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Welcome to our May newsletter!
As we head into May, we are reflecting on the success of our sold-out 2026 Community Climate Leaders Conference, which brought together over 300 attendees from across Massachusetts. Thank you to all our sponsors and participants for your commitment to climate action.
The Youth Climate Solutions Challenge is also wrapping up—join us on May 8 at Framingham State University to cheer on 10 high school teams at the final Awards Night. |
As the weather gets warmer, we look forward to a season full of exciting community events and opportunities to get involved. Please reach out to let us know how we can continue supporting you or your community on the road to a healthier planet for all. |
MassEnergize's inaugural Youth Climate Solutions Challenge is wrapping up, with 10 high school teams from across Massachusetts competing in this statewide initiative.
The Challenge empowers students to lead real-world clean energy outreach campaigns focused on community solutions such as heat pump adoption, solar energy installation, and induction cooking.
Students gained hands-on experience in project planning, communications, and climate science while creating measurable impact in their communities.
Top-performing teams will be recognized at the Youth Climate Solutions Challenge Awards Night on May 8, 2026, where grand prizes totaling $6,000 will be awarded! |
A Glimpse of How Students are Driving Change through the Youth Climate Solutions Challenge |
Greenify Stoughton — Stoughton High School
Meet Gahelle Galette and Jennifer Verdieu, two seniors who launched Greenify Stoughton, a community campaign focused on making sustainability and energy efficiency more accessible for everyone, especially teens, elders, renters, and low-income residents. |
Guided by their advisor, Peter Law, the team tabled at community events, promoted free Mass Save home energy assessments, and created eco-friendly handmade merchandise. Their work reached over 2,000 people online and put 100 Mass Save energy saving cards directly into the hands of community members.
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Harnessing the Sun — The Bromfield School
Flora Poutasse, Kimmy Chen, and Vv Welsh set out to bring solar energy education directly to their community by organizing a student-led solar seminar. The team brought together solar vendors, coaches, and community speakers, drawing 85 attendees. Through outreach across schools, local organizations, churches, and town media, they were able to spread the word far and wide. Of those who attended, 42 learned something new about solar, and 34 left motivated to install solar at home. |
On April 8th, over 300 climate leaders from across Massachusetts gathered at Bentley University for the sold-out 3rd annual MassEnergize Community Climate Leaders Conference — a powerful day of connection, learning, and inspiration. |
Here's what attendees experienced throughout the day: |
The day opened with Senator Michael Barrett, who emphasized the urgent need for local climate action and advocacy around energy affordability and independence. He also raised concerns about the reductions to Mass Save, highlighting the importance of protecting and maximizing the value of existing programs. |
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Reverend Mariama White-Hammond encouraged attendees to focus not just on what we're fighting against, but on what we're building toward. She spoke about the importance of creating inclusive spaces and maintaining hope.
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A featured conversation between DOER Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony and Larry Chretien, Executive Director of Green Energy Consumers Alliance, explored the 2026 Climate Bill and reinforced the critical role of local advocacy in shaping statewide progress. |
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Keynote speaker Tom Toro brought humor and energy to the conference, sharing cartoons featured in Yale Climate Connections and The New Yorker, demonstrating how policy and climate issues can be communicated in more accessible and engaging ways. |
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The conference closed with David S. Miller, Ph.D., who shared promising new investments in innovation, circular economies, and clean energy solutions, leaving attendees with a sense of possibility for what lies ahead. His remarks served as a reminder that the tools and resources to build a better future are already within reach.
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"What a wonderful mix of informative political insight, inspiration, and assurance that promising technologies are on the way — not to mention the always invaluable networking. Thank you for such an enriching and well-organized conference!"
– 2026 Conference Attendee
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Learning, connecting, and taking action |
Attendees also took part in 14 dynamic breakout sessions covering everything from building electrification and climate communications to launching local coaching programs and other community-led initiatives. We wrapped up the day with an engaging Nonprofit & Community Resource Fair and an inspiring Youth Climate Solutions Challenge showcase, where students shared innovative, grassroots solutions from their own communities. Participants left energized—with practical tools, fresh ideas, and new connections to carry forward in their work.
📸 Explore the Photo Gallery I 📂Access Speaker Presentations |
🎉 Congratulations to our 2026 Award Recipients 🎉 |
Congratulations to this year's award recipients! At this year's conference, we were proud to recognize and celebrate the outstanding individuals and organizations driving meaningful climate action across Massachusetts.
- Emerging Climate Leader Award — Caroline Weiss, Climate Action Coordinator, City of Newton
- Climate Action Partner Award — Zana Cranmer, Bentley University
- Community Climate Impact Award — Energize Acton and the Town of Acton
- Climate Champion Award — Bradley Hubbard-Nelson, Co-Founder, MassEnergize, Cooler Concord
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Thank you to our sponsors, speakers, and attendees
Save the date: We’re already planning for next year’s conference and would love your input. If you’re interested in helping shape the 2027 event, we welcome you to join our planning committee—please reach out hello@massenergize.org. |
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Geo@MIT: Implementing Thermal Energy Networks on Campus & Beyond
Saturday, May 2
10:00 AM, Tang Center MIT
Join this poster session to explore how universities and cities are tackling building emissions through solutions like Thermal Energy Networks (TENs). Students, campus leaders, government officials, industry professionals, and community members will come together to share research and strategies for campus decarbonization.
👉Register here |
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Explore the future of clean energy in Massachusetts
Thursday, May 7
10:30 AM, Online
Join a virtual event hosted by the Clean Energy & Environment Legacy Transition Initiative (CELT) that will spotlight the Commonwealth’s evolving energy landscape and introduce the Massachusetts Energy Explorer—a new interactive tool designed to track progress, surface challenges, and inform decision-making.
👉Register here |
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Children’s Clothing Swap Shop
Saturday, May 9
11:00 AM, Fowler Branch Library, Concord
Visit the Swap Shop and pick out any items you’d like. The shop is first-come, first-served. You DO NOT have to donate to be able to take items from the Swap Shop. No bags will be supplied, so please bring something to carry your swap items home.
This event is free, and no registration is required.
👉Learn more here |
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The Plastic Detox - Free Screening & Panel Discusson
Sunday, May 17
3-5:30 PM, Ashland Community Center
Join an in person eye-opening screening of The Plastic Detox, followed by a lively panel discussion with experts who are passionate about tackling plastic pollution. It’s a great chance to learn, ask questions, and connect with others who care about our planet. Don’t miss out on this fun and inspiring event!
👉Register here |
MassEnergize relies on donations from supporters like you!
Please help us meet our mission of supporting community climate leaders and organizers.
Thank you for sending your community event pictures to info@massenergize.org. We appreciate your engagement!
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