Net Zero Action Plan

Reduce, Replace, Renewables

There are several key ways to reduce emissions from buildings, as the graphic here illustrates. We must use less energy by investing in energy efficiency (Reduce), use cleaner energy by replacing fossil fuel-based appliances and building systems with electric versions (Replace), and ensure that all our our electricity is generated with renewable, zero emissions sources like solar and wind (Renewables).

Cambridge's Net Zero Action Plan uses these three strategies to drive emissions down. Action Areas 1 and 2 focus on Reducing and Replacing, while Action Area 3 focuses on Renewables. Action Area 4 supports all actions by securing funding and capacity for implementation. 

NZAP Action Table

Click on each of the Action Areas below to learn more about the activities we'll undertake to get to net zero.

For each activity, the timeline corresponds to the following number of years:

  • Short: 1-2 years
  • Medium: 3-5 years
  • Long: 5+ years

Net Zero Action Plan

Defining Net Zero

Residents, universities, businesses and the City are collaborating to reduce energy use in buildings and increase access to renewable energy. Cambridge has set a "net zero" target for all buildings in the community, and has created a "Net Zero Action Plan" to outline strategies to help each building reach the net zero emissions goal. You can see how we define net zero in the graphic to the left. 

Net Zero Action Plan

Cambridge Emissions Reduction Strategies

Each of the actions in the NZAP has the potential to reduce the City's GHG emissions over time. Hover over the different colorful wedges on the graph below to understand the estimated emissions reductions associated with each action! Note that, like all models, this graph is meant to portray rough estimates versus precise predictions.

Notably, the Targets associated with the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (1.2 BEUDO Targets, the blue wedge) are estimated to reduce emissions by approximately 7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) between now and 2050. Together, the implementation of all NZAP measures has the potential to reduce emissions by approximately 12 million MTCO2e.

Fiscal Year 2022 Status Report

The City of Cambridge has made progress on the goals of the Net Zero Action Plan since it was introduced. This report outlines the progress and next steps of the NZAP actions from July 2021 through June 2022.

Cambridge buildings
Implementation Status Chart

Legend

Implementation Status Indicators

To track the progress of each Action in the NZAP, Cambridge has assigned a graphic that will appear in the "Implementation Status" component of the Action. The implementation status means where Cambridge is in working on the steps of each action as it relates to the timeline created for that action. The timeline was formally adopted in 2023 with the updated 5-Year Plan.

The parking sign (top left) indicates that the action is not currently in progress.

The red light (top right) indicates the action is stalled and is not currently making progress.

The yellow light (bottom left) indicates that the action is delayed in its timeline from 2023 but is making progress. 

The green light (bottom right) indicates that the action is on track with the timeline adopted in 2023.

Equity and Resilience Badges

Legend

Equity and Resilience Badges

As part of the 5-year review, the City assessed NZAP actions to ensure the plan's benefits and burdens are equally distributed. In creating an updated structure of the actions in 2021, the overlap between the implementation of actions as well as the cross-cutting themes (issues that may be influenced by multiple actions) was taken into consideration. The cross-cutting themes were equity and resiliency, energy resilience, and the renewable thermal energy transition. Each of these themes was heavily weighed when thinking through possible adjustments. The reason for continuously reflecting upon these issues was to create a set of actions that would enhance a fair and just clean energy transition, seek out opportunities to improve the energy resilience of the community while reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based energy, and ensure that a structure was in place and that resources would be available to implement this plan.

These badges seen in each Action Area overview indicate that the actions covered bring resilience and equity opportunities to Cambridge. 

Action Summary Table

Action Table Summary

Overview

Action Area 1: Energy Efficiency (Existing Buildings)

Over the past several years, Cambridge has experienced substantial growth, which has led to a significant increase in energy demand. The transition to a low-carbon energy supply cannot happen without the more efficient use of energy in existing buildings. As end-users switch from equipment that combusts carbon-intensive fossil fuels on-site to equipment that uses a lower-carbon electricity supply, such as heat pumps, induction cooktops, and electric water heaters, demand for grid-supplied electricity will continue to grow. Our goal is for the full decarbonization of the building stock in Cambridge, to achieve this it requires the implementation of efficient equipment and building envelopes across the board. Three actions within the Energy Efficiency Action Area are working toward increasing the efficiency of our buildings through a variety of mandatory and voluntary programs and policies.  


