Melrose is on the Path to Zero: Energy Challenge Program Update

The City of Melrose adopted a Net Zero Action Plan on Earth Day in April 2022 which charted a path to zero carbon emissions by 2050. Inventory of current greenhouse gas emissions for the community showed that 97% of carbon pollution in Melrose is generated from the residential and commercial sectors. 61% of local carbon pollution comes from how we heat our homes and 38% comes from the cars we drive. 

The number one action in the 2022 Plan was to help Melrose residents take the most impactful steps to reduce the use of fossil fuels that contribute to climate change through education and easy-to-access tools to achieve zero over time. The Melrose Energy Challenge promotes energy efficiency, heat pumps, electric vehicles, solar, and green electricity. With many partners, the city offered a series of workshops, webinars, events, and assistance, one resident at a time, to make it easier to start on the path to zero. 

The Melrose community is meeting this moment and stepping up to take action on all fronts including: 

· 1,564 no-cost Mass Save home energy assessments in the last 18 months; 

· 520 insulation and air sealing projects; 

· Over 600 rooftop solar installations today; 

· 454 registered electric vehicles as of April 2023; and 

· Over 9,000 residents and businesses buying greener electricity. 

New Mass Save incentives, federal tax credits, and amped up assistance for small businesses, renters and landlords, and low and moderate-income homeowners make it possible for more Melrosians to take advantage of these opportunities. 

Start the journey to take the Melrose Energy Challenge at https://www.cityofmelrose.org/energychallenge.  

Energy efficiency is the first step and HomeWorks Energy, a Mass Save home performance contractor offers no-cost energy assessments and weatherization. 

For the many Melrose property owners who are considering heat pumps for clean heating and cooling, Melrose Energy Challenge offers expert consults with trained coaches who can assist with getting contractor proposals, side-by-side quote comparisons, and answers to your many questions.  

Going solar? Melrose has partnered with Energy Sage who offers a solar marketplace with vetted installers since 2014 and they now offer Community Solar options for renters or those without rooftop solar opportunities.  

Shopping for a new car? Start off at Melrose Drives Green supported by the experts at the Green Energy Consumers Alliance. Find the most up to date information about vehicle options, incentives, tax credits, and charging. 

Finally, it’s never too late to green your electricity by enrolling in one of Melrose Community Power’s three plan options. 

Contact Martha Grover, Melrose Sustainability Manager, at 781-979-4195 with any questions.