December 2024

December 02, 2024

Your latest local news on sustainability and climate change action
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IN THIS ISSUE

Geothermal tour wrap-up
Government update: Climate action isn’t over
Two state climate bills signed into law"
Specialized Code update"
Setback tree planting
Cafeteria composting at Brophy
Bruce Freeman trail update
A reminder about brush fires and drought
Upcoming events | In the news

ANNOUNCEMENT

This week: Tell the state what you think about electric vehicles

Whether you’re an EV owner, thinking of buying an EV, have no interest in EVs, or don’t know, your opinion is valuable! Energize Framingham is partnering with Green Path Strategies, a firm doing market research on behalf of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC).

The first step is to complete the 6-7 minute survey linked below. In exchange for your insights, you will be entered into a drawing for one of two $50 VISA gift cards. You may then be invited to join a focus group being held at the December 7th Holiday Marketplace at Framingham High School, and/or give input (paid) on future market research. If you’re attending the Holiday Marketplace, feel free to stop by the Electric Vehicle Research booth to learn more. And feel free to share the survey links with Framingham friends and family.

Questions? Reach out to [email protected].

Geothermal tour wrap-up

We had a gorgeous day and an incredible turnout for our geothermal/battery/solar/EV tour November 16. Nearly 90 people came, many from neighboring towns like Concord, Newton, and Acton curious to see what Framingham is doing. 

Thanks to our host, the Framingham Public School District, to School Superintendent Bob Tremblay for his support and attendance, and to our presenters Shawn Luz, Framingham’s sustainability coordinator, and co-presenter Clare Kirk of Eversource.  

While the tour also covered the solar canopy behind Fuller Middle School, its battery storage, and the adjacent electric vehicle charging stations, much of the focus was on Framingham’s networked geothermal system.

The geothermal project, which officially went live in June, is the nation’s first to be built by a utility (Eversource). It connects 36 buildings, 22 single-family homes, and 96 apartments, plus the Farley School Administration Building, the fire station on Concord Street, and three commercial buildings. 

Although the system is built and most homes are now connected, the two-year pilot won’t technically start until all buildings are connected to the loop, projected for January 2025. 

The location was chosen for several reasons. 

  • Framingham is a socioeconomically diverse community with a strong history of energy efficiency and clean energy projects.

  • The site has bedrock near the surface, which is ideal for drilling.

  • It had enough open spaces to accommodate the project’s 90 underground boreholes. 

  • The connected buildings have a diversity of heating and cooling loads, allowing the needs of different buildings to offset each other. This makes the overall system more efficient. 

  • The connected buildings had a variety of fuel sources and heating systems (oil, steam, and electric resistance baseboard heating), making it a good first test case.

Because of the diversity of connected buildings, setting up the loop has proven more challenging and more time-consuming than expected. For example, many buildings needed to have ductwork added, and some needed asbestos to be removed.

“Each location had a little bit of a twist to it, but we’re learning from it,” said Clare Kirk of Eversource Energy.

Clare Kirk of Eversource explains the features of the pump house.

More fun facts 

  • The pump house is the only above-ground infrastructure. It contains heat exchangers that transfer heat piped in from the underground boreholes to a separate set of pipes headed to buildings in the network.

  • The boreholes were drilled such that many could be placed in a relatively small area. Under each manhole, pipes fan out diagonally to cover a larger underground area, but with a small footprint at the surface. This technique, called deviated drilling, could enable geothermal projects in dense urban environments.

  • Eversource is paying all the costs for the two-year pilot. Eversource will then determine how to charge residents, who will also be able to opt out of the project if they so choose..

  • Framingham, together with Eversource and the non-profit HEET, are applying for a federal grant to expand the geothermal loop along Flagg Drive, Warren Road, and Prindiville Avenue. “As the system grows, it becomes more efficient,” said Luz.

  • Eversource is very interested in expanding geothermal to other communities, especially as the state moves to reduce its climate impacts, including those from gas infrastructure. 

Solar could add to the loop’s efficiency

Luz noted that the city hopes to add a solar canopy over the parking lot where a third of the boreholes were drilled. The boreholes were placed with this in mind. This canopy, and the solar panels planned for the Farley school administration building, will help offset the project’s cost, reducing the amount of electricity needed to run the geothermal loop.

GOVERNMENT UPDATE

Climate action isn’t over

(Wikimedia Commons)

What will happen with climate action under the Trump Administration? News reports offer conflicting takes on the clean energy transition that’s now underway. 

