BEI.1.1.DDevelop energy efficiency standards for new and retrofitted municipal and school buildings.

Municipal buildings and schools are major community assets, long-lived investments, and visible examples of what Plymouth values. This action establishes energy efficiency standards for both new construction and retrofits, ensuring Town and school projects consistently deliver lower operating costs, improved comfort, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Clear standards also help departments plan capital projects, compare design alternatives, and ensure efficiency isn’t value-engineered out late in design. Over time, consistent standards improve building performance, reduce taxpayer exposure to energy price volatility, and create healthier indoor environments for staff, students, and visitors. Success looks like lower energy use intensity across the public building portfolio, more efficient renovations, and a predictable approach to decarbonization planning in Town and school facilities.

Helpful Links:

•  General Context
•  Toolkit for Energy Efficiency Policy
• Plymouth’s approved contract language for any project with building upgrades -
  • Moreover, the ENGINEER and all consultants and subENGINEERs shall generate all work to prioritize energy conservation and cost savings. All work and services should be aligned with Mass Save guidelines, and the ENGINEER shall bear the responsibility for ensuring that all energy efficiency incentives/rebates are applied for and secured. The ENGINEER shall provide to the Town of Plymouth’s satisfaction, the required information as stated below as applicable to the project, when information becomes available:
    1. Documentation that the ENGINEER has met, teleconferenced, or had an email exchange with its gas and/or electric public utility representatives regarding the availability of utility incentives for any eligible energy conservation or efficiency measures.
    2. Documentation of having applied for all gas and electrical rebates provided for eligible energy conservation or efficiency measures. The ENGINEER is required to have documentation from utilities regarding incentive/rebates before the selection and installation of products.