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Through innovative collaborations called Virtual Power Purchase Agreements, or VPPAs, Cambridge helped make two solar and wind projects in Illinois and North Dakota possible. In return, the City and its partners will receive Renewable Energy Certificates, or RECs. These certificates allow them to count this new clean electricity toward reducing their local greenhouse gas emissions.
Through the first project — a 74-turbine wind farm called Bowman Wind — Cambridge’s greenhouse gas emissions from municipal electricity use fell to net zero. That means the impact on the climate from generating all the electricity the City uses is fully balanced out by new clean energy.
The second project — 800-acre Prairie Solar — is the largest-ever VPPA made directly by a U.S. city to reduce its community’s emissions. Through Cambridge Community Electricity, the City’s group buying program, Cambridge’s portion of the RECs will generate enough renewable energy to cover the average annual energy consumption of more than 25,000 Cambridge homes, nearly half the City’s households.
Cambridge residents and businesses now receive 75% renewable energy — more than ever before.
Watch the short video below or click the button for the full story of how these groundbreaking VPPAs came about.
Read the Full Story
Buildings are the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Cambridge. Most of these emissions come from burning fossil fuels for heating, hot water, and other building operations. To reach its climate goals, the City is working to transition buildings to efficient electric systems powered by renewable electricity.
Large commercial and institutional buildings are responsible for more than half of Cambridge's greenhouse gas emissions. Through the Building Energy Use and Disclosure Ordinance (BEUDO), owners of large buildings must track, report, and reduce their emissions over time.
Cambridge is also ensuring that new construction supports a clean energy future. Under the City's Fossil Fuel Free Ordinance, most new buildings and major renovations cannot install equipment that use fossil fuels, helping prevent future emissions before they are created. Cambridge's Specialized Stretch Energy Code further requires new buildings to meet energy efficiency standards and be ready for all-electric heating, cooling, and transportation.
For residents and businesses, the City offers programs that make electrification more affordable and accessible. The Cambridge Energy Helpline (617-430-6230), helps renters and homeowners find ways to save on their energy bill, access City-supported energy programs, and explore clean energy options. Residents and businesses can join Cambridge Community Electricity for long-term, stable prices for electricity and an option to buy 100% of their electricity from renewable sources. Businesses also have incentives to electrify through Mass Save.
Learn More About Electrifying Your Home or BusinessAs a governmental entity, the Massachusetts Public Records Law applies to records made or received by the City. Any information received through use of this site is subject to the same provisions as information provided on paper.
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