In September, president-elect Trump vowed to rescind all unspent funds under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which is helping people buy electric vehicles, heat pumps, and solar panels and supporting large-scale renewable energy projects. Some observers believe unspent funds can indeed be clawed back, and that IRA tax credits like consumer credits for EV purchases or solar panels could be scaled back or phased out early.

On the other hand, there is now a robust, job-creating wind and solar industry that has already made investments with positive economic impacts and is likely to try to preserve IRA incentives. Many believe that repealing the IRA would likely need an act of Congress, and that many Republicans are likely to push back because billions of dollars and tens of thousands of jobs are at stake in their districts. There could even be increased incentives for large energy projects and new grid infrastructure because of removal of regulatory hurdles (another big goal of the new administration). Incentives for projects such as carbon capture and sequestration, biofuel, and hydrogen projects – which fossil fuel companies have invested in and are widely supported by Republicans – are likely safe.

All eyes on Washington

According to a September study from Columbia Law School, almost half the $105 billion allocated for climate-related grant programs under the IRA had already been spent or committed as of July 2024, and another quarter will likely be committed while President Biden is still in office. Attempts to claw back awards already made (which include more than $1.3 billion for Massachusetts projects, according to the Climate Program Portal) would be difficult and could be challenged in court, the study concludes.

Massachusetts will continue its climate leadership

Massachusetts will continue its climate leadership and the residential programs supporting heating systems (Mass Save), solar panels (SMART and net metering), and EV purchases (Electric Vehicle Incentive Program). Through groundbreaking new legislation, the state is poised to double down on clean energy projects, incentives, and innovative technologies. See below!

Consider acting now

It’s hard to say where we will land with IRA incentives, but if you are considering replacing a heating system, adding solar panels to your roof, or purchasing an EV, it may be wise not to delay. According to Energy Sage, “The only way to guarantee you'll get IRA incentives is to complete your home upgrades before they're potentially eliminated. It's difficult to forecast if, when, and to what degree that could happen, so the sooner the better.”

Further reading

State climate bill passes!

(Wikimedia Commons)

Good climate news here in Massachusetts: New climate legislation will give clean energy projects a big boost. 

After frustration over the summer when the Massachusetts House and Senate reached an impasse, the state now has a new climate bill! The legislation, S.2967, An Act Promoting a Clean Energy Grid, Advancing Equity, and Protecting Ratepayers, was signed by Gov. Maura Healey on Nov. 21. It will, among other things:

  • make it easier to build renewable energy projects like solar, wind, and energy storage by streamlining the permitting and siting process, while retaining strong open land protections 

  • expand tax credits for offshore wind projects

  • limit expansion of gas pipelines

  • incentivize gas utilities to pursue networked geothermal energy to heat and cool homes

  • retire leaky gas pipelines 

  • incentivize battery storage, fusion energy, and smart meters to help manage the electrical grid, as well as other innovative technologies

  • expand the electric vehicle (EV) charging network, including fast-charging hubs along highways and major roadways, curbside and parking lot EV chargers on electric poles, and removal of barriers to EV chargers in condo associations

  • extend consumer incentives for purchasing EVs through 2027 through the MOR-EV program, which offers rebates of $3,500-$6,000 at the time of purchase at participating dealerships.

  • make it easier for cities and towns to procure electric school buses and municipal EV charging equipment

  • protect residents from high energy costs.

There’s lots to unpack in this comprehensive bill. For more details:

Climate tech gets a big boost, too

Governor Healey (which includes an unprecedented investment of $400 million in climate tech initiatives and a new tax incentive program to support climate tech companies in Massachusetts, along with initiatives to boost the life science and artificial intelligence industries.

Specialized Code update

In 2023, Massachusetts introduced the new building code known as the Municipal Opt-in Specialized Code (also called the Net Zero code). We would like to see Framingham adopt it as soon as possible. 

The Specialized Code won’t just reduce planet-warming carbon emissions from new buildings – it will make long-term energy costs cheaper for residents of these buildings and help qualify Framingham for state grants.

On November 4, a meeting for building professionals, organized by Shawn Luz, presented the Specialized Code’s ins and outs and answered builders’ questions. A few fast facts from the session (also available on YouTube):

  • The Specialized Code applies only to new construction – it’s not to be confused with the Stretch Energy Code, which took effect in Framingham in 2023. 

  • Adoption will help Framingham become eligible for the state’s Climate Leader Communities Program, enhancing access to grant funding to support costs to advance future energy efficiency and clean energy projects. 

  • The Specialized Code doesn’t ban fossil fuels, and offers builders choice. Buildings that include fossil fuels must be pre-wired for future electrification, and most homes larger than 4,000 square feet will require solar panels. Alternatively, builders can go all-electric or choose a passive house approach, which entails a well insulated and air-sealed building envelope and uses sun and shade to minimize the need for heating and cooling.

