State $2.5 Million in Grants Commercial Refrigeration Program

BOSTON, Mass. — In recognition of Massachusetts Climate Week, the Baker-Polito Administration has announced that $2.5 million is available through the Commercial Refrigeration Grant Program to support the use of more climate-friendly and low global-warming-potential (GWP) refrigerants in commercial refrigeration equipment in Massachusetts. 

Many commercial refrigeration systems use hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are potent greenhouse gases (GHGs), with GWPs that are up to thousands of times that of carbon dioxide (CO2). These harmful refrigerants leak into the atmosphere over time, contributing to climate change. While technologies using more climate-friendly refrigerants with lower GWPs are available, implementation of these technologies in the commercial refrigeration sector has been relatively low to date. 

"In order to meet the Commonwealth’s ambitious climate goals, the Baker-Polito Administration is continuing to advance a variety of methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously supporting Massachusetts’ many sectors and businesses," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. "Importantly, MassDEP’s Commercial Refrigeration Grant program seeks to expand the market for new climate-friendly technologies, including by providing critical funds to advance these efforts further along."

The Commercial Refrigeration Grant Program, which administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), will provide financial incentives to increase the voluntary implementation of low GWP refrigerants in commercial refrigeration equipment and to install permanent refrigerant leak detection systems on existing equipment using high GWP refrigerants. The program aims to increase the voluntary adoption of eco-friendly refrigerants with lower GWPs by providing a financial stimulus for adoption by the retail food industry, food banks, and nonprofit institutions with commercial refrigeration equipment.

"MassDEP is building on its prior actions to reduce HFC emissions with the Commercial Refrigeration Grant Program," said MassDEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg. "The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to provided financial support for Massachusetts facilities that want to transition to greener refrigerants or refrigerant management practices. The workforce development and information sharing encouraged by the program will also help develop the workforce needed for the market for low GWP refrigerants to mature across the Commonwealth."

To further advance the emerging market for low-GWP refrigerants for commercial refrigeration in Massachusetts, all awarded projects will be encouraged to provide free workforce development activities to local technicians, such as making the equipment available for servicing demonstrations or partnering with trade associations. Additionally, to mitigate current HFC emissions and reach facilities that may not yet be able switch to a lower GWP refrigeration system, MassDEP is also offering funding for the installation of permanent refrigerant leak detection systems at existing facilities using HFC refrigerants.  

The $2.5 million allocated to this grant program will be awarded in one competitive grant round, with $90,000 set aside for refrigerant leak detection system projects. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 3, 2023. Eligibility is based on criteria set forth in the program’s Requirements Document. For more information, visit the Commercial Refrigeration Grant Program webpage.

MassDEP’s mission is to protect and enhance the Commonwealth’s natural resources – air, water and land – to provide for the health, safety and welfare of all people, and a clean and safe environment for future generations. In carrying out this mission, MassDEP commits to address and advance environmental justice and equity for all people of the Commonwealth, provide meaningful, inclusive opportunities for people to participate in agency decisions that affect their lives and ensure a diverse workforce that reflects the communities served by the agency.

Berkshire United Way Kicks Off 2024 Campaign, Honors Fundraising Coordinator

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:37AM / Wednesday, September 18, 2024

President and CEO Thomas Bernard spoke to school and career readiness as critical to laying the foundations for later success. Berkshire United Way partners with local educational programs.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire United Way has recognized Susie Brown for decades of leadership in fundraising efforts at Lee Bank.

Last week, she was presented with the Employee Campaign Coordinator Award for her work as the co-chair for employee giving campaigns at the bank since the 1980s. Brown, the senior vice president of administration, has inspired 100 percent (or close to) participation for many years.

"I love the United Way and have always loved the United Way but I don't do it alone," she said.

"The employees of Lee Bank have helped me for 35-plus years do these campaigns and made them successful."

Brown urged campaign coordinators to look at local agencies being funded and how employees' support will impact them. More than 4,000 employee donors from 140 local companies help raise around 65 percent of BUW's annual campaign from contributions, matching gifts, in-kind products and services, and more.

"The successful part of what we do at Lee Bank is you bring that back to the employees," she said.

"Yes, it's fun to do fun things to raise the money but when you make your employees aware of what's happening in your communities and what these agencies are doing for your communities — They don't know. They don't recognize all these little communities, all these little agencies, and all the people they help."

The Country Club of Pittsfield was packed with supporters for the campaign kickoff Friday morning.

Last year, BUW set out to raise $2.1 million and raised just over $2.2 million. A $2,300,000 goal has been set for this year's campaign with three strategic priorities: household stability, school and career readiness, and mental health.