Frontrunner City Shines as Sustainability Leader

Lowell: A City Reimagining Its Future Through Sustainability

Lowell, Massachusetts, has a rich history that dates back to the 1800s when it became the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. Fast forward to the 21st century, and the city is now positioning itself as a leader in sustainability and innovation through the Frontrunner City Initiative. This initiative is helping Lowell become a model for other cities looking to embrace sustainable development while maintaining economic growth.

The key to Lowell’s success lies in its long-standing commitment to sustainability practices. Since the creation of the Sustainability Department, the city has been able to implement various projects that have not only received recognition but also benefited from financial support aimed at making the city greener with every initiative.

A Global Partnership for Sustainable Development

Last week, Lowell welcomed a delegation from Canada that is leading the Frontrunner City Initiative. This initiative is part of the Urban Economy Forum, a nonprofit organization that works closely with the United Nations and other partners like the World Urban Pavilion. The goal of this collaboration is to accelerate the implementation of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by leveraging global investment in areas such as finance, construction, and design.

Frontrunner status gives Lowell access to a pipeline of international resources that can help build an inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable community. This partnership is expected to significantly boost the city's efforts in sustainability and create new opportunities for growth.

A Legacy of Green Initiatives

Lowell has a long history of supporting renewable energy and energy efficiency programs. In 2007, the city established the Green Building Commission to promote green design, construction, and development practices. Over the years, the commission has evolved into the Lowell Sustainability Council, which continues to advocate for environmental sustainability.

On the nonprofit side, the Coalition for a Better Acre has taken steps to install rooftop solar panels in low-income communities, helping to stabilize operating costs and promote renewable energy. In 2010, Lowell became one of the first designated Green Communities, investing over $21 million in energy efficiency projects.

The city also partnered with Ameresco on a $21.1 million energy savings performance contract, which led to energy efficiency upgrades in 47 municipal and school buildings. These efforts have helped reduce the carbon footprint of the Downtown Historic District and set a precedent for future sustainability projects.

Education and Community Efforts

Lowell Public Schools has been a strong partner in the city's sustainability efforts. The district has installed solar panels in several schools and collaborates with UMass Lowell’s Rist Institute for Sustainability and Energy and National Grid on the Climate Cool Schools Program, which is the first of its kind in the United States.

Private developments, such as the Appleton Mills mixed-income housing project, have also contributed to the city's green initiatives by incorporating vegetated green roofs and efficient mechanical systems.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite these achievements, challenges remain. Private development in Centralville, for example, involved cutting down over 6 acres of trees and vegetation, raising concerns about environmental impact. Additionally, the installation of diesel-fueled generators in the Sacred Heart / South Lowell neighborhood has sparked debate about the balance between economic growth and environmental protection.

However, the city’s long-term investments in sustainability have laid a strong foundation for future development. The 2018 resolution supporting a goal of using 100% clean and renewable energy by 2035 includes concrete actions such as municipal solar projects, energy efficiency upgrades, and expanding public electric vehicle charging stations.

For fiscal 2025, the city created a Sustainability Division under the direction of Sustainability Director Katherine Moses, further solidifying its commitment to sustainability.

Looking Ahead

Sustainability Council Chair Mikaela Hondros-McCarthy expresses optimism about the city’s future. “Solar is a no-brainer,” she said. “We are using our existing resources, roofs, maybe even parking lots, to produce our own power right here in the city.”

As Lowell moves forward with its Frontrunner City Initiative, the city is poised to showcase its existing sustainability efforts and continue integrating sustainable practices into future development. The path ahead may be challenging, but the momentum built over decades of commitment is helping Lowell transform into a “green” oasis.