  • Pre-wiring homes for future electrification – a core part of the Specialized Code – will avoid costly retrofits in the future.

  • There are no new requirements for EV charging beyond what’s in the Stretch Code.

  • The Specialized Code is well suited to affordable housing, offering substantial energy savings for residents at a zero-to-minimal price increase in building costs.

As of November 14, 48 municipalities representing about 30 percent of the state’s population have voted to adopt the Specialized Code, and more are in the queue to pass the new code this spring, according to ZeroCarbonMA.

It’s no secret that many new housing units are in Framingham’s future. Let’s adopt the Specialized Code this spring and minimize these units’ climate impact.

More information

BRIEFS

Setback tree planting

The City of Framingham is inviting homeowners and property owners in eligible neighborhoods, primarily in the more urbanized areas of Framingham, to participate in its revitalized Setback Tree Planting Program. The program is aimed at strengthening Framingham’s urban forest and making the city more resilient to the effects of climate change.

At no cost, the city will plant trees on private property within the 20-foot setback area from the street. In return, property owners must agree to water and maintain the trees to ensure their healthy growth.

“Setback planting provides us with the opportunity to plant the right tree in the right place,” said Rebecca Nau, the city’s tree warden, in a city press release. “By giving trees access to better soil conditions and fewer urban obstacles, we’re setting them up for long-term success while enhancing our community’s natural beauty and environmental health.”

If interested, please contact Rebecca Nau at [email protected] and fill out this form.

Cafeteria composting at Brophy Elementary

Last year, two Brophy fourth graders, in collaboration with the interim principal, led a cafeteria composting effort as a pilot for their grade. This student-driven project was independent of the cafeteria composting pilot at Dunning Elementary that Energize Framingham helped support. (See our July/August issue for more on Dunning’s effort.)

This school year, Brophy will be able to help the two students continue their work and to train another grade so that composting can continue when they move on to middle school. The Mayor’s Composting Task Force has recommended the use of state Recycling Dividends Program funds to pay for once-a-week pickups by Black Earth Compost, which already does pickups at Dunning and subscribing households in Framingham. 

Energize Framingham helped the students make their case to the Composting Task Force to receive the RDP funds. Way to go!

Update: Bruce Freeman Rail Trail

Framingham is getting closer to joining the 25-mile-long Bruce Freeman Rail Trail (BFRT). When the 3.4-mile Framingham segment is complete (Phase 3 on the map), it will connect Framingham with Sudbury, Concord, Acton, Westford, Chelmsford, and Lowell. The right-of-way was transferred to the city from CRX in December 2023. 

The first 1.4 miles, currently under design, will run south from Eaton Road West near the Sudbury line to Frost Street. The remaining two miles will begin at Frost Street and end at Route 30 (Pleasant Street), just short of Route. 9 at Framingham Center, with bridges over Grove Street and the Mass Pike. 

The Sudbury section of the trail, expected to open by spring 2025, will run from Concord south to Station Road near Route 20 in Sudbury (4.9 miles).

A reminder about brush fires and drought

Climate change is catching up with Massachusetts. Because of the mostly rainless October and November, most of the state has been in a Level 3 Critical Drought — one step lower than the most dire rating – with an usually high number of acres burned in wildfires. At this writing, it's unclear to what extent rain and snow over the past week have alleviated the drought.

To prevent brush fires:

  • Do not burn leaves. (Open burning is prohibited through January)

  • Refrain from outdoor cooking and heating.

  • Use caution with lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and other power equipment as engines can get hot enough to ignite dry leaves.

  • Dump ashes from fireplaces and wood stoves in a metal can, douse them with water, and cover them with a tight-fitting lid. 

  • Extinguish smoking materials in an ashtray with water or sand. 

To conserve water:

  • Minimize overall water use, and stop all non-essential use.

  • Check for and fix leaks. Sudden increases on your water bill can indicate leaks, as can constant dial movement on water meters. You can check for toilet leaks, which waste large amounts of water, by putting a few drops of food coloring in the tank. Wait 5 to 7 minutes before flushing. If the coloring shows up in the bowl, you have a leak.

