Office of Sustainability and Environment

SustainaVille

Together we will transform Somerville into SustainaVille -- a city that has come together to take bold steps to slow climate change while ensuring we are a diverse and vibrant community where people thrive.  

The SustainaVille brand houses the programs and initiatives that reduce Somerville’s contribution to and prepare us for the impacts of climate change. Climate Forward is our roadmap for how we’ll meet this urgency with Somerville-style grit and determination. Learn more about SustainaVille here https://www.somervillema.gov/departments/programs/sustainaville.
 

Visit the SustainaVille Home Page

Sign Up for the SustainaVille Newsletter

Climate Forward

The City of Somerville updated its community climate action plan, Climate Forward, in 2024. This plan establishes 5 key focus areas and 77 actions for an equitable, carbon net-negative, resilient, and thriving community. 

 Learn more about the plan at www.somervillema.gov/climateforward. 

Somerville Waste Wizard

Not sure how to dispose of something? Use the Waste Wizard to find out how to properly dispose of or recycle your waste. You can also use the Waste Wizard to look up your trash, recycling, and yard waste schedule and find out when household hazardous waste drop-off days are. Use the Waste Wizard here https://www.somervillema.gov/wastewizard.

SomervilleMA.gov/Wizard

Sustainable & Resilient Development Review

The Office of Sustainability and Environment reviews development projects for sustainability and resiliency. OSE reviews permits seeking Site Plan Approval, Building Permit Approval, and Certificate of Occupancy. Below, please find resource documents to guide you through the Development Requirements for a Certificate of Required Materials (CRM) from OSE.

• Sustainability Submittal Requirements
• Sustainable and Resilient Development Questionnaire 
• PDF of Sustainable and Resilient Development Questionnaire for Review

Somerville adopted the Municipal Opt-In Specialized Building Code in 2023, which sets energy efficiency standards for new construction. In addition, the Stretch Code has been updated to higher efficiency standards for large additions and renovations (typically those over 1,000 square feet). 

• Specialized Code Pathways Permitting Checklists
• 225 CMR 22.00: Massachusetts Stretch Code and Specialized Code for Low-Rise Residential
• 225 CMR 23.00: Massachusetts Stretch Code and Specialized Code for Commercial and Multifamily Buildings 
• MA Department of Energy Resources Webpage on Building Energy Codes