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The Net Zero Action Plan (NZAP) aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improve energy efficiency and support renewable energy development in Cambridge. It serves as a roadmap for achieving carbon neutrality in buildings by 2050. First adopted in 2015, the NZAP is revisited/revised every 5 years.
The Zero Waste Master Plan (ZWMP) guides Cambridge's efforts to reduce trash and combat climate change. First adopted in 2009, the plan launched programs such as curbside composting and mattress and textile collection, helping the City reduce trash 36% by 2024. In 2025, the City adopted ZWMP 2.0, setting a new goal of reducing trash by 50% by 2030.
The Zero Emissions Transportation Plan (ZETP) outlines the actions needed to eliminate emissions from transportation, while making it easier, safer, and more sustainable to get around. ZETP supports the City's goal of becoming a net zero community by 2050.
The Resilient Cambridge Plan is the City's roadmap to reduce the risks from climate change and prepare the community for impacts that cannot be avoided. The Plan focuses on the threats from increasing temperature, precipitation, and sea level rise.
Trees are an important part of life in Cambridge. They line our streets, fill our parks, and grow in our yards and campuses—making our City greener, cooler, and healthier. In 2024, Cambridge reached an exciting milestone: 30% of the city is now shaded by trees. This goal was set in 2019 to help fight the loss of tree canopy caused by development and climate change. There’s still more to do. 
The Climate Action Plan (CAP) describes how the City will reduce emissions across the entire city to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. The CAP was based on the City’s first GHG inventory in 2012, and updated in 2018. Find previous annual reports, plans, and recommendations, on the Sustainable Cambridge Timeline. 
The Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan (NHMP) identifies strategies to reduce the risk of injury, loss of life, and property damage from natural hazards such as floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes. The plan was initially adopted in 2015. A comprehensive update was completed in February 2025. Find documents, recordings, and presentations for public meetings on the Sustainable Cambridge Timeline.
The Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment (CCVA) identified the City's key physical and social vulnerabilities to rising temperatures, precipitation, and sea level. Findings were published in two parts, in 2015 and 2017. Building on the CCVA, the City developed neighborhood-level climate resilience plans for the Alewife area and The Port. Find documents, recordings, and presentations for public meetings on the Sustainable Cambridge Timeline.
Environmentally preferable purchasing — Cambridge aligns with Massachusetts’ sustainable procurement standards to reduce the environmental and public health impacts of the products and services the City buys.
Climate Leader Community — In 2025, Cambridge was named one of Massachusetts’ first 19 Climate Leader Communities—a designation that reflects a rigorous commitment to phasing out fossil fuels and unlocks additional grant opportunities that support our climate goals.
ICLEI USA | Local Governments for Sustainability — For decades, Cambridge has been an active member of ICLEI USA, the nation’s largest network of local governments working together to advance sustainability and climate action.
Plant-Based Food Treaty — In 2026, Cambridge became the sixth U.S. city to sign the Plant-Based Treaty, pledging to champion plant‑forward food at City events and in public communications.
Urban Sustainability Directors Network — Cambridge is a member of the Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN), a collaborative community of local government practitioners who connect, share knowledge, and accelerate sustainability work across North America.
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