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Green Communities Information
In mid-2020, the Town of Reading, with technical assistance from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), and in coordination with the Climate Advisory Committee, began the effort to become designated as a Green Community, pursuant to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Green Community Designation and Grant Program.
There are 5 Criteria for becoming designated. As of August 2021, Reading has achieved 4 criteria. The Town is currently working on establishing the Town's energy use baseline and determining energy use reduction goals and strategies in furtherance of the Town's Energy Reduction Plan (20% reduction in 5 years).
Renewable Energy Trust (RET)
In addition to the 5 criteria noted above, there is a "6th criteria" for communities served by a municipal electrical utility (in Reading's case, RMLD): RMLD must adopt a renewable energy charge that would apply to all 4 towns served by RMLD. State legislation has been filed, and is in committee, to allow municipalities served by multi-community municipal utilities to opt-in to the RET separately.
Staff and MAPC gave an update (and an overview of the Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Policy) to the Select Board on June 1, 2021.
- View the Green Communities Presentation (PDF)
- View the Green Communities Memo (PDF) providing more details
Additional Information on the Criteria can be found on the Becoming a Designated Green Community page of the Massachusetts government.
Documents specific to Reading will be uploaded below as they become available.
Criteria
Criteria 1 - As of Right Siting & Criteria 2 - Expedited Permitting
Criteria 3 - Energy Reduction Plan
Criteria 4 - Fuel Efficient Vehicle Policy
- Town and Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) Vehicle Inventory 2021 (PDF)
- Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Policy (PDF)
- Select Board Vote (PDF)
- School Committee Vote (PDF) and Signed Policy (PDF)
Criteria 5 - Stretch Code
Criteria 6 - Renewable Energy Charge
Pending Legislation: