Town of Hardwick Earns Green Communities Designation

Thursday, December 24, 2015

GoLocalProv News Team

The Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission announced that the Tow of Hardwick has achieved Green Communities designation through the MA Department of Energy Resources Green Communities Program.

The Designation contains a $125,000 award and eligibility for competitive funding. The Baker-Polito administration announced that 19 more cities and towns have been designated Green Communities by the DOER and will receive more than $3.1 million for local clean energy and energy efficiency projects.

The Town of Hardwick received $150,510 for its achievement.

“The Green Communities program demonstrates state and local governments can work together to save energy and taxpayers’ money, while making the Commonwealth a healthier place to live. These nineteen communities will be able to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy, reducing energy costs and reducing their carbon footprints," said Governor Charlie Baker.

Green Communities Program

The Green Communities Program was established under the Green Communities Act of 2008 and helps Massachusetts cities and towns find clean energy solutions that reduce long term energy costs and strengthen local economies.

Overall, the Green Communities Designation and Grant Program has helped 155 Massachusetts cities and towns earn Green Community status and funding.

All Green Communities commit to reducing municipal energy consumption by 20 percent over five years.