Earth Day serves as a reminder to reflect on our environmental impact and renew our commitment to sustainability. As communities worldwide celebrate this day, the city of Salem is taking significant strides in promoting environmental stewardship through various initiatives aimed at creating a sustainable future.
One notable event is the 5th Annual Great Salem Clean-Up, scheduled for Saturday, May 16th, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, where volunteers and city staff will come together to enhance community cleanliness. This event complements the city’s ongoing efforts to foster a cleaner and healthier environment.
Decarbonization and Electrification
Municipal
Salem High School
The proposed new Salem High School is set to be a model of sustainability. Designed to achieve LEED Gold certification and Net Zero energy, the building will feature geothermal heating and cooling alongside on-site solar renewable energy. This initiative is projected to save the city close to $1 million annually in energy costs and will reduce emissions by nearly 22% related to city and school operations.
Other Municipal Buildings
Beyond the high school, various decarbonization projects are underway across Salem. The Horace Mann School’s decarbonization, funded by a $5 million grant, is set to begin soon. Heating systems in Salem Fire Department’s Stations 4 and 5 have been converted to electric, reducing CO₂ emissions by approximately 20 metric tons each year. These efforts align with Salem’s goal to achieve Net Zero by 2050.
Community Wide
Salem continues to encourage residential energy efficiency through initiatives like the Beverly Salem Energy Challenge. Stacy Kilb, an Energy Coach, provides guidance to residents on effective energy projects, available during drop-in hours or by appointment.
The city will host the annual Resident Resource and Energy Fair on April 30th and the Living Green Expo on June 28th, offering resources for residents and businesses. More details can be found on the Salem events calendar.
Offshore Wind Marshalling Port
Salem is committed to becoming Massachusetts’ second offshore wind marshaling seaport. Despite challenges posed by previous federal administration policies, the project received a $70 million state funding boost, ensuring construction begins this year. Efforts also include a Clean Energy and Offshore Wind Training Program to prepare a diverse workforce for the clean energy industry.
Electric Vehicle Charging
Salem has made strides in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, operating 24 public EV charging stations with a goal of 5,000 registered EVs by 2030. The municipal fleet has seen electrification, and the city is participating in nationwide initiatives to accelerate affordable and reliable clean energy and EV solutions.
Resilient Together Initiatives
The Point/El Punto
A two-year project funded by a Massachusetts grant focuses on climate resilience in the Point/El Punto neighborhood. This includes developing climate-resilience resources and engaging in community-driven research on local environmental concerns.
Collins Cove Park Neighborhood
A grant-funded initiative with Salem Sound Coastwatch targets flood-mitigation strategies in Collins Cove Park, identifying solutions for stormwater and coastal flooding.
Additional Environmental Projects
Home Resilience Audit Pilot Program
In partnership with InnSure and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, Salem has launched a pilot program assessing residential resilience to flood risks, aiming to enhance community planning and property insurability.
Seawall Projects
Salem has undertaken seawall projects at Juniper Beach and Columbus Avenue to enhance coastal resilience. These efforts include repairing collapsed sections and improving infrastructure to withstand sea-level rise.
Willows Phase 2 and Pier Resilience
Significant investments have been made to upgrade public spaces like the Willows, with improvements to aging seawalls and the construction of a new, resilient public pier.
Winter Island Park Pathway and Bank Restoration
With a state Coastal Resiliency Grant, Salem addresses erosion at Winter Island Park through nature-based shoreline restoration solutions to bolster resilience against coastal storms.
Willow Avenue Pipe
To mitigate long-term risks, a $12.1 million grant supports relocating an offshore sewer main on Willow Avenue to a safer, onshore alignment.
Ocean Avenue Pump Station
An upgrade to the Ocean Avenue Pump Station is underway to enhance its capacity and reliability during major rain events, with the project now at 90% design completion.
Extreme Heat Resilience Pilot Program
Salem participates in a Barr Foundation-funded pilot to address extreme heat impacts in vulnerable neighborhoods, deploying mitigation strategies with local organizations.
Preservation in a Changing Climate Initiative
This initiative aims to protect Salem’s historic resources from climate impacts, hosting conferences and exhibits to highlight preservation strategies.
Tree Plantings
Salem continues its commitment to urban forestry, planting trees to enhance canopy cover and environmental equity, supported by state grants and community programs.
Composting
Salem expands its curbside composting program, offering residents affordable options to divert food waste and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Alternative Transportation
Efforts to promote alternative transportation in Salem include ride-share services, bike-share programs, and plans for a new train stop, aiming to reduce vehicular congestion and emissions.
Salem Clean Energy Public/Private Partnership Pipeline Development
A grant supports the development of clean-energy projects, with a focus on geothermal systems and solar microgrids, advancing Salem’s citywide decarbonization goals.
Flood Resiliency Zoning
New zoning regulations require flood risk considerations for new developments, ensuring Salem’s growth remains resilient to future climate challenges.
Original Story at www.salemma.gov