State Designates Braintree As A Green Community

BRAINTREE, MA — State officials have designated Braintree as a "Green Community," entitling the town to a grant of more than $202,000.

The Green Communities Designation and Grant Program provides a road map and financial and technical assistance to cities and towns that pledged to reduce energy use by 20 percent over five years. In addition to the energy use reduction, Mayor Charles Kokoros said the town also had to complete other green initiatives, including:

• Designating at least to zoning districts in town for renewable or alternative energy research and development facilities
• Approving a policy for purchasing fuel-efficient vehicles for town departments
• Adopting more stringent building efficiency codes

"I want to recognize and thank grant writer Lorraine See who shepherded the town through the designation process and has worked diligently to ensure the town receives these funds, so we can achieve our clean energy goals," Kokoros said in a statement. "This development marks a significant achievement in the mission of the town as we work to improve energy efficiency and reduce our environmental impact."

The Green Communities Division is part of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources. The division is responsible for the administration of the Green Community designation and grant program which provides up to $20 million annually to the 85 percent of Massachusetts cities and towns that have achieved Green Community designation.

"Sustainable Braintree is thrilled to see our town get some well-deserved recognition for its environmental initiatives by this acceptance in the DOER's Green Community program," said a representative from Sustainable Braintree. "We are especially grateful to the mayor's office for persevering through the lengthy application process. Addressing climate change is crucial to the future of our town, our region, and our planet. The steps the town has taken and the funds we can access through this program will help us to do that."