Timeline

Action Area 1: Energy Efficiency (Existing Buildings)

NZAP Action 1 Timeline
Smart Goals and Implementation Status

On Track

Equity
Resilience

Custom Retrofit Program for Residential and Small Commercial

Action 1.1 Implementation Status

The Cambridge Energy Alliance offers many energy efficiency programs to help meet the goals of this action. In FY22, staff evaluated the impact of the Multifamily Retrofit Advisor Program as part of the state Innovate Energy Efficiency grant reporting. The program was found to be successfully engaging the interest of multi-family building owners and occupants, but struggling to achieve retrofit results due to a combination of multi-party decision-making and limited financing option barriers. As a result, the program was redesigned to better integrate decarbonization services for both small and large residential buildings, include a more explicit emphasis on resilience and electrification, and pair with multifamily retrofit finance pilot offerings to increase follow-through.

Staff also participated in the state Energy Efficiency Advisory Council process to update the 3-year energy efficiency plan for the MassSave utility rebate programs. In concert with neighboring communities, Cambridge advocated for improved services for multi-family buildings, increased incentives for electrification, and tracking program impacts based on GHG reduction. These recommendations were integrated into the plans, which took effect in 2022.

Custom Retrofit Program for Residential and Small Commercial

Action 1.1 Progress

Progress toward this action is measured through the number of buildings and units that engage with the Multi-Family Custom Retrofit Program. This program provides no-cost assistance for buildings and tenants to access the Mass Save program and provides additional in-depth, customized retrofit advice for multifamily buildings (5 – 49 residential units). Beginning in 2017, the program has seen fluctuating interest over the years; however, in FY2021 we saw increased engagement due to receiving an Innovate Energy Efficiency Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources. This grant allowed for expanded outreach opportunities, such as sending several targeted letters and hosting online webinars. In total, 2,800 letters were sent to residents of buildings with a high solar potential and 5,800 letters were sent to residents of multifamily buildings. The online webinars had a combined audience of 113 attendees.

In FY2021, the Multifamily Custom Retrofit Program engaged with the most properties to date with 76 buildings covering 1071 units. FY22 saw engagement with 25 buildings covering 774 units.

This data represents the total number of buildings and units by fiscal year that reached out to the Multi-Family Custom Retrofit program.

Cambridge Energy Burden

Action Area 1.1

This action is largely aimed at small to medium-sized buildings, which make up a small portion of Cambridge emissions compared to BEUDO buildings. Therefore, this action yields relatively low GHG reductions. However, this action is a priority due to the equity and resilience value it brings. By including buildings that house multi-family units and small businesses in energy efficiency efforts, this action helps reduce the burden of high energy costs. Energy Burden is defined as the percentage of a household's income spent on energy bills.  

Data from the Low-Income Energy Affordability Data (LEAD) Tool from US Department of Energy.

Custom Retrofit Program for Residential and Small Commercial

Action 1.1 Next Steps, Challenges, and Opportunities

The City will be launching the decarbonization program that is the next iteration of the Multifamily Retrofit Program and Cambridge Clean Heat (see Action 3.1) in 2023. A key opportunity is more financing options for participants through a pilot partnership with clean energy startup BlocPower. The program design will emphasize improved tracking and data access to measure results, though lack of direct data control remains a key challenge. This data will be integrated with the other Cambridge Energy Alliance program tracking information and shared via the Sustainability Dashboard.

Smart Goals and Implementation Status

Delayed

Equity

Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance

Action 1.2. Implementation Status

The City Manager submitted draft amendments to the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (BEUDO) to City Council in November, 2021. These amendments would require all BEUDO properties to phase down their emissions in steps over time to reach net zero by 2050. Since then, the City Council, BEUDO property representatives, and other interested stakeholders have been continuing to negotiate the various aspects of the amendments, including compliance timeline, mechanisms, and exemptions.

In FY22 staff also established a new data platform for BEUDO reporting which will allow for more streamlined reporting, analysis, and disclosure of data under the current ordinance and potential future performance requirements. A new, full-time employee was hired to manage the BEUDO reporting, data management, and compliance process.

Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance

Action 1.2 Progress

The Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (BEUDO) requires buildings to report annually on their energy and water use. The Ordinance covers existing commercial buildings larger than 25,000 square feet and residential buildings of 50 or more units. Progress towards this action is currently measured by the percentage of buildings that comply with the reporting requirements each year. In the future, GHG emission reductions will be tracked in accordance with the requirements being considered through BEUDO amendments.

