Massachusetts is one of the most energy-efficient states (ranking 49^th of 50 states in per capita energy consumption), and its Renewable Portfolio Standard, established in 2003, will increase the amount of energy generated from renewable sources (see Indicator 5.2.3),  mandates that all utilities obtain 15% of their power from renewable sources by 2020.

Boston became a national leader in urban sustainability:

• In 2007, as a part of the Climate Action Agenda,Boston became the first US city to mandate LEED standards for most new buildings in 2007 and since then has added 81 LEED-certified buildings. These include the Franklin D. Roosevelt K-8 School in Hyde Park, Olmsted Green Community in Mattapan, and Maverick Landing in East Boston  (See Indicator 5.2.4).  Since then it has added 81 LEED-certified buildings, including the Franklin D. Roosevelt K-8 School in Hyde Park, Olmsted Green Community in Mattapan, and Maverick Landing in East Boston  (See Indicator 5.2.4).  
• In 2008Boston was ranked as the 3^rd Greenest US City by Popular Science Magazinea  nd as the 6^th Most Sustainable City by SustainLane, while the US Department of Energy designated Boston a Solar America City for committingto increase its purchase, financing and installation of solar technology and to, increase awareness of solar installation with an interactive mapping tooland sustain and implement long-term goals.  The City also announced the Blue in Green Initiativeto strengthen the green economy along Blue Hill Avenue in Roxbury, Dorchester and Mattapan, andcommitted to planting 100,000 trees by 2020 through Grow Boston Greener.
• In early 2009, Boston established city-wide single stream recyclingafter pilot projects showed a 50% increase in recycling rates for participating neighborhoods.

Boston and Massachusetts received Stimulus funds in 2009, for energy efficiency and other “green” projects: :

• The City of Boston received $1.3 million in stimulus fundingfrom the US Department of Energy to integrate Solar Boston activates with the City’s emergency-preparedness system.
• The City of Boston and Boston Public Schoolsreceived $100,000 from the US Green Building Council to build “green” school buildings, spurred by the $4.4 million renovation of the Franklin D. Roosevelt  K-8 school in Hyde Park’s LEED gold sustainability rating..
• The US Department of Housing and Urban Development(HUD) awarded the City $300,000 for the Empowerment Zone green economy job training and employment for high-risk youth .
• The University of Massachusetts’ Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energyreceived $900,000 in federal funding to assist in the national project, Save Energy Now: State Industrial Assessment Projects, aimed at reducing energy use by 25% over the next decade.

The Commonwealth stepped up its investment in sustainability and green economy jobs, leading the country in clean tech initiatvie an spassing five green bills in 2008:

• The Green Jobs Act of 2008 provides $68 million in funding for the  green technology sector, creation of “green” job training programs, and R&D and entrepreneurship in the clean and renewable energy sector.
• The Green Communities Act incentifies energy efficiency over additional power generation.
• The Clean Energy Biofeuls Act gives preferential tax incentives to non-corn-based alternative fuels and set new fuel standards for reducing emissions
• The Oceans Act establishes the first-in-the-nation comprehensive management plan for Massachusetts’ coastlines and ocean resources
  • The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) of 2008,with 11 partner states, committed to developing a common Low Carbon Fuel Standard to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles.  
  • The “Green the Turnpike” partnership between the Departments of Transportation & Energy and Environmental Affairs promotes clean energy development along I-90.
  • An investment of nearly $1 million in Massachusetts Farms aims at modernization technology and equipment and at the preservation of more than 1,600 acres of farmland through 5- and 10-year covenants.