Environmental & Energy Services

The mission of the Environmental and Energy Services Cabinet is twofold: to preserve and enhance the resources of our built and natural environment and to promote affordable, efficient, reliable and safe energy systems for Boston residents.

The Cabinet oversees the Inspectional Services Department, the Environment Department, serves as chair of the Mayor's Energy Management Board, and oversees programs and policies on green buildings, groundwater, park planning, recycling, renewable energy, and certain transportation issues.

Mayor Menino Unveils Greenovate Boston at 6th Annual Green Awards

At the 6th Annual Green Awards Mayor Menino unveiled an exciting new sustainability brand for the City of Boston: Greenovate Boston. Greenovate Boston is a campaign to engage residents and businesses in the City's effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25%. Greenovate Boston will connect people with sustainable strategies that not only lower carbon emissions, but also can save money and support the local economy. Learn more at GreenovateBoston.org and follow us on Twitter @GreenovateBos and Facebook for updates throughout the summer.

Mayor Menino names 6th Annual Green Awards Winners
On April 19th at Gillette Headquarters in South Boston, Mayor Thomas M. Menino announced winners of the 6th Annual Green Awards! Awards were given to 3 Green Residents, 2 Sustainable Food Leaders, and 11 Green Businesses.

Mayor Menino Announces Winners of 6th Annual Mayor's Green Awards »

Award Information »

Bike Friendly Business Awards »

A Climate of Progress

Mayor Menino's updated climate action plan based on the recommendations from valuable public input.

A Climate of Progress »

More Info on Climate Action »

Sign Up to Save energy, Save money with Renew Boston

Sign up for your no-cost building energy assessment to save energy and save money. Eligible customers may receive 75% -- up to $2000 off -- to install approved insulation improvements!

Sign Up at RenewBoston.org »

Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Interactive-Map
Find out where you can charge you electric vehicle around Boston with the new EVboston map. EVboston promotes electric vehicle use in Boston and is part of Mayor Menino's Complete Streets initiative.
Map of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Boston »

Climate Indicators in Boston
Climate change is a global phenomenon, but its causes and its consequences can be observed locally in Boston.
Read More About Boston's Climate Indicators »

On-Street Electric Car Charging Stations
Mayor Menino launched EVboston, part of the Complete Streets initiative, designed to promote electric vehicle use in Boston. The project is a year-long pilot to study the use and durability of the charging units and to inform future implementation plans for electric vehicle stations around the city.

City receiving 22 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations »

Watch Video »

Boston Complete Streets Initiative »

Moon Island Wind

The City of Boston, by request of Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch, has withdrawn its application to install a wind turbine on Moon Island. The project, part of Mayor Menino's commitment to addressing climate change and promoting community based clean energy, would have consisted of a single utility-scale wind turbine with a capacity of 1.5 to 2 megawatts, which, over a year, would generate enough clean energy to meet the annual needs of 750-1,000 average homes.

Moon Island Wind »

Interested in City Sustainability News? Join Our E-Newsletter List!
Subscribe to the Greenovate Boston E-Newsletter with information on sustainability news, events and programs for the City of Boston.
Sign Up »

See Past Issues »

Asian Longhorned Beetle: Spring 2012 Update

Asian Longhorn Beetles (ALB) were discovered in 6 trees at the Faulkner Hospital in Jamaica Plain in July 2010. Thanks to the awareness of the grounds crew, the infestation was caught early. Since the onset, more than 70,000 trees have been surveyed and no other ALB damage has been identified. Environmental Monitoring will also continue throughout 2012. MA ALB Cooperative Eradication Program staff will begin canvassing for participant releases in early May.

More info »

Renew Boston Solar Residential Program
Boston residents can take advantage of matching rebates from the City of Boston to the Commonwealth Solar II for residential solar photovoltaic systems.
Sign Up at RenewBoston.org »

View Renew Boston Solar Interactive Map »

City Celebrates First in Nation Wind Blade Testing Facility
The City of Boston celebrated the opening of Massachusetts’ Clean Energy Center’s (MassCEC) large-scale wind blade testing facility. Mayor Menino joined Governor Deval Patrick in welcoming state and federal officials to this unique facility based in Charlestown that will serve as a critical component in the wind energy industry, speeding deployment of the next generation of wind blades into the marketplace, and attracting companies to design, manufacture and test their blades in the United States.
Read Release »

Wind Technology Testing Center Fact Sheet »

Reports & Publications

Mayor Menino's Stretch Energy Code Ordinance Passed in City Council
On November 17th, 2010 the Boston City Council unanimously approved a proposal submitted by Mayor Thomas M. Menino to adopt stronger energy efficiency regulations for new buildings in the City of Boston. The stretch energy code requires new residential and commercial buildings to achieve approximately 20% better energy efficiency than is required by Massachusetts' base energy code.
MA Stretch Energy Code Appendix »

Stretch Energy Code Q&A »

cityofboston.gov - Official Web Site of the City of Boston - Thomas M. Menino, Mayor