  • Run the dishwasher only on a full load 

  • Run washing machines only on a full load

  • Turn off the water while toothbrushing and shaving

  • Reduce shower length.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tues,, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Wed., Dec. 4, 6-8 p.m.: MA Building Decarbonization Listening Sessions
Ever wish Mass Save were easier and that you could also find out about solar and EVs when working with them? Give the state your thoughts on how to make it easier to find incentives and help in reducing your home’s carbon emissions.
A proposed state-level Building Decarbonization Clearinghouse would create a centralized hub for energy efficiency, electrification, renewable energy, and decarbonization programs and services.
Register to participate in one of the above Zoom listening sessions to give your feedback. Interpretation will be provided in Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Haitian Creole, Cape Verdean Creole, and Vietnamese. Presentation material is available in English, Español, 中文, Português, Kreyòl ayisyen, Tiếng Việt, and Kriolu.

Wed., Dec. 4, 7-8 p.m. Heat pump webinar: Cool and heat your home!
Hear from an expert from the Heat Smart Alliance, and learn from the experiences of community members. Register for link.

Wed., Dec. 4, 7-8:30 p.m. Electrify everything in the home: Webinar
MetroWest Climate Solutions and CFREE Lincoln are co-sponsoring a session with Ross Trethewey, Building Engineer for “This Old House” and “Ask This Old House.” Register for link.

Sat., Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Sustainable Middlesex 2024: Community Climate Actions 
Featuring Secretary Rebecca Tepper from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs followed by “lightning” presentations highlighting successful town-level climate initiatives.

Tues., Dec. 31, 4:30-7:30 p.m.: New Year's Eve on the Cochituate Rail Trail
The Friends of Framingham Trails hosts its second annual celebration. Enjoy a stroll down the Cochituate Rail Trail among festive lights, fire pits hosted by local organizations, hot cocoa, games, and activities. Energize Framingham will again have a firepit (after approval from the fire chief), with Zippity Do Dog as our partner – come visit!
Parking at TJX on Speen Street, 500 Old Connecticut Path, and 2 School Street. (Limited parking at the old state lumber site.) For more info or to get involve, contact Friends of Framingham Trails at [email protected].  

Wed. Jan. 1, 2025, 9:30-11:00 a.m. Cochituate Rail Trail Cleanup
All are invited to volunteer for Keep Framingham Beautiful’s family-friendly event. Meet at the Rail Trail entrance, 1 School Street in Saxonville. We will clean along the trail from Framingham to the Natick line.

SAVE THE DATE

Thurs. evening, Jan. 23 “What can I do?” Danforth Art Museum at Framingham State University.
In conjunction with the exhibition DM Witman: Ecologies of Restoration, visitors will be offered answers to the question "What can I do?" about the climate crisis. 

IN THE NEWS

Framingham

Framingham geothermal program is up and running. There have been a few hiccups (Metrowest Daily News) 
70% of the loop is online; some homes have needed asbestos remediation and cleanup of water and mold. Eversource has also been addressing problems with heat distribution. The project has plans to expand, first in the area west of the current loop (off Flagg Drive).

Massachusetts/Region

From prison to green jobs: Ex-inmates among new workforce powering state’s climate goals (Boston Globe)
Massachusetts needs 34,000 clean energy jobs, including EV mechanics, wind turbine technicians, geothermal drillers, and solar panel engineers. Training programs are recruiting from populations underrepresented in the existing workforce.

More good news for heat pumps in Massachusetts, as regulators order National Grid to develop special rate (Energy News Network)
The decision instructs National Grid to develop a lower, wintertime electricity rate for customers who use a heat pump in their home.
 Ed. note: Energize Framingham asked Eversource if they had similar plans; this was their reply: “While we do not currently offer a seasonal rate for heat pumps, we plan to evaluate the results of our geothermal pilot in Framingham as part of our broader efforts to extensively review alternative rate designs to support a cost-effective [clean energy] transition for customers.”

What caused the Recent Increase in Massachusetts Natural Gas Rates? (Green Energy Consumers Alliance blog)
Gas cost increases are supporting state efforts to decrease costs for income-eligible customers, deal with our system of 100+-year-old leaky pipes, and support the Mass Save energy efficiency programs. 

Northampton rounds out decarbonization demonstration (WWLP, Springfield)
The state has picked Northampton to fill an open position in the program, which allows 10 communities to move away from fossil fuels in the building sector. 

National

The Renewable Energy Revolution Is Unstoppable (Slate) 
Wind and solar are now the cheapest source of new energy in the world

General interest

Heat pumps used to struggle in the cold. Not anymore. (Washington Post)
Some cold climate heat pumps can be more than 100 percent efficient even in subzero temperatures.

To rake or not to rake? (Boston Globe)

ABOUT US

Energize Framingham provides climate education, outreach, and advocacy to promote a healthy, equitable, and resilient community.

Have a tip for us? Email [email protected].
In case you missed it… Back issues!
Editors: Nancy Fliesler and Aimee Powelka