The Community Footprint

The Community Footprint is a bi-weekly briefing of relevant sustainability news, events and initiatives curated especially for Cambridge Compact members.

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Sustainability News

Increase in PPAs could lead to record by end of 2019 According to a report by BloombergNEF, corporations around the world signed enough Power Purchase Agreements to purchase 8.6GW of clean energy through July of this year, which puts them on a trajectory for a record number of PPA agreements. This is an increase from 7.2GW of clean energy purchased by this time last year. 5.95GW purchased was from United States based companies, with 40% of that coming from the state of Texas. Learn More

Resilient MA Action Team to drive forward integrated climate adaption plan In 2018, Baker-Polito Administration revealed the State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan which will help the Commonwealth prepare for the hazards of climate change. Just last week, the Resilient MA Action Team (RMAT), an inter-agency government team, was introduced as a major part implementing that plan.The RMAT will work to e nsure projects and policies move forward "in a data-driven, equitable and cost-effective manner" said Governor Baker. Learn More

Mandated rooftop solar may be in Massachusetts's future Two bills making their way through the Massachusetts legislature would require solar panels on new residential or commercial buildings, and on new or renovated buildings. While there are exemptions, proponents say this would have the potential to generate 2356 megawatts for solar capacity by 2045. There is concern over the expense to homeowners and builders, but many believe this would provide an economic boost for the state. Learn More

Member Spotlight

NAIOP names Alexandria Real Estate 2019 Developer of the Year The Commercial Real Estate Association, also known as NAIOP, has recognized Compact member Alexandria Real Estate as their 2019 Developer of the Year. NAIOP applauds for a wide range of accolades, not the least of which is their longstanding commitment to sustainability. This includes a dedication to building health, resiliency planning and 60 developments that are either pursuing or have already achieved LEED certification. Learn More

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The Cambridge Compact for a Sustainable Future, a collaboration between local government, universities, and businesses, strives to create a more healthy, livable, and sustainable Cambridge community by addressing global environmental challenges. Founded in 2013 by the City of Cambridge, Harvard University, and MIT, membership has grown to include signatories from various sectors that work together to address local sustainability challenges and climate change impacts.