Commonwealth Conversations: Energy Smarts

Patriots of the clean energy revolution cutting greenhouse gasses

Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr.

Secretary, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs

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With new science emerging on the health impacts of fossil fuel consumption and increases in extreme weather and storm events relating to climate change, it’s clear that we need to do all that we can to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It’s important because we are a coastal state, we have a vibrant agricultural industry and because we rely on imported energy for our electricity needs. Under the leadership of Governor Patrick, the Commonwealth has risen to the challenge of creating bold long-term goals to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy.

As a result of the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA), signed by Governor Patrick in August 2008, Massachusetts has greenhouse gas emissions limits of an 80 percent reduction of 1990 levels by 2050. In December 2010, our office released a the 2020 Clean Energy and Climate Plan plan that set the ambitious target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent from 1990 levels by 2020.

We’ve already made great progress on greenhouse gas reductions over a short period of time. We recognize the plan has to be dynamic but the investments we’ve made in solar, wind, electric vehicles and energy efficiency are already at work reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

New solar array in Westford, MA.

With the implementation of the Green Communities Act, also signed in 2008, we now have 42 percent of Massachusetts residents (or 2.7 million people) living in Green Communities. All 86 Green Communities  have committed to reducing their municipal energy consumption by 20 percent.  This commitment by these patriots of our Massachusetts clean energy revolution equates to the annual energy consumption of more than 13,000 Massachusetts homes and the greenhouse gases emissions from more than 16,800 cars. 

We have the most aggressive goals in the country and we know that means we have a lot of hard work ahead of us. This Administration has an absolute commitment to obtain those goals. I’ve assigned Undersecretary of Energy Barbara Kates-Garnick and Environment Undersecretary Phil Griffiths to oversee this ambitious plan with focus on transportation, buildings, energy generation, non-energy emissions and climate adaptation.  We’ve got our team in place and a plan to engage with stakeholders. We are also unveiling an online tool to track our progress in May.

It will take all of us to meet these revolutionary clean energy goals. I hope you will join us.

Video of the Week

Madeleine Barr
Multimedia intern, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA)
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Today we are starting a new Video of the Week series in which we highlight a clean energy video from the Commonwealth. With so many great clean energy stories happening across the state, it will be difficult to pick just one. 

This week, we have two videos that feature energy measurement projects that were funded by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 – which just had its third year anniversary and has resulted in a paycheck for more than 6,500 clean energy workers.

Through the Enterprise Energy Management Systems (EEMS), EnerNOC is installed energy meters at state-owned buildings so that facilities managers can see just how much energy is being used.  Using this information they will be able to make adjustments in their own consumption.  This video highlights how Fitchburg State University utilizes EnerNOC technology to reduce their overall energy costs. 

Our second video this week is of the Massachusetts Hospital School; it is an institution that provides medical, rehabilitative, educational, recreational, and vocational services to children and young adults with disabilities.  The mission of this school is to help the students achieve their full potential in all aspects of daily life.  By staying aware of energy consumption through EnerNOC software, the Mass Hospital School can spend its money on assets valuable to their students’ growth as opposed to wasting the limited funds on unnecessary energy use.  This video shows just how they do it. 

Know of a video that you’d like to see on the blog? Share it in the comments section below. 

Energy by the numbers: 2.7 Million

Dan Burgess

Clean Energy Fellow, Department of Energy Resources

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Since the Green Communities Act was passed in 2008, 86 cities and towns in the Commonwealth have been officially designated as a Green Community - that means more than 2.7 million Massachusetts residents are living in a municipality that has met five clean energy criteria.

The residents, businesses, and public officials in these municipalities are making real progress in reducing our dependence on foreign sources of energy and are key partners in the progress that the Commonwealth is making toward achieving a cleaner energy future. 

Visit the Green Communities web page to see a map of the 86 municipalities and to learn more about the program.

Infographic: Clean Energy in Massachusetts

Dan Burgess

Clean Energy Fellow, Department of Energy Resources

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You can download the text of this infographic here.

ARRA 101: The Recovery Act turns three

Dan Burgess

Clean Energy Fellow, Department of Energy Resources

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Last week, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) reached it's third year anniversary. Since 2009, the Patrick-Murray Administration has prudently invested Massachusetts' federal stimulus funds with thousands of clean energy projects completed as a result. Check out some of the social media highlights of Recovery Act in Massachusetts below - you can also view these stories in a slide show. 

A year in review…the clean energy revolution continues

Mark Sylvia

Commissioner, Department of Energy Resources (DOER)

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This week, President Obama and Governor Patrick both confirmed their visions for our clean energy future. In the State of the Union speech, the President talked about the “promise of clean energy,” and said “nowhere is the promise of innovation greater than in American-made energy.” In the Governor’s State of the Commonwealth address, he brought it home, reminding us that the Green Communities Act fundamentally shifted our state’s energy focus toward efficiency and renewable energy.  

