Skip to main content

Swampscott Climate Action and Resilience Plan

Posted on
June 16th at 4:23pm.

Swampscott residents approved the adoption of the Resilient Swampscott Climate Action and Resilience Plan at the May 2023 Town Meeting. The goals, strategies, and actions in the Swampscott Climate Action and Resilience Plan are organized into five key focus areas:

  • Buildings and Energy
  • Transportation
  • Resilience and Vulnerability
  • Natural Resources
  • Solid Waste and Recycling

Specific to the Buildings and Energy focus area, the plan outlines the following goals:

  • Achieve 100% renewable energy for local electricity supply and reduce methane emissions in the gas distribution system
  • Increase enrollment in Swampscott Community Power 100% New England Green through ongoing promotion and education
  • Work with National Grid to prioritize repair of leaking gas pipes
  • Promote existing incentives to increase adoption of small-scale solar electricity
  • Consider mechanisms such as a bulk purchasing program to encourage purchase of solar panels and battery storage among residents, businesses, and municipal departments.
  • Buildings in Swampscott are designed, constructed and maintained to be resilient and produce net-zero emissions
  • Ensure that new development prioritizes the reduction of greenhouse gas by adopting the Municipal Opt-in Specialized Energy Code emissions and the state’s Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Program
  • Establish and promote incentives, such as reducing or waiving permit fees, for projects that go beyond what is required by code, such as installing all-electric systems or:: utilizing energy from renewable or non-emitting energy sources
  • Consider mechanisms such as a bulk purchasing program to encourage purchase of solar panels and battery storage among residents, businesses, and municipal departments

Goals related to Resilience and Vulnerability include:

  • Expand the Coastal Flood Area Overlay District by adopting a locally regulated floodplain that includes areas outside of the FEMA-mapped 100-year floodplain boundary based upon local data
  • Assess impacts to critical infrastructure from severe weather conditions and develop a phased plan for upgrades.

Swampscott is now tasked with implementing the proposed strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impact of climate change.

Updates will be posted to the NSR blog.