10-Community Fossil Fuel Ban Becomes Law

On August 10, 2022, Governor Charlie Baker signed a clean energy and climate bill to help the state reach the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. The bill included a pilot program to allow ten cities and towns to restrict or prohibit the use of fossil fuels in most construction or major renovation projects. The proposal was signed amid opposition by labor unions, utility companies, real estate and housing organizations that the program could slow housing production.

The climate bill doesn’t dictate which 10 communities will participate in the study. The Department of Energy Resources will oversee the program and decide which communities participate based on the following criteria:

Received local approval, and has:

  • Achieved the 10% threshold on the subsidized housing inventory under Chapter 40B or have a Housing Production Plan approved by the Department of Housing and Community Development; or
  • Has approved a zoning ordinance or by-law that provides for at least 1 district of reasonable size in which multi-family housing is permitted

Ten cities and towns have already secured local approval and have submitted home rule petitions: Cambridge, Newton, Brookline, Lexington, Arlington, Concord, Lincoln, Acton, Aquinnah, and West Tisbury. Other towns and cities can still apply and have 18 months from the effective date of the new law (July 31, 2022) to achieve compliance with these requirements in order to participate in the project.

We at Greenstamp are very aware of this law change. The new law means that new construction and renovation project in the selected towns will need to go all electric. That being said, going all electric heating and cooling will require that these homes and buildings must use the best insulation possible. Building better and tighter homes will reduce the home’s energy use and carbon footprint.

We currently work with our contractors educating them on best practices to achieve this now. As this becomes more common practice over the next few years we are already ahead of the game.

 

Car Barn – Fiberglass Project

A car collector constructed a car barn that needed insulation. The team at Greenstamp Insulation recommends and installs the best insulation for each project. In this case, to get the most insulation benefit, while minimizing costs, we installed budget-friendly fiberglass insulation.

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Cape Cod – On the Water

Greenstamp applied sprayfoam insulation to this Cape Cod home on the water. This space has a living area above it. Now that it’s insulated, it will keep the living area comfortable, energy-efficient and protected from moisture.

Spray foam insulated living space

Greenstamp Helps Preserve Golf History with Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation is a modern product that can be used to preserve old buildings, when applied with great care. Greenstamp was trusted to install insulation in two buildings that hold historical significance in the golf world.

The Country Club, located in Brookline, MA, is the oldest country club in the United States and hosts numerous USGA tournaments including the 1913 U.S. Open won by then-unknown Francis Ouimet. Francis DeSales Ouimet was an American amateur golfer who is frequently referred to as the “father of amateur golf.” The Quimet home is located near The Country Club.

Greenstamp is honored to be part of preserving these historical buildings for golf enthusiasts to enjoy for many generations to come.