As a renter, there are more possibilities than you might expect to enjoy the comfort, savings, and climate benefits of clean energy through practical, budget‑friendly upgrades.
By using fossil fuels (like natural gas, oil, or propane) for things like space heating, water heating, cooking, and laundry, buildings produce a lot of pollution that is bad for air quality and the climate. When buildings are not properly weatherized, that problem gets even worse and renters also end up paying higher utility bills. That’s why Massachusetts is helping renters and landlords make affordable, energy- efficient building and appliance upgrades. Together, we’ll create comfortable and healthy places to live that have lower energy bills.
A clean energy apartment uses modern electric equipment and appliances, is highly efficient, and is professionally weatherized. Choosing a clean energy apartment or helping your landlord create one means saving on energy costs, enjoying greater comfort, and reducing pollution at home. Below, we’ve identified decisions you have control over as a renter. Together with your landlord you can do even more.
Purchasing electric power from offsite clean energy sources is a simple way to support renewable energy sources and, in many cases, reduce your electric bill.
Community Solar: You don’t have to install panels to lower your electricity bills with solar power. As a renter, you can still join a community solar project that lets you share the benefits of an offsite solar farm, lowering your electricity costs and supporting renewable energy growth.
Community Choice Aggregation: If a community solar project isn’t available in your area, you can typically still purchase clean electricity from your town’s community choice aggregation program. The standard percentage of renewables on a MA electric bill is under 70%, while community choice plans offer up to 100% renewables.
When it comes to electrification & energy efficiency, every bit counts. While you may not be able to install larger appliances or complete complex projects on your own, you can choose high-efficiency and all-electric options for the things you can control — like a portable induction cooktop, a high-efficiency window AC, or LED light bulbs. You can also call or email your landlord to ask about more significant efficiency upgrades like weatherization and heat pumps.
ELECTRIFICATION AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY
CLEAN TRANSPORTATION
RESOURCES FOR RENTERS
Clean Energy Lives Here is your friendly guide to the world of clean energy, where you can explore modern, rental-friendly clean energy options. By picking the right products and collaborating with your landlord, you’ll be well on your way to the clean energy apartment you’ve always dreamed of. Follow this simple checklist to take the guesswork out of getting started, and use the MA Energy Savings Finder tool to search for potential rebate and incentive opportunities.
If you live in Lowell, Springfield, Chelsea, Lynn, Framingham or Taunton, you can talk to an expert about your energy bills for free with an energy bill check up from All In Energy. In your session, you will get a one-on-one lesson on understanding each line of your energy bill plus personalized recommendations for how to lower your bills.
In Massachusetts, about a quarter of climate-warming pollution comes from our homes and apartments, whether they’re rented or owned. Over half of that comes from heating and hot water alone. When fossil fuel space heating and water heating systems need to be replaced, heat pumps and heat pump water heaters, which are efficient electric machines, are the recommendation. As a renter, taking your own steps to be more efficient with space heating, water heating, and other residential energy uses can have a positive impact for our planet — and your wallet.
Personal transportation also contributes about a quarter of the pollution that households create. The average vehicle emits 3.7 metric tons of CO2-equivalent each year. It would take about 150 mature trees to absorb that much pollution — and many households have more than one car that’s actively driven. Make your next vehicle an EV or e-bike!
Together, we’ve got the power to make a real difference as we make choices about home energy use or vehicle purchases.
If you are interested in better understanding your household’s carbon footprint, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers a Household Carbon Footprint Calculator.
With your landlord’s involvement, you can get no-cost or heavily discounted upgrades for your apartment if your income meets the eligibility requirements for the Mass Save® Income Eligible Program. This may include no-cost insulation and air sealing, as well as new home appliances like clothes washers, refrigerators, freezers, heating systems, dehumidifiers, and window AC units, and more.