This Action also aims to establish a resource hub to arm building owners with the knowledge and the tools to identify areas of improvement, take action, and achieve net zero emissions in their own buildings. Similar to the Multifamily Custom Retrofit Program, BEUDO buildings can receive technical support services through the Building Energy Retrofit Program offered through a partnership with Eversource.

Through the Building Energy Retrofit Program, Cambridge has reached 65 BEUDO Customers for Large Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency Projects. There are a total of 150 projects completed or in progress. This action saves 3,779,1906 gross kWh and 1,311,893 gross therms of energy annually. That's similar to the GHG emissions saved by taking 7,267 passenger cars off the road for a year.

City of Cambridge BEUDO Retrofit Program, 08/2022

Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance

Action 1.2 Next Steps, Challenges, and Opportunities

The City Council continues to consider the BEUDO amendments with the goal of adoption in the near term. Staff will support the amendment process and plan for implementation of performance requirements as appropriate, including determining regulatory details of such requirements. Staff are also working to flesh out the BEUDO Resource Hub to provide integrated and comprehensive technical support programs for BEUDO properties, building off of the current Building Energy Retrofit Program offered in partnership with Eversource. This will overlap with the decarbonization program described in Action 1.1 to provide new financing options to multifamily buildings in Cambridge. Rollout of the federal Inflation Reduction Act and enhanced MassSave incentives will provide a key opportunity to fund BEUDO building upgrades. The City will also continue to consider adopting Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) loans as a financing tool.  

Overview

Action Area 2: Net Zero New Construction

Cambridge has been a leader in green design and sustainability in new construction. The timeline for the proposed Cambridge net zero new construction targets will follow the development and release of the Massachusetts Net Zero Stretch Energy Code in 2022, which can be adopted by the City. In additional to operational emissions, Cambridge is working on addressing the wider and often unseen impacts of new construction by proposing to account for embodied carbon in new construction.

Action Area 2

Timeline

Action Area 2: Net Zero New Construction

NZAP Action 2 Timeline
Smart Goals and Implementation Status

On Track

Equity
Resilience

Net Zero Requirements for New Construction

Action 2.1 Implementation Status

In FY22, staff engaged in regulatory and legislative processes at the state level to advocate for robust net zero requirements for new construction and major renovations of buildings in line with the targets originally laid out in the Net Zero Action Plan. On the regulatory side, the state advanced a process to update the Stretch Energy Code and the Specialize, Opt-In Energy Code in compliance with the 2021 Climate Roadmap law. In response to a straw proposal released in early 2022, the City submitted comments urging the state to establish a true definition of “net zero” in the opt-in code that required high levels of energy efficiency with no fossil fuel use. On the legislative side, the City partnered with its neighbors and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council to advocate for the inclusion of a fossil fuel-free pilot program in the climate law that was ultimately passed in summer 2022.

Net Zero Requirements for New Construction

Action 2.1 Progress

Cambridge's Green Building Requirements ensure new buildings and substantial renovations are designed and implemented with environmentally sustainable and energy-efficient practices. New net-zero requirements will build off the progress that has already been made in this area. In early 2022, the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources released draft language for an updated Stretch Building Energy Code and for a new Municipal Opt-in Specialized Stretch Energy Code. City Staff provided feedback and comments on the draft language to help guide these codes to meet city goals. The City adopted the Municipal Opt-in Specialized Stretch Energy Code in January 2023 further pushing the needle forward on net zero new construction.

The impact of this action is currently measured through the number of new green buildings defined by the obtainable LEED certification for the project. Cambridge has used LEED as a framework to ensure new buildings meet high standards of energy efficiency, energy use, and sustainability. Over the years, Cambridge has experienced a steady growth of LEED Buildings including a significant number of LEED Gold-level buildings, the second highest rating in LEED certification. As of 2022, there are 10 LEED Certified, 45 LEED Silver, 62 LEED Gold, 8 LEED Platinum, and 38 Solar Ready buildings total. The Gross Floor Area (Sq. Ft.) of LEED buildings in 2022 is 27,201,606 (Sq. Ft.) and may continue to grow to advance net zero goals.

