Wednesday, December 10, 2008

City leads way in green initiatives

By Stephanie Butler

CAMBRIDGE – The city may be bound by concrete sidewalks and brown brick buildings, Cambridge officials plan a greener look by 2011.

Last year, Governor Deval Patrick launched the Cambridge Energy Alliance, designed as a model for Massachusetts to reduce energy waste. The organization, partnering with the city, is trying to reduce electricity and individual vehicle use.

In February, the magazine Popular Science ranked Cambridge six out of 50 U.S. cities based on the availability of renewable energy, public transportation, green space and recycling. Cambridge was ranked below Boston at number four. Lower marks for renewable energy and transportation brought the city’s ranking down, according to Popular Science.

The alliance hopes to reduce electricity use in the city by 10 percent in 2011. The city’s overall goal is to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by the same year.

“The alliance was created to save Cambridge residents money, while reducing the city’s carbon footprint,” said Deborah Donavan, the alliance’s project manager.

One of the newest ways they are trying to accomplishing this is through energy audits, she said.

Inspectors will visit businesses and residences to determine how buildings can reduce waste, in hopes of reducing energy bills by up to 30 percent this winter.


The city is also trying to promote public transportation. City employees are encouraged to carpool and use shuttle buses. They also receive subsidized MBTA passes.

Increasing the budget for sidewalk repairs is also on the City Council’s agenda, in hopes that it will allow more people to walk and bike.

Cambridge was named the “Best Walking City in America” in April by Prevention magazine. The city is seeking a goal of 50 percent resident participation in the greening of Cambridge, according to the alliance website.

Cambridge hopes to lead by example, and encourage other cities to launch their own green initiatives, according to the alliance website.

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