The Great Boston Region, consisting of 22 cities and 79 towns that fall under the responsibility of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, is a frontrunner in the US when it comes to preparing for the impact of climate change and lowering carbon emissions.  As (non)residential buildings are the source of 70% of greenhouse gas emissions in Boston, infrastructure and building are a major focus in tackling climate and emission challenges. The various policies, and related investments, that follow from that stimulate sustainable retrofits, emission reduction and carbon neutrality and create opportunities for Dutch companies.

Boston is a frontrunner in the US in the field of preparing for the impact of climate change and reducing carbon emissions. The region actively and strategically pursues substantial emission reduction and carbon neutrality by rendering the built environment more sustainable and climate-neutral, through programs like the Boston 2030 Development Plan, the Carbon Free Boston initiative, E+ Green Building Program and Mass Save. Additional incentives to promote deep energy retrofits (measures that go beyond basic retrofits like air sealing and insulating) and financial support for innovation are being developed. A recent market report , executed to identify the opportunities this offers for Dutch companies, shows that there is a particular interest in “incremental efficiency improvements in existing technologies” and “less disruptive retrofit methods”. Click here for the exact techonolgy overview.

The ecosystem in the Greater Boston Area and the State of Massachusetts is substantially favorable to implement innovations. There is a progressive clean energy, innovation, and education policy environment resulting in a unique concentration of research and development, universities (e.g. MIT), innovation, and startup excellence. The ecosystem is also significantly open for foreign companies, as it is relatively easy to make connections with local actors, and Dutch and Nordic companies are in demand in the Greater Boston Area. Moreover, through its economic development agency, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), the State of Massachusetts puts Clean Energy to work, and actively supports job creation and long-term economic growth.