This shows the number of buildings added under Article 22 from 2013-2022 (Green Building Open Data Portal, 2022)

Net Zero Requirements for New Construction

Action 2.1 Next Steps. Challenges, and Opportunities

The Specialized Energy Code was released in late 2022 and adopted by the Cambridge City Council in January 2023. Staff will continue to work with Council to inform the regulated community and the public about the impact of the new Stretch Code and Specialized Energy Code before they take effect on July 1, 2023. Simultaneously, staff will collaborate with Council to track the fossil fuel-free pilot authorization process, following initial guidance released at the end of 2022 and final regulations expected by mid-2023. Effort will be made to integrate the two mechanisms to achieve net zero new construction consistent with the Net Zero Action Plan, and the original net zero new construction timeline will be revisited in context of the state pathways. One key limitation is the exclusion of laboratories and health care facilities from the fossil fuel-free pilot; other options will need to be investigated to achieve net zero in these buildings. Environment and Transportation Planning staff will work with Zoning and Development and the Inspectional Services Department to provide clear guidance and resources to building owners and developers to facilitate implementation of the net zero requirements.

2.3 SMART Goals

On Track

Resilience

Net Zero Requirements for Municipal Buildings

Action 2.3 Implementation Status

To demonstrate leadership, the City has for several years been designing and constructing new municipal buildings to be fossil fuel free and, since 2020, required to achieve net zero emissions. This demonstrates Cambridge's ability to grow and increase the square footage of new buildings without increasing overall emissions.

This commitment to the net zero and renewable thermal objectives will continue and provide a showcase for others for new technologies and how to achieve deep levels of savings through energy efficient design. It should also be noted that the procurement of off-site renewable energy is in progress to allow fossil-fuel free buildings to achieve net zero emissions.

Net Zero Requirements for Municipal Buildings

Action 2.3 Progress

Cambridge Municipal new construction projects continue to follow a net zero emissions standard, with the fossil fuel-free Tobin school complex breaking ground in 2022. Existing buildings also continue to undergo retrofits prioritizing energy efficiency and electrification. In fiscal year 2022, there were several municipal buildings across the City that underwent energy conservation measures and upgrades. These projects consisted of a range of lighting upgrades, HVAC electrification, envelope upgrades, and a major renovation. The Foundry Works building and the Lexington Avenue Firehouse had comprehensive energy conservation measure upgrades, while the Cambridge Public Library, Kennedy-Longfellow and the Morse School, and the War Memorial Recreation Center all had LED lighting upgrades. These projects have saved 831,652 kWh of electricity and 2,206 therms of gas. The gas savings are lower due to the majority being interior lighting projects.

Cambridge Net Zero Requirements for Municipal Buildings Project Status Data FY22.

Cambridge Municipal Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Cambridge Municipal GHG Emissions

Cambridge Municipal GHG Emissions

Net Zero Requirements for Municipal Buildings

Action 2.3 Next Steps, Challenges, and Opportunities

The City will continue with both net zero new construction and strategic renovation approaches in FY23, with 14 projects planned. Some planned projects include comprehensive energy conservation measures for the Lafayette Firehouse and the Fire Headquarters. Weatherization measures will be performed at City Hall Annex, Lombardi Building, and the Lexington Avenue Firehouse. Additionally, there are other projects planned for the Moses Youth Center, Peabody School and the Cambridge Public Library. However, energy retrofit projects must compete for funding with other urgent municipal facility maintenance and upgrade needs. Achievement of net zero emissions from all-electric municipal buildings will be facilitated by an expected procurement of 100% renewable electricity, which will come online by 2026. Specific consideration of opportunities to address embodied carbon will be made, informed by research for community-wide embodied carbon reporting standards under Action 2.2.

Overview

Action Area 3: Low Carbon Energy Supply

Increases in building efficiency must be combined with decarbonization, or elimination of fossil fuels, from the energy supply to buildings to achieve net zero emissions. Successfully decarbonizing the energy supply systems will require a combination of approaches over time. This section focuses on three main components: electrification of thermal systems; local (on-site) renewable energy supply; and procurement of renewable energy from acceptable sources outside of the City (off-site renewable electricity).

Action Area 3

Timeline

Action Area 3: Low Carbon Energy Supply

NZAP Action 3 Timeline
Smart Goals and Implementation Status

On Track

Equity
Resilience

Carbon Free Thermal Energy

Action 3.1 Implementation Status

In FY22, the City continued to offer the Clean Heat Program to help small residential homeowners understand and pursue decarbonization of their heating and hot water systems. The program experienced steady use as illustrated in the impacts section below. To expand support for multifamily building electrification, as explained in Action 1.1, the Clean Heat Program is being incorporated into a more comprehensive decarbonization program to cover a range of energy efficiency, electrification, and resilience measures and include financing.

