State and local leaders celebrate milestone achievement, unlocking new grant funding for energy efficiency, sustainability, and infrastructure improvements
91 percent of Massachusetts’ Population Now Resides in a Green Community
Reading, MA — Today, the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) officially recognized the Town of Reading as a Green Community. A ceremony on the Town Common brought together DOER Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony, members of the Reading legislative delegation, the Select Board, the Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) Board of Commissioners, and Town leaders to celebrate the achievement.
The Green Communities program recognizes Massachusetts cities and towns that commit to clean energy and energy efficiency. To earn the designation, Reading pledged to reduce municipal energy use by 20 percent over five years, purchase fuel-efficient vehicles, and adopt energy-saving standards for new construction, among other measures.
“This is a tremendous accomplishment for our community and staff,” said Town Manager Matt Kraunelis. “Becoming a Green Community shows our commitment to lowering costs for taxpayers, protecting the environment, and investing in a stronger future for Reading and its residents.”
With this designation, Reading becomes eligible for state grant funding to support energy-saving projects with RMLD in Town and School buildings. These projects will help reduce operating costs, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and modernize local infrastructure.
“Congratulations to Reading on its commitment to cut energy use and upgrade its municipal buildings and fleets to modern, ultra-efficient equipment,” said Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony. “We are proud to help our Green Communities advance their clean energy goals, which lowers costs for residents and businesses and creates healthier, more resilient communities.”
“Today’s recognition is not an endpoint—it’s the beginning of new opportunities to improve efficiency and resilience in Reading,” added Kraunelis.
“We are proud to welcome Reading as our newest Green Community. We value our partnerships with municipal leaders to help cities and towns lower energy costs and cut harmful pollution,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “These local projects help protect communities, residents and businesses from high energy bills and extreme weather, and show how much we can achieve when we work together.”
“Congratulations to Reading on its commitment to cut energy use and upgrade its municipal buildings and fleets to modern, ultra-efficient equipment,” said Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony. “We are proud to help our Green Communities advance their clean energy goals, which lowers costs for residents and businesses and creates healthier, more resilient communities.”
With today’s announcement, 298 of the state’s 351 municipalities hold a Green Communities designation. Since the program began, DOER has awarded more than $199 million in grant funding to Massachusetts’ cities and towns through designation and competitive grants.
Members of Reading’s legislative delegation also praised the Town’s designation:
“I’m thrilled to be celebrating Reading’s designation as a Green Community, unlocking new state grant opportunities to help improve energy efficiency and sustainability,” said Senator Jason Lewis. “In 2022, along with Representatives Jones and Haggerty, we were successful in updating state law to allow communities like Reading—that are served by regional Municipal Light Plants—to be able to join the state’s Green Communities Program, and it’s wonderful to see Reading now officially recognized as a Green Community. Thank you to the Reading legislative delegation, as well as local Reading officials and environmental advocates, including Town Manager Matt Kraunelis, the members of the Select Board, and the Reading Municipal Light Department for getting this across the finish line.”
“Today’s Green Communities designation acknowledges the multi-year commitment by town leaders, residents and state officials to promote Reading’s clean energy agenda and protect the environment,” said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading). “Countless hours have already been invested in this community-wide effort to reduce energy usage, increase efficiency, and lower costs for the town’s ratepayers. The Green Communities designation will further enhance these ongoing efforts by allowing Reading to access critical state grant funding assistance to help implement these worthy environmental goals.”
“I want to congratulate the Town of Reading on achieving the Green Communities designation and recognize all the hard work local officials, leaders, and community members put in to make this possible,” said Representative Haggerty. “Earning this designation reflects our community’s commitment to reducing taxpayer costs, building a more sustainable future, and protecting our surrounding environment, while also updating local infrastructure. I was happy to work with the Reading delegation and cosponsor the legislation that helped the Town access the Green Communities designation process.”
For more information on Green Communities and community development initiatives, visit Reading Green Communities or contact Reading Town Hall at (781) 942-9001.
With today’s announcement, 298 of the state’s 351 municipalities hold a Green Communities designation. Since the program began, DOER has awarded more than $199 million in grant funding to Massachusetts’ cities and towns through designation and competitive grants.
The 298 Green Communities each commit to reducing municipal energy consumption by 20 percent within 5 years. The town of Reading has committed to reduce its energy consumption by 11,256 MMBTUs in five years. Implementing its energy reduction plan will save Reading more than $100,000 annually. The energy savings is equivalent to taking 179 gasoline-powered cars off the road, or the energy use of more than 87 homes.
Under the Green Communities Act, DOER’s Green Communities Designation and Grant Program can provide up to $20 million annually to qualified cities and towns. The goal of the Designation Grant Program is to support communities’ investments in energy efficiency and clean energy projects that further communities’ local energy goals. Initial designation grants are based on a $125,000 base for each designated Green Community, plus additional amounts tied to per capita income and population.
