Malden Introducing 'Going Green' Initiatives

Mayor Gary Christenson recently spoke with community and social justice leaders from several local organizations to discuss "going green" initiatives the City of Malden will be undertaking.

Among those in attendance for the session were members from the Mass Senior Action Council, Chinese Culture Connection, American Association for Arab Women, YMCA, Tri-Cap, Chamber of Commerce and the Malden Redevelopment Authority, according to a city press statement. Also in attendance were members of the City Council and School Committee, as well as several energy efficiency business partners, the statement adds.

The mayor provided an overview of how the City of Malden is supporting efforts to bring coordinated energy efficiency programs to Maldonians by working collaboratively with community organizations, local businesses, municipal departments and National Grid to overcome barriers of affordability, language, and trust, according to the statement.

Representatives of the Green Justice Coalition; a partnership of community groups, labor unions, environmental groups and other organizations that work across Massachusetts to support a sustainable, equitable, and clean energy economy, also spoke about the new Efficient Neighborhoods Plus (EN+) program, reads the statement. 

EN+ is an enhanced Mass Save program that is geared toward increasing the incentives for low-to-moderate income utility ratepayers and promoting increased participation through targeted outreach with trusted community partners, according to the statement. The program pilot is currently underway and Malden is pressing to be one of the first communities selected when EN+ is released, adds the statement.

During the meeting, Christenson was recognized by Clean Water Action Massachusetts with a Municipal Leadership Award for advancing energy efficiency and promoting social equity, according to the statement. He is assisted in this effort by the Malden Energy Efficiency Commission which is chaired by City Councillor Craig Spadafora, adds the statement.

For more information, contact the Malden Energy Initiatives Coordinator at energyoffice@cityofmalden.org.