FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/05//2025
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Framingham’s Luz Named Sustainability Leader of the Year at Mass Clean Energy Week
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FRAMINGHAM - City of Framingham Sustainability Coordinator Shawn Luz was named Sustainability Leader of the Year by the Northeast Renewable Energy Coalition at its annual awards gala held Friday, October 2, at the Liberty Hotel in Boston.
The award recognizes Luz’s work in advancing innovative sustainability programs across Framingham and highlights the City as a model for municipalities across Massachusetts and the nation.
The City of Framingham was nominated for four awards at the event, including Green Mayor of the Year Charlie Sisitsky, Policy Maker of the Year for Mayor Charlie Sisitsky, as well as Green Community of the Year.
Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, who attended the gala, received the Policy Maker of the Year award.
“I am honored to receive this award from the Northeast Renewable Energy Coalition and grateful to the Mayor and administration, members of the Capital Projects and Facilities Department, countless colleagues across other municipal departments, the City Council, our Sustainability Committee, and – of course – the residents, businesses, and regional partners who have all played vital roles in making Framingham a more sustainable community,” said Luz. “I am sincerely thankful to the many individuals and organizations providing support. There are too many to name.”
The award follows a visit from the Northeast Renewable Energy Coalition in August, when coalition members toured Framingham to learn more about the City’s environmental and sustainability initiatives.
The tour highlighted several key projects:
- MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) Blandin Avenue Hub: The visit began with a stop at the MWRTA’s main facility, where the coalition saw how the authority has prioritized sustainability and operational efficiency. In addition to converting its fleet to compressed natural gas (CNG) years ago, MWRTA is now piloting electric vehicles for demand and microtransit services. The site features a highly efficient HVAC system, a graywater reuse program, and a 228 kW DC solar canopy system that has generated more than 1.85 million kWh of clean energy since October 2018. MWRTA’s ongoing fixed-route bus network redesign — supported by extensive community engagement — underscores its commitment to flexible, efficient, and rider-focused service.
- Eversource Geothermal Pilot Project at the Farley Building: The next stop showcased an innovative networked geothermal system providing clean heating and cooling to more than 35 buildings, including Fire Station #5 and Framingham Housing Authority units. Led by Eversource Energy with nonprofit partner HEET, the project is a significant milestone in Framingham’s path to net-zero emissions and is attracting interest nationwide and internationally. The City is now collaborating on the District-Scale Geothermal Energy Pilots Program to expand this clean energy system.
- The visit also highlighted Framingham Public Schools’ sustainability work, including Cooler Communities Fairs, composting programs, and the installation of solar PV, battery storage, and EV charging stations, all of which are driving renewable energy adoption among students and families. Under Mayor Sisitsky solar canopies have been installed at both Brophy Elementary School and Fuller/Farley campus. The tour also highlighted the other solar canopies that have been installed in the City including both businesses and religious organizations.
- Christa McAuliffe Center for Integrated Science Learning at Framingham State University: The tour concluded at this regional hub for science, climate, and sustainability education. The Center’s work includes heat mapping and citizen science initiatives, collaborative planning for sustainable redevelopment, and workforce development programs in partnership with HEET and the Geothermal Drillers Association. Its collaboration with the City has informed strategies to mitigate urban heat islands, improve energy affordability, and promote clean energy adoption while inspiring future sustainability leaders.
- The City of Framingham new community electricity program, the Mayor’s tree setback program to combat heat islands, and the City’s new composting pilot program with Black Earth Composting was also highlighted.
In announcing Framingham as a finalist for the awards in September, Kristin Rode, Executive Director of the Northeast Renewable Energy Coalition, praised Framingham as a model for municipalities across the Commonwealth and the nation.
“Our tour of Framingham wasn’t just a look at municipal projects, it was a front row seat to the future of local government,” said Rode. “What the City has accomplished represents nothing less than a declaration that Framingham refuses to accept the status quo when better solutions exist. From cutting-edge geothermal energy projects to sustainable schools and transformative public transit initiatives, Framingham demonstrates that economic prosperity and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.”
The Coalition’s leadership emphasized the City’s culture of collaboration and vision under Mayor Sisitsky’s administration, as well as the remarkable work of the City’s Sustainability Coordinator, Shawn Luz.
“Mayor Sisitsky’s leadership has created something truly remarkable here,” Rode said. “And under the coordination of Shawn Luz, Framingham has shown Massachusetts what sustainability leadership looks like. This is not simply a collection of projects, it is a movement of public servants proving every day that local government can be a force for transformation.”
“These projects are a testament to Framingham’s leadership in advancing innovative solutions for a more sustainable future,” said Mayor Sisitsky. “Shawn’s recognition is well deserved, and our entire community should take pride in the progress we are making together.”
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