The Decarbonization Pathways Pilot will provide participants with a home decarbonization assessment that considers the full carbon impact of homes. The assessment will evaluate all potential areas to reduce carbon emissions including energy efficiency, electrical upgrades, heating and cooling, hot water, appliances, personal transportation, and lawn care. The goal is to provide homeowners with a personalized, comprehensive decarbonization action plan that will help them eliminate fossil fuels from their homes and increase energy efficiency.
“Abode is excited to collaborate with MassCEC and other industry partners to move this pilot into the implementation phase. Successfully decarbonizing Massachusetts’ homes is needed now and we’re pleased to be at the leading edge of this effort. Simplifying the process for homeowners and laying out a roadmap for them to decarbonize over time will lead to healthier living for the pilot participants and lay the groundwork for future decarbonization at scale.” said Dave Boettcher CEO and founder. “We are eager to get into people’s homes to get this important work started.”
Abode and MassCEC aim to build a program that can be scaled for homes and residents to help achieve Massachusetts’ decarbonization targets as mandated by An Act Creating a Next-Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy. The Act codifies the state’s long-term emissions limit of net-zero emissions by 2050 and directs the adoption of a 2030 emissions limit of “at least 50 percent below 1990 levels” and a 2040 emissions limit of “at least 75 percent below 1990 levels.” To meet these goals, it is estimated that we must retrofit one million homes by 2030 with deep energy retrofits and cold-climate, high-efficiency heat pumps.
Meeting target climate goals will require residents to take energy efficiency to the next level. The Decarbonization Pathways Pilot is taking on this challenge by creating a test model for comprehensive consumer engagement and an actionable roadmap to help homeowners transition to a carbon-free footprint. The pilot will provide these scalable protocols to Mass Save® and other entities to help assess a significant number of homes with the intent of eliminating the use of fossil fuels and promoting efficiency.
“MassCEC is excited to launch the Decarbonization Pathways pilot to help existing homes transition to clean energy. Abode has been a strong partner in developing an approach that meets homeowners where they are and provides the necessary support to homeowners throughout the process. We look forward to our continuing work with them,” said Peter McPhee, MassCEC’s Director of High-Performance Buildings.Pilot Program Details:
- The pilot is targeting a diverse group of about 30 single-family and low-rise residential buildings (up to three stories) throughout Massachusetts. Multifamily residential buildings with four or fewer units and a single owner are eligible.
- During the pilot, participants will receive a decarbonization assessment that will take around four hours to complete. Following the assessment, homeowners will receive a customized decarbonization plan along with technical assistance, connection to qualified contractors, technical support, and financial incentives to help implement energy-saving recommendations.
- MassCEC is offering enhanced incentives for low and moderate-income homeowners and prioritize the inclusion of these homeowners within the pilot.
- Participants must be committed to decarbonizing their property over time.
To learn more about Decarbonization Pathways, visit masscec.com/program/decarbonization-pathways-pilot. Abode will leverage its years of experience creating innovative solutions to drive energy efficiency and carbon reduction. Abode manages multiple programs throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut supporting homeowners and contractors as they transition to cold climate heat pump technology and adopt energy efficiency solutions. Services include technical consulting with homeowners, quote comparison analysis, quality assurance, and contractor management.
About Abode Energy Management
Abode Energy Management is an energy management and consulting services firm based in Concord, Massachusetts. We’re focused on creating innovative solutions—backed by years of experience—to drive energy efficiency and carbon reduction for residential buildings. Our collective experience—in building performance, renewables, clean energy financing, utility program implementation, community engagement, and workforce development—enables us to deliver engaging, impactful climate solutions for utilities, contractors, and homeowners.
About MassCEC
MassCEC is dedicated to accelerating the success of clean energy technologies, companies, and projects in the Commonwealth—while creating high-quality jobs and long-term economic growth for the people of Massachusetts. Since it began operating in 2009, MassCEC has helped clean energy companies grow, supported municipal clean energy projects, and invested in residential and commercial renewable energy installations, creating a robust marketplace for innovative clean technology companies and service providers.