In Haverhill, it’s hip to be green! The city officially became a green community in December, and next Friday, April 5, local and environmental leaders will gather to mark the accomplishment at a ceremony at the Haverhill Public Library.
As WHAV previously reported, the city partnered with the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission to petition for more than $300,000 to curb energy costs, and is now eligible to receive up to $250,000 more annually under the state’s Green Communities program.
“This grant gives us over $300,000 for energy efficiency projects in 2019 and the potential for another $1 million over the next five years,” Mayor James J. Fiorentini said in December, adding, “and that doesn’t even include all the money we are going to be saving by reducing our energy consumption.”
Haverhill joins about two-thirds of the state’s 351’s cities and towns to win the energy savings designation. Billerica, Boxford, Dracut, Merrimac and Methuen were also awarded the honor last winter.
Grants are based on a starting amount of $125,000 plus an additional amount based on a community’s population and income.
Under the grant, the city must allow alternative energy research and/or generation in parts of the city, provide speedy permitting for those in “Energy Zones,” reduce overall energy use by 20 percent over five years, purchase energy-efficient cars and trucks and require home builders to use certain energy efficient materials and practices.
April 5’s ceremony begins at 10 a.m. is open to the public.