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EPA New England Climate Efforts
EPA's National Programs Target Climate Change
EPA's National Programs – Several EPA programs help communities, business and government agencies take steps to improve energy efficiency and take advantage of renewable resources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These programs include:
ENERGY
STAR – ENERGY STAR programs
and products help protect the environment and save consumers money
by using less energy through advanced design or construction. With
help from ENERGY STAR, Americans saved enough energy in 2005 alone
to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 23 million
cars — all while
saving $12 billion on utility bills. To find a list of the ENERGY STAR-labeled
buildings in each state, click on the state links below:
Businesses across New England have become ENERGY STAR partners by promoting energy efficiency CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT)
- Clean Energy-Environment State Partnership - The Clean Energy-Environment State Partnership Program is a voluntary state-federal partnership that encourages states to develop and implement cost-effective clean energy and environmental strategies.
Climate Leaders - Climate Leaders is an EPA industry-government
partnership that works with companies to develop long-term comprehensive
climate change strategies. Partners set a corporate-wide greenhouse gas
(GHG) reduction goal and inventory their emissions to measure progress.
Green
Power Partnership – Across America, consumers
increasingly have a choice when they buy electricity. This now includes
the ability to buy green power, power generated from renewable energy
sources. EPA's Green Power Partnership recognizes organizations that
demonstrate env ironmental leadership by choosing green power.
SmartWay Transport Partnership – EPA
and the freight industry are working together to make the country
more secure and reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases. EPA New
England is working with trade associations, trucking companies, shipping
facilities, and communities to sign on partners by showing them that
helping to improve our region's air quality and energy security
can also help their bottom line.
Best Workplaces for Commuters 
– Best
Workplaces for Commuters is a voluntary program that recognizes employers
for offering outstanding commuter benefits such as free or low cost
bus passes, strong telework programs, carpooling matching and vanpool
subsidies. As of September 2006, 145 employers representing nearly
230,000 workers are on the New England list of Best Workplaces for
Commuters — a mark of excellence in environmental leadership.
Clean Energy-Environment State partnership program – This
EPA program supports states that are developing and implementing
cost-effective clean energy and environmental strategies that help
further environmental and clean energy goals and achieve public health
and economic benefits.
WasteWise – This voluntary program targets
the recycling and reduction of municipal solid waste; waste that would
otherwise end up in a trash dumpster. The program also targets
buying environmentally preferable products
The New England office of the Environmental Protection Agency for many years has promoted efforts to reduce the greenhouse emissions gases in New England and to educate the public about climate change. The office works to encourage cleaner transportation and energy supplies, and supports state climate efforts and other organizations with similar aims. Programs in New England have successfully helped companies, schools, towns and cities and non profit groups to reduce their energy consumption and overall emissions. EPA's New England office is also working to reduce the environmental footprint of its own buildings and operations.
The Energy & Climate Unit – EPA New England's Energy and Climate Unit focuses on energy's impact on air quality, public health and climate change. The small group of EPA staff guides energy-related policies and programs that encourage energy efficiency, clean and renewable power and environmentally friendly transportation options.
Community Energy Challenge – Promoting Energy Efficiency and Renewables in New England Cities and Towns.
EPA New England's Diesel Program – Pollution from diesel engines significantly contributes to air pollution, especially in urban areas. EPA New England is working to advance cleaner diesel engines, promote pollution control technology, prevent unnecessary idling and ultimately, end diesel pollution. You can take a number of actions to reduce diesel emissions as well.
EPA's New England Regional Laboratory in Chelmsford, Mass – EPA New England's laboratory shows how EPA leads by example. The 66,000-square-foot building that services New England incorporates energy efficient heating and cooling systems, active solar power and lighting, recycled materials, environmentally friendly landscaping, improved indoor air quality measures and it uses wind power to meet its electricity needs.
Greening our Operations – Greening our practices at EPA New England and changing employee behaviors at work and at home. During the autumn of 2009 EPA New England will be moving from our existing Boston office on Congress Street to the newly refurbished John W. McCormack Post Office and Courthouse Federal Building, which is just up the street in downtown Boston. Upgrades to the building include use of green power, energy efficiency, water conservation, and low impact development features including a green roof.
Car free transportation – Whether you are a resident or just planning on visiting New England this web site offers great links to car-free transportation alternatives including; bike paths, buses, ferry services, ride-sharing, subways, trains, and trolleys.