A State House Briefing on the Zero Carbon Renovation Fund
On March 7th 2023, UndauntedK12, as a member of the Zero Carbon Renovation Fund Coalition, participated in a briefing at the State House for lawmakers and their staff to learn more about recently-filed Zero Carbon Renovation Fund (ZCRF) legislation. The sponsors, State Representative Andy Vargas (D-Haverhill) and Senator Adam Gomez (D-Springfield) hosted the event alongside the coalition in order to provide legislators with the opportunity to hear from the Zero Carbon Renovation Fund’s lead sponsors and advocates.
Here is a quick Q&A to get everyone up to speed on this exciting piece of legislation (S.2365 / H.3232 ):
Firstly, what is a zero carbon renovation?
A zero carbon renovation is a renovation or upgrade that is aligned with a zero carbon future and incorporates one or more of the following: (1) maximizing energy efficiency through building envelope upgrades; (2) electrification of building systems; (3) maximizing usage of on-site renewable energy, wherever possible; and (4) consideration of building retrofit materials that are low embodied carbon.
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How does this piece of legislation fit into Massachusetts’ efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change?
The Zero Carbon Renovation Fund would provide a down payment of $300 million that would support equitable building decarbonization efforts across the Commonwealth and jumpstart Massachusetts’s zero carbon renovation industry. The ZCRF would move the state in the direction of its goal - as laid out in both the Massachusetts Clean Energy and Climate Plan and the recently-released Massachusetts Commission on Clean Heat Final Report - to retrofit 500,000 residential homes and roughly 300 million square feet of commercial buildings by 2030.
How does equity fit into the Zero Carbon Renovation Fund legislation?
With a specific focus on existing buildings – which currently contribute nearly one-third of the Commonwealth’s total carbon emissions – and on communities who have historically faced the greatest barriers to decarbonization – including environmental justice communities, low- and moderate- income housing, municipal buildings (including schools), and minority- and women- owned businesses – the Fund aims to advance environmental justice, improve health outcomes, boost community resilience, drive down energy costs, and catalyze a just and equitable transition to a clean energy future.
How will the Zero Carbon Renovation Fund legislation help improve K-12 schools in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts’ 1,840 school buildings cover approximately 186 million square feet and are responsible for emitting 880,000 metric tons of carbon each year. As of the latest inventory of school facilities, over 97% of our school buildings burn fossil fuels for heating. In other words, K-12 schools are key contributors to the state’s total carbon footprint. The ZCRF would provide funds for schools to model how existing buildings can be transformed from being climate polluters to climate solutions.
Let’s use Holyoke STEM Academy, formally known as Dean Technical High School, to exemplify how the Zero Carbon Renovation Fund could contribute to K-12 schools adapting and mitigating the effects of climate change. Holyoke STEM Academy is the city’s top energy user, accounting for 13% of total municipal energy consumption in FY22. More than 60% of energy used in the school is for heating. Consequently, UMass Clean Energy Corps studied opportunities to improve the building envelope and transition off of the current gas heating system. The proposed innovative heat pump system would substantially reduce the school’s energy consumption and emissions, improve comfort and expand cooling capability throughout the school, and reduce operating costs. However, the plan cannot be set into motion without funds. This is where the Zero Carbon Renovation Fund could make a tremendous difference.
How can you help ensure that the Zero Carbon Renovation Fund bill becomes law?
Contact your state Senator and Representative to urge them to co-sponsor the Zero Carbon Renovation Fund. The Action Network has made it easy for you to do so. Complete this simple form to contact your legislators.
About the Zero Carbon Renovation Fund Coalition
The Zero Carbon Renovation Fund Coalition is a coalition made up of more than 160 organizations across the Commonwealth – working at the intersection of housing, education, health, climate, and environmental justice – advocating for a $300 million down payment to jumpstart the zero carbon renovation industry, and advance and scale equitable building decarbonization efforts across Massachusetts. More information about the Zero Carbon Renovation Fund Coalition, including the full list of coalition members, can be found here.
