
“Energy efficiency is one of the smartest investments a community can make,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “These grants will help cities and towns lower energy costs, upgrade municipal and school buildings and fleets, and reduce pollution, all while saving dollars that can be put toward other critical projects.”
The Climate Action and Resiliency Committee discussed additional sustainability initiatives during its meeting Tuesday. One proposal was to redirect funding currently used for renewable energy certificate purchases or allocations to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center toward local clean energy projects.
Committee members said the funds could provide savings to participants or be invested in local residential clean energy projects that directly benefit residents. Another idea discussed was using the funding for a municipal project, such as installing a solar canopy at the high school.
