2010 Green Communities 20% Energy Reduction Plan

The benefits of achieving a Green Communities designation cannot be overstated and extend beyond the program itself.
 

The designation inspired additional energy-related initiatives, improved coordination between municipal staff and departments, and increased messaging with the public at large about energy-related issues and actions.

The Green Communities Program guided the City in reducing its environmental impact through economically feasible objectives in a short term Energy Reduction Plan, which enabled Newburyport to achieve the Massachusetts Green Communities designation. 

The Five Energy Reduction Objectives were all achieved a year ahead of schedule.

  1. Reduce energy consumption in municipal buildings by 20% by the end of the 2014 fiscal year
  2. 17% energy reduction achieved by end of 2014  
  3. Track the energy use of particular buildings to establish a baseline for reduction and reveal the easiest areas to target for improvement 
  4. Develop a fuel-efficient vehicle purchase policy 
  5. Shut-off of some streetlights  
  6. Employ more efficient lighting technologies in most streetlights