Fitchburg Public Schools has been recognized as one of 18 recipients statewide of the 2025 Mass Save Climate Leaders Award for its efforts to lower energy use and reduce environmental impact. The school system was nominated by Unitil, a participating utility in the Mass Save program, for its proactive energy-saving projects across its schools.
"We are thrilled to receive this recognition. We must be good stewards of the city’s tax dollars," said Jonathan Thompson, superintendent of Fitchburg Public Schools. "This really is a win-win-win: lowering the cost of operating schools, reducing emissions, and creating a more comfortable learning environment for our students."
Each year, Mass Save sponsor utilities honor organizations that demonstrate a commitment to energy efficiency. The award was presented during a ceremony at the State House on October 15.
“This honor recognizes the city’s commitment to energy efficiency,” said Unitil’s External Affairs Director Alec O’Meara. “Fitchburg Public Schools’ efforts have delivered significant energy savings, reduced environmental impact, and set an example for communities across the Commonwealth.”
The nomination highlighted the city’s dedication to energy efficiency during the construction of the recently opened 116,000-square-foot Crocker Elementary School. The new school is projected to save 175,000 kWh of electricity and 8,200 therms of natural gas annually, thanks to features such as LED lighting, enhanced insulation, high-efficiency windows, variable refrigerant flow heat pumps for heating and cooling, along with several other upgrades.
Two additional ongoing projects within the school system include upgrades to 800 lighting fixtures and controls at Longsjo Middle School, which are expected to save 146,000 kWh annually, and a complete HVAC upgrade at South Street School, projected to save 12,100 gallons of oil and 30,000 therms of natural gas yearly. There is also a proposal in the works to upgrade the HVAC system at Reingold Elementary School, similar to what has been done at the South Street Early Learning Center.
Photo Caption:
Fitchburg Mayor Samantha Squailia (left), Fitchburg Public Schools Superintendent Jonathan Thompson (center), and Jeremy Roche, assistant superintendent of finance and operations (right).
