Municipal Programs & Initiatives

Energy Efficiency

As a proud member of the Green Communities Program, the City of Framingham is committed to achieving continuous improvements to the energy efficiency of its municipal facilities and vehicles. 

From upgrading remaining inefficient lighting and installing variable frequency drives to control HVAC equipment, the City is currently exploring the implementation of energy conservation measures (ECMs) at facilities operated by multiple municipal departments. 

Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC)

In 2015, the City (then Town) of Framingham signed an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) with Ameresco to supplement existing efforts to enhance municipal energy efficiency. With over $6 million invested in completed energy conservation measures, project implementation has been completed. The City is currently in the first year of the measurement and verification phase of the contract.

As part of a large collection of ECMs implemented through the ESPC, municipal facilities were upgraded with LED retrofits, HVAC system renovations, transformer replacements, and much more.

Renewable Energy

In support of local clean energy development, the City of Framingham currently has a power purchase agreement (PPA) involving the 1.7 MW rooftop-mounted solar energy system at Shoppers World. This solar energy system is one of solar energy projects in Framingham, with approximately 22.3 MW of solar capacity installed across residences, businesses, and land throughout the community.

Climate Resiliency

Led by the Community and Economic Development Division and Stormwater Management team of the Department of Public Works, the City held a Community Resiliency Building Workshop on March 19, 2019 as part of its involvement in the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program.  

The Community Resiliency Building Workshop connected municipal officials with members of the community to identify and plan for risks and challenges posed by climate change.

Brownfields Redevelopment

Administered by the Office of Community and Economic Development, the Brownfields Redevelopment Program assists property owners in investigating the environmental conditions of qualifying sites throughout Framingham.

Plastic Bag Reduction Bylaw

The City of Framingham’s Plastic Bag Reduction Bylaw became effective on January 1, 2018 and prohibits thin-film single-use plastic bags from being distributed at checkout at all retail and grocery stores. 

CURBSIDE RECYCLING

To help encourage recycling rates throughout the community, the Sanitation Division of the Department of Public Works manages an expansive single-stream curbside recycling program. In 2017, the City of Framingham served 18,235 households through its municipal recycling program and collected 5,346 tons of single-stream recyclables.

In addition to the collection of plastics, cans, and other traditional recyclables, the Sanitation Division continues to offer innovative waste diversion programs such as mattress recycling and textile recycling programs.