energy

Dorchester, MA, has seen significant advancements in energy efficiency, driven by a combination of community initiatives, state incentives, and advances in technology. The neighborhood has embraced solar panel installations, benefitting from Massachusetts' Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) program that incentivizes solar power. Many homes and businesses have retrofitted with energy-efficient lighting and appliances, supported by rebates offered through the Mass Save program. There is also a growing trend in adopting smart thermostats, which help to manage energy usage more effectively. The local government has been working on improving energy standards in new constructions, adhering to the state's stringent building codes. Dorchester has seen a rise in energy audits conducted by residents to identify and address inefficiencies, with services often partly subsidized by local initiatives. The community has also benefited from the Green Communities Act, which provides grants for municipalities to pursue energy efficiency projects. Furthermore, there is an increase in community solar projects allowing residents who cannot install solar panels on their properties to benefit from solar energy. The neighborhood is exploring more sustainable energy sources, such as wind and geothermal, to further diversify its energy portfolio.

water

Water conservation and management in Dorchester is supervised by the Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC), which has made significant strides in maintaining a sustainable water system. The BWSC offers residents rain barrels at a discounted rate to encourage rainwater harvesting for gardening and landscaping. In an effort to address aging infrastructure, the city has been replacing old water pipes to reduce leakage and promote water efficiency. Upgraded stormwater management systems are in place to mitigate pollution runoff into local water bodies. The commission also provides free water saving devices, such as low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators, to residents and conducts water audits to help identify areas for conservation. Innovative technologies like advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) have been implemented to provide real-time water use data to both the utility and consumers, helping with early leak detection and water conservation. Education programs on water conservation are also provided to schools and community groups. To protect local waterways, there are strict regulations on industrial discharges, and the community is engaged in clean-up and conservation efforts for the Neponset River. Green infrastructure, such as rain gardens and permeable pavements, has been promoted to manage runoff and enhance water quality.

transportation

Dorchester's transportation network has been evolving with an emphasis on sustainability and efficiency. The Fairmount Indigo Line revitalization project has improved commuter rail services, offering more reliable and frequent service for residents. There is an emphasis on multi-modal transportation to reduce reliance on personal vehicles, including support for cycling through the addition of bike lanes and the Hubway bike-sharing program. The neighborhood is well-served by the MBTA, providing extensive bus and subway connections that facilitate easy access within Dorchester and to the Greater Boston area. The city encourages the use of electric vehicles (EVs) by expanding public EV charging station infrastructure. There are several incentives for residents to use public transportation, including subsidized fares for students, elderly, and low-income residents. The city has implemented traffic calming measures to ensure pedestrian safety and encourage walking as a means of transportation. Car-sharing services have been growing in popularity, and ride-sharing apps are widely used, offering an alternative to car ownership. Initiatives like 'Go Boston 2030' aim to improve the transportation network's safety, accessibility, and connectivity, with a focus on sustainability. As part of this effort, there are community discussions about increasing accessibility to carpool lanes and improving the efficiency of the transportation system as a whole.

waste

Waste reduction and recycling have become a priority in Dorchester, with the community actively participating in the City of Boston's 'Zero Waste Boston' initiative. The curbside recycling program is robust, accepting a wide range of materials, including paper, cardboard, glass, metal, and plastics labeled #1-#7. Programs like 'Project Oscar' provide community composting locations where residents can drop off food scraps, which has significantly contributed to the diversion of organic waste from landfills. There has been an increased emphasis on education and outreach programs to inform residents of proper recycling practices and the importance of waste diversion. Local businesses are participating in waste reduction programs and are encouraged to audit their waste streams and implement more sustainable practices through various incentives. Special collection events for hazardous household waste help to prevent improper disposal of items like paint, chemicals, and electronics. Textile recycling is available, collecting items such as clothing, shoes, and linens, thus keeping them out of the waste stream. The ‘Waste Wizard’ app helps residents determine how to properly dispose of or recycle items. Additionally, the city has enforced bans on single-use plastic bags and is promoting reusable options to minimize plastic waste.