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Participants planting a tree
Creatively Expanding the Urban Forest
In 2019, the City of Cambridge completed its Urban Forestry Master Plan. Since, the city has rebranded and taken action to upkeep the Urban Forestry Master Plan through programs such as Forest Friends and Water by Bike.
GIS at Esri User Conference
Cambridge GIS Team Takes Global Stage
Cambridge GIS team has shown itself to be an international leader in Geographic Information System technology. They have visualized the City of Cambridge with several interactive 3D web maps that have allowed the city to stay on top of community needs, climate change resiliency, and much more.
Photo for Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Aggressive City Goals
The City has set aggressive goals and implemented a series of actions in order to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to a) prevent climate change from worsening b) and address the inevitable impacts of climate change that we are already experiencing in order to improve the health and resilience of the community.
Harvard Foot Bridge
Buildings are at Center of Cambridge's Climate Change Prevention Efforts
The majority of Cambridge’s GHG emissions come from buildings, particularly the largest buildings throughout the community.
Induction Stove Image
Fossil Fuel Free Demonstration Program
Another community action we are pursuing is a first-of-its-kind Fossil Fuel Free Demonstration Program. We sat down with Susanne Rasmussen, Director of Environmental and Transportation Planning at the Cambridge Community Development Department to learn more about this new program.
Photo of Cambridge Buildings
New Partnership to Help Upgrade Multifamily Buildings
Cambridge has launched a pilot partnership with BlocPower to help multifamily buildings complete energy efficiency and all-electric upgrades that can save energy, improve building comfort, and support Cambridge’s climate goals.
Cambridge Life Climate Change Issue
Electrify Cambridge to Support Residents with All-electric Upgrades and Decarbonization Plans
This summer, the City of Cambridge launched Electrify Cambridge, a new program to support Cambridge residents with a wide range of clean, green, and all- electric home energy upgrades.
Ocean Waters
Cambridge Adopts Climate Resilience Zoning Amendment
Earlier this year, the Cambridge City Council adopted new zoning requirements to address the impacts of increased flooding and increased heat over time as a result of climate change.
Journey Towards a Greener Transportation System
Journey Towards a Greener Transportation System
Cambridge promotes sustainable transportation through education, community workshops, planning, and infrastructure projects. Resident volunteers can provide input on transportation projects. The City is investing in Electric Vehicle infrastructure and adding more fully electric vehicles to its fleet.
EV charging sign
Creating Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
The City recognizes the importance of and is heavily investing in Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure.
City Gives Away Finished Compost from Yard Waste Program
Cambridge Waste Reduction Programs Help Fight Climate Change Together We Can Continue to Reduce Waste in our Trash
The City is working to reduce our community’s impact on the environment through waste reduction programs. The City collects and recycles more than 9,000 tons of materials annually. By stopping food waste from going to a landfill, we prevent greenhouse gas emissions.
City Urban Forestry Efforts
City's Urban Forestry Efforts are Making Cambridge a Greener and more Resilient Community
The City has significantly increased the number of trees it plants annually. The City collects and recycles more than 9,000 tons of materials annually. By stopping food waste from going to a landfill, we prevent greenhouse gas emissions.
Community Members and Pilot Microgrid
Neighborhood Energy Source The Port Microgrid
The City is working with community members on a pilot microgrid in The Port to provide a clean, reliable local energy source.
Longfellow Bridge Photo
Did You Know
As a result of a City Lighting Study by the Electrical Department and the Community Development Department, it was determined that there was an opportunity for the city to have greater energy efficiency and light quality with LED fixtures.
An image of Broadway Flooded
Cambridge’s Sustainability Initiatives: Addressing Climate Change and Building Resilience
Recognizing the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect vulnerable communities, the City has implemented a comprehensive set of programs and projects to combat climate change and enhance resilience.
Graham and Parks Solar Panels
First City to Invest in Local Solar Using Contributions from Cambridge Community Electricity Program
The 243kW solar installation is expected to generate 280,000kWhrs of electricity annually. Over its lifetime, the solar installation’s carbon-free electricity will reduce global warming emissions by over 4 million pounds.
Mattress Collection
Textiles and Mattresses Banned from Trash Disposal
The City of Cambridge offers a free Mattress Recycling Program, but pickup must be scheduled. Residents can schedule a textiles pickup or use one of 12 drop-off sites.
Volunteers work to plant 40 native species of plants at the Miyawaki Forest at Danehy Park.
Championing Sustainability & Improving Our Community
Urban Forest Canopy. Continued implementation of the Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP) guides development of Cambridge’s tree assets and enables the City to expand the urban forest canopy and be more resilient to climate change.
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