Energy efficiency at the local level can sometimes prove to be the blueprint for larger state or national endeavors. This is not a blue or red regional, state or municipality issue but slowly becoming a moral imperative in the way that new jobs can be created, and the environment can be bettered. Local leaders gathering in New Bedford Massachusetts to celebrate the city’s inclusion in a new Environment Massachusetts Research and Policy Center report on innovative clean energy programs at the municipal level. 21 other cities and towns in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts received high ranks in their innovative efforts leading to 100% renewable energy. Metrics for success in the report include renewable electricity, energy efficiency, energy storage and clean transportation among other areas.

New Bedford, with its geographic positioning on the coast is also taking advantage not just of land-based solar and wind projects but also offshore wind. 25% of the city’s municipal passenger vehicles have already been converted to electric vehicles. Beyond the city of New Bedford, the state of Massachusetts has put into motion The 100% Renewable Energy Act that would transition the state to 100% renewable energy by 2035 and phase out the use of fossil fuels for heating and transportation by 2045.

While making changes in a smaller city or municipality may be easer than at the state or federal level, examples like New Bedford serve as both a testbed and motivation to others regions that change takes time but is achievable and that you’ll not only be recognized for it but you’ll also be moving into the future of sustainability.