In 2018, Marblehead took a decisive step toward sustainability by passing a warrant article committing to clean energy in housing, transportation and energy. A year later, the Select Board followed through by forming the Green Marblehead Committee. With input from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council and the community, the GMC set an ambitious goal: for the town to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
Achieving net zero means dramatically reducing emissions and offsetting any remaining emissions through measures like tree planting. In 2023, the Select Board adopted the GMC’s Net Zero Roadmap, which outlines how both the town and residents can reduce their carbon footprints.
A key provision of the roadmap was hiring a sustainability coordinator to help steer Marblehead toward its goal. The idea for a dedicated sustainability position in town government gained traction thanks to Becky Curran Cutting, Marblehead’s former town planner. After decades of working with various town departments, she identified a gap: no single person was responsible for coordinating sustainability initiatives. Drawing on examples from other municipalities, she demonstrated how a sustainability coordinator could save the town money and secure funding for critical projects.
Climate change is not a distant issue for Marblehead. Rising sea levels threaten marine businesses, historic homes and waterfront properties. Retrofitting municipal buildings and modernizing infrastructure requires funding. Without external grants, these costs would fall squarely on taxpayers. Curran Cutting’s vision helped establish the sustainability coordinator role, ensuring that Marblehead’s sustainability efforts are strategic and well-funded.
Since stepping into the role, Marblehead’s sustainability coordinator, Logan Casey, has been instrumental in securing $458,028 in grants, including funding for:
- State Street Landing/Harbormaster’s Office Resiliency Project
- Rail Trail improvements (Smith Street to Pleasant Street)
- Marblehead Comprehensive Master Plan
- Devereux Beach ADA Improvement Project
- EV charger technical assistance planning
- 5 Corners intersection and School Street parking lot redesign
He has also implemented projects such as the Marblehead Sustainable Heritage Grant ($25,000), which brought together the Old and Historic Districts Commission and the Green Marblehead Implementation Committee to discuss ways to retrofit historic homes with sustainable technologies while preserving their character.
Additionally, Casey followed through on a Town Meeting vote to keep the State Street Landing restrooms open year-round, coordinating the installation of a heat pump system to ensure heating efficiency.
The success of Marblehead’s Net Zero Plan isn’t solely dependent on town government; residents play a crucial role. One of the most effective ways residents can contribute is by upgrading their homes to be more energy efficient.
Programs like Mass Save provide financial incentives to help homeowners insulate and weatherize their homes, install high-efficiency heat pumps and switch to LED lighting. Weatherization helps keep homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, reducing reliance on fossil fuels for heating and cooling. The town’s net zero goal relies on widespread participation in these initiatives, so taking advantage of these programs is a direct way to help Marblehead move toward a cleaner future.
Learn more about these and other technologies at our annual Green Homes Tour, to take place this fall.
Supporting clean transportation is another way to make an impact. Gasoline-powered vehicles are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, so switching to an electric vehicle significantly reduces an individual’s carbon footprint. If purchasing an EV isn’t an immediate option, residents can still advocate for expanded EV charging infrastructure in town. The availability of more charging stations makes EV ownership more accessible to those without home charging options, such as renters and condo owners.
Encouraging alternatives to car travel is another way residents can contribute to the town’s net zero goal. Supporting infrastructure improvements for walking and biking— such as safer crosswalks, bike lanes and accessible sidewalks — reduces the town’s reliance on fossil-fuel-powered transportation. Residents can advocate for these improvements by attending public meetings, supporting local initiatives that prioritize walkability and using alternative transportation— including public transportation — whenever possible.
Marblehead’s journey to net zero is well underway. With strong leadership, strategic planning and community involvement, the town can meet its 2040 goal while preserving its historic charm and coastal resilience for generations to come.
Elaine Leahy is executive director of Sustainable Marblehead.
