John W. Odell, Chief Sustainability Officer
Welcome to your hub for all things sustainable and resilient in Worcester!
Our work is informed by the Green Worcester Plan, completed in 2021, which is a roadmap for making Worcester the greenest mid-sized city in the country.
Achieving the Green Worcester Plan goals requires a community-wide effort. From waste reduction and home energy efficiency to nurturing newly planted trees, there's a role for everyone in creating a greener future together. Here you will find information about what the City is doing and what you can do to!
Since 2021, the Department of Sustainability & Resilience has been working collaboratively with the community and other departments to implement many of Green Worcester Plan goals via new policies, projects and initiatives, while encouraging action at the community level as well.
Sustainability & Resilience Programs
Zero Waste
We're committed to a Zero Waste future and currently, our main priority is developing our City's first Zero Waste Master Plan. Check out our current projects, resources, and how to get involved!
Resilience
Lakes & Ponds
We envision a Worcester where all of our waterways are clean and healthy, safe for their designated recreational uses and accessible to all residents. The Lakes and Ponds Program's mission since 2016 is to monitor and manage our waterways for environmental threats, to protect their recreational value and preserve ecological services.
Meetings & Events
Green Worcester Plan
The Green Worcester Plan is a roadmap to making Worcester one of the most sustainable and climate-resilient mid-sized cities in America by 2050!
Green Worcester is a city in which government, residents, businesses, and institutions work together in shared stewardship and mutual care of our city and our planet. We will do this by efficiently and wisely using our resources to minimize impact on our environment while creating a more livable, prosperous, and equitable city.
Energy Related Initiatives & Projects
Smart Energy Advice
New Service: Book a no-cost, 30 minute appointment with our Energy Advocate and talk about your energy questions and get advice about how to access energy saving programs.
Vehicle Electrification
We're electrifying our municipal fleet and installing electric vehicle chargers in garages, parking lots, and on-street locations making it easier for Worcester residents and visitors to go electric.
Municipal Aggregation
The Green Worcester ElectriCITY Municipal Aggregation Program offers its residents and businesses price stability and greater control over the environmental characteristics of their electricity supply.
Specialized Stretch Energy Building Code
This opt-in code will help our city meet our commitments of becoming the greenest mid-sized city in the country and becoming a net-zero city by 2045 per the Green Worcester Plan.
Sustainability & Resilience StoryMaps
StoryMaps are easy-to-use, interactive web applications created by City of Worcester staff to share information about a specific location, topic or project. Explore our Sustainability and Resilience related StoryMaps below.
Climate Resilience in Worcester
Miyawaki Forests
CoolPockets
Green Worcester Dashboard
Green Worcester is all about making Worcester one of the most sustainable and climate-resilient mid-sized cities in America by 2050. City leadership collaborates with partners across the city, including residents, institutions, businesses, nonprofits and others to make it happen. Learn more on the Green Worcester Dashboard website.
Municipal Solar Projects at Work!
*From the 19 municipal solar projects since 2011, and more being built now. Learn More!
Green Worcester Summit: Building Resilience, Together
A video series from the Green Worcester Summit held on May 11, 2024.
Watch Now!
Contact Information
Address
Sustainability and Resilience
51 Sever Street Worcester, MA 01609
Mailing Address: 455 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01608
Contact
Phone: 508-799-8324
Email Us
Hours
By Appointment
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.