What is net zero?

Net zero is a goal for negating the amount of greenhouse gases from human activity. Greenhouse gasses include carbon dioxide, but also other gasses like methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gasses. The goal is to reduce emissions as much as possible and to offset the remaining amount. Reductions are a crucial part and will be achieved through a combination of personal and institutional actions. Massachusetts has committed to a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and Net Zero emissions by 2050. More information on the decarbonization road map can be found here. The climate crisis is indeed an emergency, but we have an opportunity to plan for and take action towards a brighter future.

Massachusetts created the Green Communities Designation and Grant Program as part of the Department of Energy Resources to help communities find green energy solutions. Franklin has been a Green Community since 2018. Many initiatives have been implemented to help make Franklin more sustainable. Currently, over 90% of electricity used in schools and municipal buildings comes from the solar farm on Upper Union Street. All lights in municipal and school buildings and all streetlights now use LEDs. The town has two fully electric municipal vehicles and three charging stations have been installed at town hall, with an additional station at the public library.