Why be a Green Community?

As a Green Community Easton is "recognized as a sustainability leader in Massachusetts" and qualifies for the Green Communities Grant through which "approximately $7 million (total) is available to support Massachusetts’ communities" in "energy efficiency measures, large renewable energy projects, and innovative methods that use less fossil fuel" (Massachusetts DOER).

What it took to become a Massachusetts Green Community?

The Department of Energy Resources Green Communities Program set five requirements for towns to fulfill in order to be officially named a Green Community under the program. Easton has fullfilled these criteria ( detailed below).

In December of 2010 Easton recieved State designation as a Green Community!

In March of 2011 the State awarded Easton $168,300 by for energy conservation measures in municipal buildings.

The Five Criteria:

Renewable & Alternative Energy Siting

• Easton provides for as-of-right siting of renewable/alternative energy research & development, and manufacturing facilities.
• Easton has adopted an expedited application and permit process for as-of-right energy facilities.

Reducing Energy Consumption

• Easton has established a benchmark for energy use and developed a plan to reduce its baseline by 20 percent within 5 years.

Fuel Efficient Town Vehicles

• Easton has adopted a Fuel Efficient Vehicle policy.

Energy Efficient Buildings

• Easton adopted the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) Stretch Energy Code at the May 17th, 2010 Annual Town Meeting.