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Sustainability Achievements
Timeline
Lexington's sustainability achievements serve as a model for communities across the Commonwealth. The following actions represent only a sample of the Town's work in sustainability.
2010
- Created the Sustainable Lexington Committee
- Adopted Massachusetts' optional "Stretch" Energy Code to call for improved building energy efficiency
- Designated as one of the first Green Communities in Massachusetts
2013
- Adopted a Climate Change Resolution to require climate change in all appropriate decisions (Article 29)
2016
- Joined the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy
- Approved a Community Choice Aggregation program to move towards 100% renewable energy
2017
- Joined the U.S. Compact of Mayors
- Launched Lex Drive Electric program
2018
- Adopted the Lexington Sustainable Action Plan to provide a structured approach to identify, prioritize, and implement Town sustainability initiatives
- Published Lexington's Getting to Net Zero Emissions Roadmap & Recommendations
2019
- Constructed the Town's first net zero school, Lexington Children's Place
- Adopted an Integrated Building Design & Construction Policy for all school and municipal buildings
2020
- Launched Lexington's PACE Program for Commercial & Industrial Buildings
2021
- Joined ICLEI's Race to Zero movement to achieve climate neutrality by 2050
- Launched LexSORT, a free community composting pilot program
2022
- Passed a Zero Waste Resolution
- Passed a Building Energy Use Disclosure bylaw
2023
- Passed the Opt-in Specialized Stretch Code
- Launched a curbside composting pilot program
- Passed Resilient Lexington, the Town's Climate Action & Resilience Plan
- Passed a framework to advance the Town's climate change and systemic racism resolutions
Certifications & Awards
Lexington's sustainability efforts have been recognized by state, national, and international organizations.
- Designated Green Community since 2010
- Designated Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation since 1989
- Designated Bee City USA by the Xeres Society since 2020
- Named one of 95 cities on the "A-List" for climate action by the environmental impact non-profit, CDP, in 2021
- Designated SolSmart Silver for making solar more affordable and accessible for homes and businesses @(Model.BulletStyle == CivicPlus.Entities.Modules.Layout.Enums.BulletStyle.Decimal ? "ol" : "ul")>