Progress also continued on organization of the Neighborhood Energy community microgrid initiative. The initiative has engaged a wide range of organizations in The Port – including community centers, houses of worship, and health centers – on identifying ways to improve energy resiliency for critical buildings and thus for the community as a whole. Outreach to Port residents has continued through multiple channels and in multiple languages, and many have provided input on the neighborhood’s key energy resiliency needs.

Carbon Free Thermal Energy

Action 3.1 Progress

Transitioning buildings to renewable thermal systems will be an important part of achieving progress on Cambridge’s Net Zero goals. Electrification, using air-source and ground-source heat pumps and heat pump water heaters, enables buildings to eliminate fossil fuel use, instead using electric systems that can be powered by renewable electricity. Heat pump units can provide both heating and cooling. Current progress towards this action is reported through the number of heat pump installations and engagement in the Cambridge Clean Heat Program. This program provides services for the installation of heat pumps and other energy efficiency measures in small residential buildings. The number of installations of heat pump units have been increasing over the past few years.

The number of heat pump units are represented as a cumulative number. 

Cambridge Electrical Permit Database, 2022.

Carbon Free Thermal Energy

Action 3.1 Progress

The graph shows the volume of interest in the Cambridge Clean Heat Program.

 Cambridge Clean Heat Program Engagements, 2022. 

Carbon Free Thermal Energy

Action 3.1 Next Steps, Challenges, and Opportunities

In addition to launching the more comprehensive decarbonization program as a next step for Cambridge Clean Heat, in FY23 the City will further the development of the Neighborhood Energy pilot by conducting feasibility assessments for key buildings in the Port and facilitating a community-led process to identify how the microgrid can be equitably implemented.

In the district energy space, staff have been following the deployment of the Eversource Geomicrodistrict pilot and potential lessons for shared geothermal systems in Cambridge. A key opportunity is a federal Department of Energy grant that could fund a feasibility study for a pilot geomicrodistrict in Cambridge beginning in FY24. The application was made in partnership with a number of organizations that can advance the conversation around district energy deployment in Cambridge with or without the grant award, which will be announced in spring 2023.

Scaling up the pace of building decarbonization remains a key challenge given the unique circumstances of each building and limited resources to guide every building through the process. Enhanced state and federal commitment and incentives should help to overcome this barrier. The MA Commission on Clean Heat released a set of recommendations at the end of 2022 that, in combination with Inflation Reduction Act Funding, could make significant progress towards enabling replacement of fossil fuel systems in Cambridge buildings.

NZAP SG 3.2

On Track

Equity
Resilience

On-Site Renewable Energy Access

Action 3.2 Implementation Status

In FY22, staff worked with a consultant to complete the design of a potential community solar program with the goals of enabling solar installations on more Cambridge roofs while giving low-income and other Cambridge residents the ability to realize electricity bill savings from solar. The program would identify and aggregate large, unutilized roofs and offer their owners lease payments and potential electricity savings in exchange for hosting solar installations. These installations would then generate discounted electricity to be made available to low-income residents and other people unable to install solar on their own homes.

For those looking to install solar directly, the City continues to offer the Sunny Cambridge solar quote comparison tool and technical support.

On-Site Renewable Energy Access

Action 3.2 Progress

The City has 10 solar installations on city-owned buildings such as those at the King Open School, City Hall Annex, and Sullivan Water Treatment Facility. Several other installations on municipal buildings are planned to be constructed over the next several years. In total this accounts for roughly a capacity of 2544 kW. This surpassed the City's goal of providing 5% of all electricity consumed in municipal buildings to be from on-site solar. 

Community Solar Accounts

Additionally, the City offers various programs for residents to learn about and pursue solar for their buildings. Throughout Cambridge you can find over 850 solar arrays all working to produce clean electricity for the community. 

Rooftop Solar Requirements

Action 3.2 Next Steps, Challenges, and Opportunities

Staff are currently reviewing the community solar program design with the goal of laying the groundwork to launch the program in 2023. Community solar aims to overcome some of the key challenges to installing solar on roofs of buildings with multiple owners or where the owner has not decided to proceed with solar. The Inflation Reduction Act provided increased incentives for solar that can improve the economics of both individually owned and community solar systems.  

3.3 SMART Goals

On Track

Equity

Off-site Renewable Electricity Access

Action 3.3 Implementation Status

In FY22, staff submitted off-site renewable electricity criteria for consideration by City Council as part of the larger BEUDO amendments (See Action 1.2). That amendment process is ongoing. The City also continued to administer the Cambridge Community Electricity (CCE) aggregation program for approximately 40,000 residential and commercial accounts. CCE rates have remained stable thanks to the long-term contract even as global energy prices have risen significantly, saving Cambridge customers over $22 million dollars since 2017. During the spring of 2022, the City completed the installation of a 243kW solar installation on the Graham and Parks school funded by CCE participants and producing renewable energy on behalf of all participants. Furthermore, over 1400 aggregation participants have opted up to 100% renewable energy from Massachusetts Renewable Energy Certificates.

Off-site Renewable Electricity Access

Action 3.3 Progress

This action aims to provide residents and small businesses access to renewable energy through aggregation, leveraging the combined purchasing power of the community, in addition to direction for corporate entities and others to enter into renewable power purchase agreements that meet the standards of the City.  

There has been a general increase in aggregation customers each year. Customers of the aggregation program have used from July 2021-2022 a total of 36,928,243 kWh of renewable energy from this program. This program has allowed customers to save money while operating: As of June 2022, residential and business accounts have experienced $22,513,097 in savings compared to Eversource Basic Service. 

Cambridge Data, Activity through June 2022.

G&P

Graham and Parks School

Over 40,000 electricity accounts participate in the Cambridge Community Electricity Program. All the Cambridge Community Electricity Program participants pay a $0.002 charge on each kWh of electricity they use and their collective impact has added over $2 million dollars to our Renewable Energy Fund. In March 2022, a new 243kW local solar project was installed on Graham and Parks School using Renewable Energy Fund money. This solar project is collectively “owned” by all the Cambridge Community Electricity Program participants! It is expected to generate at 280,000 kWhrs of energy per year.

Off-site Renewable Electricity Access

Action 3.3 Next Steps, Challenges, and Opportunities

Staff are currently pursuing options to increase the default percent of renewable electricity from purchaser-caused renewable energy sources in the aggregation, which is up for renewal at the end of 2023. These strategies can support the development of new renewable energy facilities. Increases in global energy supply prices will likely lead to an increase in aggregation electricity rates, however the aggregation can still offer greater rate stability for Cambridge residents. Part of the BEUDO amendment process is to understand the balance between clean electricity from the state grid and additional renewable electricity sources, and to create mechanisms for BEUDO buildings to opt-in to renewable electricity aggregation opportunities.

Resilience
Equity

Overview

Action Area 4: Financing and Capacity Building

This revised action is aimed at providing building owners the resources they need to make informed decisions about energy improvements and a means to access financing or funding for their projects. Further, this action is intended to lay the groundwork for various aspects of an enhanced Community Choice Aggregation program (CCA 3.0). The CCA 3.0 model is intended to allow residents and businesses the opportunity to own distributed energy resources (DER) using “green bond” financing to purchase the distributed energy systems and have customers opt to buy shares in the DERs, thereby conferring an ownership share to the participants and allowing the participants to realize the cost savings that occur with DER installations. By buying shares in DERs, customers can participate in DER ownership without high upfront capital costs or good credit, or even participate as renters. CCA 3.0 resolves to disengage from, rather than mitigate the impacts of fossil fuel power plants by planning and facilitating voluntary investment in local renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. Furthermore, CCA 3.0 facilitates voluntary investment in small DERs on homes and businesses that reduce demand for grid and pipeline resources, rather than centralized renewable generation that adds to infrastructure demand. CCA 3.0 achieves equitable energy ownership, as opposed to equitable consumption of energy.

Action Area 4

Timeline

Action Area 4: Financing and Capacity Building

NZAP Action 4 Timeline

How You Can Help

Keep Your Commercial Building In Compliance

Stay up-to-date on energy use disclosure and green building requirements that may affect you or your building. 

Also, buildings subject to the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (BEUDO) can take advantage of the Cambridge Building Energy Resource Hub to make building upgrades cheaper and easier.

Get Help with Retrofits for your BEUDO-Covered Building
Review Building Energy Disclosure Requirements
Review Green Building Requirements

How You Can Help

Get Your Home or Building on the Net Zero Path

Sign your building up for one of Cambridge Energy Alliance’s programs. The Energy Alliance offers

  • Virtual energy assessments for renters, landlords, and homeowners
  • Energy assessments for small businesses and non-profits
  • Financial help for energy bills and energy improvements for low-income residents
  • Support with heat pumps, solar hot water, and solar PV, too!

Check out MassSave for many more money-saving opportunities for residents, landlords, and business owners.

Get Support for Efficiency in Your Home or Business
Find Cost-Saving Energy Programs