The Cambridge Life

Summer 2023

Climate change is impacting our lives and it’s a top priority for the City. As a community, we need to act with urgency and resolve to address this critical work. As a leader in this work, we have set ambitious goals and have opportunities for all in the community to play a valuable role.

Aggressive City Goals

The City has set aggressive goals and implemented a series of actions in order to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to a) prevent climate change from worsening b) and address the inevitable impacts of climate change that we are already experiencing in order to improve the health and resilience of the community.

Buildings are at Center of Cambridge's Climate Change Prevention Efforts

The majority of Cambridge’s GHG emissions come from buildings, particularly the largest buildings throughout the community.

Fossil Fuel Free Demonstration Program

Another community action we are pursuing is a first-of-its-kind Fossil Fuel Free Demonstration Program. We sat down with Susanne Rasmussen, Director of Environmental and Transportation Planning at the Cambridge Community Development Department to learn more about this new program.

New Partnership to Help Upgrade Multifamily Buildings

Cambridge has launched a pilot partnership with BlocPower to help multifamily buildings complete energy efficiency and all-electric upgrades that can save energy, improve building comfort, and support Cambridge’s climate goals.

Electrify Cambridge to Support Residents with All-electric Upgrades and Decarbonization Plans

This summer, the City of Cambridge launched Electrify Cambridge, a new program to support Cambridge residents with a wide range of clean, green, and all- electric home energy upgrades.

Cambridge Adopts Climate Resilience Zoning Amendment

Earlier this year, the Cambridge City Council adopted new zoning requirements to address the impacts of increased flooding and increased heat over time as a result of climate change.

25 Years of Sewer and Stormwater Infrastructure Investments Better Prepares City for Impacts of Climate Change

Stormwater management is an important consideration for the City of Cambridge as it adapts to climate change.

Journey Towards a Greener Transportation System

Cambridge promotes sustainable transportation through education, community workshops, planning, and infrastructure projects. Resident volunteers can provide input on transportation projects. The City is investing in Electric Vehicle infrastructure and adding more fully electric vehicles to its fleet.

Creating Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

The City recognizes the importance of and is heavily investing in Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure.

City Gives Away Finished Compost from Yard Waste Program

Cambridge Waste Reduction Programs Help Fight Climate Change Together We Can Continue to Reduce Waste in our Trash

The City is working to reduce our community’s impact on the environment through waste reduction programs. The City collects and recycles more than 9,000 tons of materials annually. By stopping food waste from going to a landfill, we prevent greenhouse gas emissions.

City's Urban Forestry Efforts are Making Cambridge a Greener and more Resilient Community

The City has significantly increased the number of trees it plants annually. The City collects and recycles more than 9,000 tons of materials annually. By stopping food waste from going to a landfill, we prevent greenhouse gas emissions.

Neighborhood Energy Source The Port Microgrid

The City is working with community members on a pilot microgrid in The Port to provide a clean, reliable local energy source.

Did You Know

As a result of a City Lighting Study by the Electrical Department and the Community Development Department, it was determined that there was an opportunity for the city to have greater energy efficiency and light quality with LED fixtures.

How can we help?

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