Town of Acton Receives $500,000 Green Communities Grant to Fund Decarbonization Efforts at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School

ACTON — The Town of Acton is pleased to share that it has received a $500,000 grant from the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Green Communities Grant program that will fund decarbonization efforts. 

The DOER awarded about $8 million in grants to 46 communities statewide to fund energy-efficiency and clean energy projects. According to the DOER, the rewarded projects are expected to save about $566,000 each year in energy costs, and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 1,421 tons annually. 

Acton will use its funding to replace 11 gas-fired rooftop units (RTU) at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School with all-electric units. The current units are about 27 years old and in need of replacement.

All-electric units are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on campus by about 13% and reduce the overall annual energy costs.

The project is a milestone step in the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District’s (ABRSD) commitment to decarbonizing its facilities by 2050. According to the “Electrification Roadmap,” a study of the seven key ABRSD and municipal buildings conducted in collaboration with the district and Town, the High School is a high priority for decarbonization. 

Replacing the rooftop units is an early and important part of the multi-phased decarbonization work required at the High School, and their installation will boost the District toward its five-year energy reduction plan targets. 

Work will begin at the conclusion of the 2025-26 school year, and is expected to be completed by the end of next summer.

“We are excited by this award to help us accelerate this important project for the high school and to save our taxpayers money,” said Acton-Boxborough Regional School District Superintendent Peter Light. “I want to express my gratitude to the Town of Acton for including us in this grant process.”

“This funding is substantial in supporting the dedicated work of the team at Acton-Boxborough Regional School District in decarbonizing facilities and lessening their environmental impact,” said Town Manager John Mangiaratti. “I would like to commend Regional School Energy Manager Kate Crosby for helping to secure this funding, and the DOER for recognizing the value of our project and supporting it.”