Top Rated HVAC Company in Amherst

In the pursuit of a greener future, Amherst Town, Massachusetts, has undertaken several dynamic initiatives to reshape the city's environmental footprint. From creating a dedicated Energy and Climate Action Committee to adopting advanced energy practices, the town is forging a path as a model of sustainability for other municipalities.

The Amherst Town Council has illustrated its commitment to combating climate change through various initiatives, including the establishment of an Energy and Climate Action Committee. This committee's primary responsibility is recommending climate mitigation goals and stipulating the target dates for accomplishing these goals. Further underlining the city's commitment to sustainability, the council has passed a Zero Energy Town Building Bylaw and other climate resolutions.

A notable accomplishment for the city is the adoption of the Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program. This collective electricity purchasing model operates in tandem with existing community utilities. In its advanced form, the CCA program is instrumental in developing energy efficiency services and local renewable energy projects, ranging from local renewable energy development and energy efficiency incentives to battery storage, microgrid development, and public transportation and electric vehicle infrastructure.

Electric vehicle usage is also encouraged in Amherst, with 49 public charging station ports located within a 15km radius of the town. Further, the town's commitment to renewable energy is reflected in its participation in the Solarize campaign, a program that helps residents and small businesses install solar at an affordable cost. The town has signed 174 contracts resulting in a total of 1.2 MW of solar capacity, setting a record for the Solarize Mass program.

In addition to these measures, Amherst is leading by example with sustainable building practices. The town's Sustainable Building Tour initiative showcases multiple sites across the city that have implemented these practices.

Through a combination of ambitious green initiatives, renewable energy programs, and sustainable practices, Amherst Town is indeed emerging as a green city, demonstrating the potential for sustainable urban living.