Our nation-leading energy policies are producing results across the board.  Massachusetts citizens, businesses, state entities, and local governments - including 86 designated Green Communities - are taking advantage of the economic and environmental rewards of investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy. We’re creating clean energy jobs, reducing municipal operating costs, using less energy and adding cleaner energy. And we’ve received national recognition for our efforts.

Take a look at the advances in our energy agenda from last year (for the best view press play, click 'More' and view 'Fullscreen'). 

You can also view the Massachusetts 2011 Clean Energy Year In Review on this site or you can download 2011 Massachusetts Clean Energy Year in Review.

Under Governor Patrick’s leadership and support of renewable energy, the clean energy industry grew nearly 7 percent in Massachusetts last year, and added thousands of jobs. We’ve added tens of thousands of kilowatts of renewable generation – enough to power over 25,000 households – since 2007.  

This past fall, Massachusetts was ranked as the No. 1 state in the nation for energy efficiency by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) for “excelling in every aspect of energy efficiency” and continuing “the implementation of the 2008 Green Communities Act.” Massachusetts’ success in renewable energy was also underlined in the fall, when Governor Patrick was awarded the Solar Champion Award by the Solar Energy Industry Association. 

None of our success would be possible without the hard work of the more than 63,000 people working in 4,900 Massachusetts clean energy companies, weatherizing homes, designing energy efficient buildings, installing solar panels for electricity or heating, and tuning up high efficiency furnaces. It also wouldn’t be possible if homeowners, renters, landlords, business owners and municipal leaders didn’t see the benefit of investing in energy improvements that provide savings and value today, and well into the future.

It’s been a thrilling first year as commissioner and I look forward to continuing my work with you as we create a cleaner energy future together. 

Energy efficient lighting project will save $4 million

Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr.

Secretary, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs

View Secretary Sullivan's Bio

One of the things I’m focused on is reducing energy use at state facilities. By investing in energy efficiency, the Patrick-Murray Administration hopes to not only cut long-term energy costs and protect our environment, but also inspire municipal governments, businesses and residents to make the same types of investments.

This past November at the MBTA’s Alewife Garage and T stop in Cambridge, I joined state transportation officials in announcing an energy efficient lighting program that will save $4 million over the lifetime of the equipment installed in energy costs, reduce negative environmental impacts and make public parking garages safer and better lit. The Commonwealth expects to earn back its $1 million investment through energy cost savings in less than two and a half years.

The energy efficient lighting project will replace 87 percent of the total fixtures at the Alewife Garage, which is also home to several other energy saving components such as electric vehicle charging stations, bike cages for commuters, and extensive natural lighting.

Energy efficiency retrofits are planned at more than 35 state facilities across the Commonwealth, including other MBTA garages and parking lots, and are expected to generate an annual savings of 3.5 million kilowatt hours and 1,300 tons in greenhouse gas emissions. Other projects planned under this program will take place at MBTA sites in Newton, Needham, Charlestown, Hyde Park, and Norfolk, among others. Funds have also been allocated to projects at Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Highway Division and other state facilities. 

The project is part of a partnership among MassDOT, the Massachusetts Recovery and Reinvestment Office, the Department of Energy Resources (DOER), the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and the MBTA.

DOER, with the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, is allocating $1 million in funds from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 (ARRA) for the program, which will leverage $900,000 in additional efficiency rebates from NSTAR.

Local companies are also benefiting from this program. Products from Massachusetts companies such as Osram Sylvania of Danvers and Renova Lighting of Mansfield are being used in several projects. These projects are also creating jobs across the Commonwealth for local electricians and contractors. In fact, over 6,100 clean energy and environment sector workers in Massachusetts have received paychecks as a direct result of ARRA since the state’s Stimulus investments began in 2009.

Follow Friday: The Energy Edition

Dan Burgess

Clean Energy Fellow, Department of Energy Resources

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Are you looking for the latest energy news and updates in Massachusetts? You have come to the right place. The Energy Smarts blog provides an inside look into state energy policies, stories, and events that are happening across the Commonwealth. If you are also looking for up-to-the-minute updates, there are several state officials and agencies that are using Twitter to communicate about energy in Massachusetts. Here are my recommendations on which Twitter accounts you should follow for the latest in energy news.

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Department of Energy Resources - @MassDOER

From gas prices to solar installations and appliance rebates, the Department of Energy Resources Twitter feed is the place to go for all things energy in Massachusetts.

