Sen. Eldridge, Rep. Cataldo, and Rep. Sena Announce $500,000 Renewable Energy Grant for Acton-Boxborough Regional High School
Funding Will Reduce Carbon Emissions and Lower Energy Costs
Acton, MA – State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough), State Representative Simon Cataldo (D-Concord), and State Representative Danillo Sena (D-Acton) are proud to announce that the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) has awarded Acton-Boxborough Regional High School $500,000 through the Green Communities Competitive Grant program.
The funding will support the installation of a heat pump rooftop unit (RTU), advancing the school’s decarbonization efforts while reducing long-term energy costs. Heat pumps are a highly efficient alternative to traditional furnaces and air conditioning systems. In colder months, they draw heat from outside air and transfer it indoors, while in warmer months they reverse the process to provide cooling. Because heat pumps move heat rather than generate it, they use significantly less energy, helping households, schools, and businesses lower their utility bills and carbon footprints.
The funding comes from the Green Communities Division's competitive grant program, an opportunity organized by the Department of Energy Resources. Green Communities assists towns in implementing renewable, energy efficient projects through funding and technical support.
The Acton High School project follows years of local effort by the Town to become more environmentally friendly. In May 2025, the DOER recognized Acton as a one of 19 Climate Leader Communities in Massachusetts for reducing municipal energy costs and improving local air quality. Climate-friendly achievements made by the Town include constructing carbon neutral buildings, facilitating solar energy projects, and reducing the school district’s carbon footprint by 30%.
“The installation of a heat pump at Acton High School is an important step towards decarbonization and supporting renewable energy within our communities,” said Senator Jamie Eldridge. “I’m deeply grateful to Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahoney, Acton Town Manager John Mangiaratti, and the Acton Select Board for their commitment to environmental sustainability. Acton serves as an example to other towns in Massachusetts seeking to preserve our environment through smart, cost-efficient projects and community-oriented leadership.”
“The $500,000 award Acton-Boxborough Regional High School received through the Green Communities Competitive Grant is a huge win for both the school and the town. Installing a heat pump is a significant step forward in our collective efforts to reduce carbon emissions,” said Representative Simon Cataldo. “I’m grateful for DOER’s partnership, and the hard work of all of the town officials in Acton who made this possible, and I'm thrilled to see Acton continuing its leadership in sustainability and climate action.”
“The Acton-Boxborough Regional School District is a leader in incorporating renewable energy into our school facilities, and this grant will enabled the district to continue these efforts,” said Representative Danillo Sena. “I am grateful for the efforts of the Healey-Driscoll administration, DOER Commissioner Elizabeth-Mahoney for their efforts to support renewable energy, and to Acton-Boxborough Superintendent Light, Acton Town Manager Mangiaratti, the School Committee, and so many more leaders in the Acton-Boxborough district who made this project possible.”
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