Cambridge Receives 2026 Mass Save Energy Impact Award for Energy Efficiency Efforts

Cambridge has been named a recipient of the 2026 Mass Save Impact Awards, recognizing the City's sustained leadership in energy efficiency, building improvements and reducing energy use across municipal facilities.

Presented by the Sponsors of Mass Save, the awards recognize 17 organizations and communities across Massachusetts for their leadership in energy efficiency, electrification, building modernization and other initiatives that support a cleaner, more affordable and resilient energy future. The recipients will be honored at an awards ceremony at the Massachusetts State House on October 27, 2026.

Between 2023 and 2025, the City of Cambridge participated in more than 60 Mass Save projects offered through Eversource. These energy-saving improvements included lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), and food service equipment upgrades, as well as retrofit projects, rebates and new construction initiatives.

Among the City's most impactful efforts was the Tobin Montessori and Darby Vassall Upper Schools Project, projected to save approximately 85,000 lifetime million British thermal units (MMBtu) of energy.

The 359,100-square-foot complex in West Cambridge opened in September 2025. It serves nearly 1,000 students and houses the Tobin Montessori School (pre-K-5), the Darby Vassall Upper School (grades 6-8), CPS Special Start and Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) preschool programs, and the DHSP Community School afterschool program.

Designed to achieve net zero emissions under the City's Net Zero Action Plan, the all-electric building is projected to be the most energy-efficient school building in Cambridge. Ground-source (geothermal) and air-source heat pumps provide heating and cooling, and energy recovery and demand-controlled ventilation support them. Other efficiency features include all-LED lighting with smart controls and daylight dimming, a high-performance building envelope, and an orientation that maximizes natural light. Photovoltaic canopies of nearly one megawatt are expected to generate about 1.1 million kWh each year, enough to offset the building's electricity use. The underground garage can support 100% electric vehicle charging, and the project is targeting LEED Platinum certification.

Lighting improvements across other municipal facilities also contributed to the City's energy-saving efforts.

These projects reflect Cambridge's ongoing work to improve building performance, reduce energy consumption and advance sustainability goals. By taking advantage of available energy efficiency programs and investing in high-performance building upgrades, the City continues to pursue opportunities to use energy more efficiently across its facilities.

"Receiving a 2026 Mass Save Impact Award recognizes the City's continued efforts to improve energy efficiency across municipal facilities," said Kathy Watkins, Deputy City Manager. "Through building improvements, efficient equipment and participation in energy-saving programs, we are working to reduce energy use and support Cambridge's long-term sustainability goals."

The 2026 Mass Save Impact Awards recognize organizations and communities whose investments in energy efficiency and related improvements are delivering environmental, economic and operational benefits. Collectively, the projects recognized through this year's awards are expected to deliver net lifetime carbon dioxide emission reductions equivalent to the annual energy use of nearly 30,000 homes or more than 50,000 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles driven for one year.

For more information about the Mass Save Impact Awards, visit masssave.com/en/community/mass-save-impact-awards.