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EEA Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr. - @MassEEA

Energy and Environment Affairs Secretary Sullivan actively tweets from energy-related events and highlights related news stories. A recent tweet from the Secretary: Massachusetts leads clean energy revolution again, new facility tests #wind blades 90 meters long R http://yfrog.com/h7q11brj

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Massachusetts Clean Energy Center - @MassCEC

This quasi-public agency provides support for the clean energy sector and communicates the latest renewable news and updates. A recent tweet from this account: Check out this video on why MA is well positioned to take advantage of the burgeoning clean energy marketplace http://video.ft.com/v/983210935001/Massachusetts-reaps-a-wind-and-svestolar-har

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Agriculture Commissioner Scott J. Soares - @AgCommishSoares

A frequent tweeter, Commissioner Soares often highlights energy policies that impact the agriculture community. My personal favorite from earlier this year: Flipping the switch on "Cow Power" in MA! Good for farms, our environment and our economy! http://www.telegram.com/article/20110519/FLASH/105199932

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Department of Energy Resources - @MassGreening

State staff assisting the Massachusetts private sector with energy programs (efficiency, renewables, clean energy).

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Energy Smarts blog - @maenergysmarts

This blog's official Twitter handle, follow the feed to get information on the latest energy blog posts and other energy news from across the state.

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Governor Deval Patrick - @MassGovernor

An outspoken advocate of clean energy and an active new media user, Governor Patrick's account is the most popular on this list and is a must follow for anyone who is interested in Massachusetts policies and events.

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If you are interested in connecting with other officials and agencies online, you can find a comprehensive list of Official Commonwealth of Massachusetts Social Media Accounts online.

Using less gas – what you can do and what the state plans to do

Marc Breslow

Director of Transportation and Buildings Policy, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs

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With gas prices rising toward $4, it’s time to think again about how to reduce our addiction. We have short memories – it’s less than three years since the last gas price crisis. Isn’t it time we learned our lesson?

In the short run, the quickest way to cut gas costs is to maintain your car well and “drive smart.” Maintenance: change your oil and air filter and tune your car at the recommended intervals, and keep your tires at the proper pressure. Drive smart: speeding, accelerating fast, and braking hard raise gas use greatly. Try driving more gently and see how much money you save. Other easy ways to save gas are to remove unneeded roof and rear racks, use the “recycle inside air” setting when running air conditioning, and idle only when necessary.

For those who have other options, it’s also possible to get around differently than with one person in a car: car or van pools, take public transit, use a bicycle, walk. To check out possi-ble options go to MassRides at www.commute.com.

If you’re in the market for a new or used car, remember that miles per gallon (MPG) vary widely, even for autos in the same size class. All new cars have stickers on them showing the MPG, and you can see all the ratings for new and used cars by going to www.fueleconomy.com.

For the longer run, the Commonwealth has several policies to cut gas use, through our Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2020. The Plan addresses the three main methods for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation: making vehicles more fuel efficient, providing convenient alternatives to driving, and cutting the carbon contained in auto fuel (the carbon dioxide that is released when fossil fuels are burned is the main cause of climate change).

The greatest change will come from the federal government’s revised MPG standards, which will improve fuel efficiency of new cars by almost 30 percent by 2016. In addition, the state’s Plan calls for providing incentives to consumers to buy more efficient autos.

Second, the Commonwealth will promote “smart growth” – new residential and commercial development that makes it possible to get around with less driving. This includes develop-ment that is closer to cities and to mass transit, and “mixed use” development, where homes, stores, and jobs are located closer to each other.

Third, through a pilot program, the state will encourage auto insurance companies to give drivers the option of paying per mile for their coverage, rather than through an annual pre-mium. This allows people to cut their insurance bills by driving less, while also cutting gas costs and global warming emissions.

Finally, there is an existing federal law, and a regional effort being developed by 11 Northeast states, to require that a portion of vehicle fuel have lower carbon content than does gasoline. Possibilities include electricity (even if power plants burn fossil fuels to generate power, electric cars are far more efficient than gasoline-powered ones), cellulosic ethanol (alcohol fuel made from non-food crop sources), and natural gas. So as the summer driving season gets closer, it’s not too soon to think about how to get around and have fun without blowing your budget at the gas pump. Good luck!

96 Ways to Go Green! (Part 10)

Rachel Offerdahl

Multimedia intern, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA)

View Rachel's Bio

Today, we wrap up this series on 96 Ways to Go Green with a final post on green transportation tips. For the rest of the series, scroll down, And congratulations for taking steps to Go Green!

89. Instead of driving, use public transportation, ride a bike, or walk. Form a carpool to go to work or get kids to school.

90. Drive a hybrid or other fuel-efficient car. Cars with manual transmissions typically use less fuel than those with automatic transmissions.

91. Get rid of excess weight in your car (carry as little as possible in the trunk).

92. Buy radial tires and make sure they are inflated to the proper PSI.

93. Drive smoothly – avoid quick acceleration or hard braking to maximize fuel efficiency.

94. Try to run all your errands at once to minimize driving.

95. Share cars among family members.

96. Check your car for leaks and recycle motor oil.