MassBay Honored by Healey-Driscoll Administration for Sustainable Campus Initiatives at the 17th Annual Leading by Example Awards

MassBay Community College is proud to announce it has been recognized by the Healey-Driscoll Administration at the 17th Annual Leading by Example Awards for exemplary efforts in advancing clean energy, sustainability, and decarbonization initiatives on all three campuses. Through multiple green initiatives, the College has made significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint.

“MassBay has been committed to being environmentally sound not only because it makes good business sense, but because it represents the values of our community,” said MassBay Vice President of Finance and Administration Marcus Edward. “When we open our new zero net carbon campus building in Framingham next month, some of the carbon-friendly features include nearly 95% of the steel frame made of recycled materials, solar panels on the roof and parking lot offsetting the building’s use of grid electricity, linoleum flooring made from natural and renewable materials such as linseed oil, flax, pulverized wood, and cock dust, and a ground-sourced heating and cooling pumps installed beneath the parking lot. These accomplishments, coupled with eliminating single-use plastic bottles and installing EV charging stations, are part of MassBay’s commitment to being an environmentally conscious college.”

The highlight of the accomplishments is the eagerly anticipated opening of the Center for Health Sciences, Early Childhood, and Human Services campus building, in Framingham in January 2024. This state-of-the-art facility will stand as a beacon of environmental stewardship, being an all-electric structure heated and cooled by a ground-source heating system. The building was constructed using many natural, recycled and biodegradable materials, while featuring windows and insulation with multiple layers to improve air tightness. Additionally, the building will harness 442kW of solar power from both parking lot canopies and rooftop arrays, showcasing MassBay’s commitment to green energy solutions.

In 2022, MassBay took significant steps towards reducing its carbon footprint by installing three dual-port EV charging stations on the Wellesley campus for public use. With the opening of the new Framingham campus building, six additional stations will be installed for electric vehicles. MassBay has adopted a policy stipulating that, when replacing vehicles, the College will opt for more environmentally sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Currently, MassBay proudly operates two all-electric utility vehicles on its Wellesley campus.

“Our state and local leaders work hard every day to help Massachusetts achieve its ambitious climate goals,” said Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. “They are truly leading by example to combat climate change, and today’s award ceremony is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their work and dedication.”

“We are proud of the ongoing efforts by our state and local partners to make Massachusetts’ cities and towns healthier, more sustainable places to live,” said Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “The efforts of our public sector leaders and the Leading by Example team do not go unnoticed, and we are thankful for their efforts to advance decarbonization and clean energy initiatives throughout Massachusetts.”

Aligning with Governor Healey’s Executive Order (No. 619: Eliminating the Purchase by the Executive Department of Single-Use Plastic Bottles) on eliminating single-use plastic bottles, MassBay will not be purchasing single-use plastic bottles to address plastic waste. To support this initiative, MassBay will purchase and distribute hydroflasks and install additional water refill stations throughout the three campuses.

The Leading by Example (LBE) program is administered by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and works collaboratively with state agencies and public colleges and universities to advance decarbonization, clean energy and sustainable practices that reduce the environmental impacts of state government operations. The Leading by Example Awards celebrate state entities, municipalities, and individuals for outstanding achievements in clean energy and environmental sustainability. MassBay joins the distinguished list of awardees, which includes the Department of Conservation and Recreation Net Zero Task Force, Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, City of Lowell, Town of Windsor, Hank Haff from the Town of Needham, Suzanne Wood from UMass Chan Medical School, and Hope Davis from the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance.