Devens Forward

Action Plan

Devens Enterprise Commission launched a climate action and resilience planning process with funding from the State of Massachusetts’ Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program and in coordination with MassDevelopment. Devens Forward will serve as a roadmap to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and holistically prepare our community as we consider the impacts of climate change that we expect to see in the coming years and decades.

Explore this site to stay up with the latest developments as we implement Devens Forward. Learn more about ways to stay engaged by downloading the full Devens Forward Plan or the new Climate Action Toolkit for Businesses.

Devens Forward Actions

The Devens Forward Climate Action and Resilience Plan promotes a holistic, balanced approach between economic development, quality of life, and environmental awareness. The Plan includes 7 climate and resilience elements, each with its own goals and actions.

By following the actions outlined in this plan, we will not only come closer to our ultimate goals around climate change, but we will create a healthier, happier community.

Click to explore each of the plan element sections below to learn more about our goals, the actions we're taking to achieve them, and their status.

Climate and Energy

CE.1

The entire Devens community prioritizes the significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Action	Description	Timeline
CE.1.1	Continue to explore the installation of smart meters for new development alongside applications that support peak load management as appropriate	4 - 5 Years
CE.1.2	Engage Devens businesses to share and promote results of energy efficiency and sustainability projects See Implementation Blueprint	< 1 Year
CE.1.3	Continue working with developers to encourage sustainable development and redevelopment	Ongoing
CE.1.4	Encourage energy efficiency upgrades in residential and commercial buildings through incentives and education and partnerships with programs such as the Industrial Assessment Center See Implementation Blueprint	< 1 Year
CE.1.5	In coordination with the State, support the development and implementation of Net Zero Energy building standards for all new buildings and major redevelopment projects	1 - 3 Years
CE.1.6	Support battery storage projects within Devens, where technically feasible	1 - 3 Years
CE.1.7	Promote the use of Life Cycle Analysis/Life Cycle Cost Analysis in building and infrastructure projects	1 - 3 Years

CE.2

Municipal operations lead by example through the increased utilization of renewable energy sources.

Action	Description	Timeline
CE2.1	Support Devens businesses in development of on-site solar installations for direct charge of vehicles, backup generator power, or other suitable equipment	Ongoing
CE2.2	Increase the type and number of installations of renewable energy on municipal property	1 - 3 Years
CE2.3	Utilize Net Zero Energy building standards for all new municipal buildings and redevelopment projects wherever technologically and financially feasible	4 - 5 Years
CE2.4	Engage with Devens Clean Tech business community to identify opportunities for demonstration projects that advance the transition to clean and renewable energy See Implementation Blueprint	1-3 Years

Economic Development

ED.1

Devens' businesses are implementing sustainable business practices and are prepared for the impacts of climate change.

Action	Description	Timeline	Status	Co Benefits
ED.1.1	Actively encourage future development and businesses to prioritize access to public or non-motorized transportation See Implementation Blueprint	Ongoing
ED.1.2	Engage more businesses in Devens and the surrounding region with the Devens Eco-Efficiency Center (DEEC) and its educational programs and technical assistance	< 1 Year

ED.2

Devens has a diverse, 24-hour economy that supports emerging industries, such as the creative economy, tourism, technology, and manufacturing.

Action	Description	Timeline
ED.2.1	Develop and promote services, recreation, and amenities to attract/keep people on Devens after work and on weekends See Implementation Blueprint	1 - 3 Years
ED.2.2	Facilitate the sharing of building space and resources for businesses, schools, and organizations	< 1 Year
ED.2.3	Facilitate the sharing of information and services to promote a collaborative regional economy See Implementation Blueprint	< 1 Year

ED.3

Devens' economy is supported by trainings and workforce development opportunities to meet the needs of current and potential future industries.

Action	Description	Timeline
ED.3.1	Locate and site industries that contribute to and capitalize on environmental and emerging technologies (Reuse Plan)	Ongoing
ED.3.2	Partner with local and regional schools and colleges to incorporate climate curricula and job training opportunities	< 1 Year
ED.3.3	Partner with Devens Eco-Efficiency Center and local and regional schools to provide workforce development/retraining programs tied to business, industry, institutions, and diverse populations throughout the region See Implementation Blueprint	< 1 Year
ED.3.4	Collaborate with industries that can use the by-products of existing businesses in the region	4 - 5 Years

Housing

H.1

Housing development and redevelopment in Devens minimizes negative impacts on the environment.

Action	Description	Timeline
H.1.1	Collaborate with developers and community stakeholders to further advance DEC’s high performance building standards with education and technical assistance	< 1 Year
H.1.2	Continue reuse of existing housing stock, compatible new housing types, and transit-oriented development See Implementation Blueprint	1 - 3 Years
H.1.3	Initiate an educational campaign on ways to improve residential energy efficiency and resilience in existing housing	< 1 Year

H.2

Devens features diverse, affordable housing options that are accessible to all, reducing commuting needs of the local and regional workforce.

Action	Description	Timeline
H.2.1	Support housing developments that will provide adequate and diverse housing options for seniors, local workforce, veterans, low/mid income levels, and people with disabilities See Implementation Blueprint	1 - 3 Years
H.2.2	Redevelop Vicksburg Square zoning district into a mixed use residential/retail center	4 - 5 Years
H.2.3	Remove or modify the housing cap	< 1 Year

Infrastructure

I.1

Devens is recognized as a regional hub for resource recovery, sustainable materials management, and designing waste out of systems.

Action	Description	Timeline
I.1.1	Implement a community curbside composting program (and continue yard waste program)	< 1 Year
I.1.2	Regionalize commercial waste diversion and reuse strategies See Implementation Blueprint	1 - 3 Years
I.1.3	Maximize the collection and proper disposal of specialty waste items See Implementation Blueprint	1 - 3 Years
I.1.4	Design and implement effective waste reduction and recycling programs in businesses and schools	< 1 Year

I.2

New and redevelopment projects regularly incorporate green infrastructure, low impact development, and water and energy efficiency measures.

Action	Description	Timeline
I.2.1	Promote sustainable construction & demolition practices (i.e. LCA, Zero Waste, solar ready homes, wood-based construction, green roofs, resale/salvage of building materials) See Implementation Blueprint	< 1 Year
I.2.2	Increase efficiency of all water users through the promotion of water conservation measures for business and residential users	< 1 Year
I.2.3	Continue to improve stormwater management by reducing impervious surface and incentivizing rain barrels, rain gardens, and green roofs	1 - 3 Years
I.2.4	Encourage industries and businesses to share infrastructure to lower costs and increase efficiency	1 - 3 Years

I.3

Critical utilities and infrastructure are resilient to climate hazards.

Action	Description	Timeline	Status	Co Benefits
I.3.1	Upgrade and maintain drainage infrastructure	Ongoing
I.3.2	Ensure redundancy of critical infrastructure, community facilities, and utilities See Implementation Blueprint	Ongoing

Natural Resources

NR.1

Devens’ open spaces are healthy, resilient places that are accessible to all residents and visitors.

Action	Description	Timeline
NR.1.1	Continue implementing multi-use trail network plan	Ongoing
NR.1.2	Boost awareness about recreational options, trails, open space through events	< 1 Year
NR.1.3	Proactively educate residents and developers on sustainable landscaping best practices that minimize water and chemical use and maximizes native species See Implementation Blueprint	< 1 Year
NR.1.4	Adopt a community-wide policy to use low-input landscaping, with a focus on pollinator plantings	< 1 Year

NR.2

Air, water, and soil quality meet or exceed state and federal standards.

Action	Description	Timeline
NR.2.1	Continue to assure that the Army's agreement with EPA to clean up Superfund contamination is successfully completed to allow for future development of once contaminated lands See Implementation Blueprint	4 - 5 Years
NR.2.2	Continue implementing Devens Water Resources Protection Plan	Ongoing
NR.2.3	Continue to implement NPDES MS4 Permit requirements to improve water quality	Ongoing

NR.3

Devens manages protected open space to protect ecosystem services and maximize carbon sequestration.

Action	Description	Timeline
NR.3.1	Develop a Resource Management Plan as part of Devens Open Space and Recreation Plan that emphasizes best management practices for natural systems and environmental issues within Open Space Zones See Implementation Blueprint	1 - 3 Years
NR.3.2	Update the Open Space and Recreation Plan with prioritized short list of actions, including completing the permanent protection of identified open space parcels	< 1 Year
NR.3.3	Coordinate land management with neighboring towns, land managing agencies, and organizations to maintain the health of the tree canopy and protect the functioning of its ecosystem-services	1 - 3 Years

Public Health and Safety

PHS.1

Residents, businesses, and municipal operations are prepared to recover quickly from climate impacts.

Action	Description	Timeline
PHS.1.1	Update DEC pest and vector-borne disease management plan	< 1 Year
PHS.1.2	Improve access to mental and physical health and wellness services See Implementation Blueprint	1 - 3 Years
PHS.1.3	Pilot a microgrid, district energy, or self-contained power system in an area of greatest need	1 - 3 Years
PHS.1.4	Launch a coordinated preparedness campaign that encourages residents and businesses to take actions that improve their ability to protect themselves and our community in advance of a crisis	< 1 Year
PHS.1.5	Expand the reach and accessibility of emergency preparedness communications	< 1 Year
PHS.1.6	Invest in resilient energy systems at critical facilities	1 - 3 Years
PHS.1.7	Build out the community’s “cooling capacity” through parks, recreational sites, and designated cooling centers	1 - 3 Years

PHS.2

Residents and employees working in Devens have access to fresh, affordable, and healthy food.

Action	Description	Timeline	Status	Co Benefits
PHS.2.1	Support the production and consumption of healthy, local food See Implementation Blueprint	< 1 Year
PHS.2.2	Partner with local public and private health and wellness services to promote access for residents and employees (ex: Dragonfly Wellness Center, Nashoba Associated Boards of Health)	< 1 Year

PHS.3

Residents and employees have safe access to open space and opportunities to actively participate in recreational activities that contribute to a healthy, active lifestyle.

Action	Description	Timeline
PHS.3.1	Develop and promote an array of programs that encourage active lifestyles for a diverse population See Implementation Blueprint	< 1 Year
PHS.3.2	Develop an ADA transition plan for those sites lacking access and incorporate ADA compliance measures as part of future planning proposals	< 1 Year
PHS.3.3	Expand sidewalk, trail, and bike lanes to provide safe alternative modes of transportation and access to recreational resources	< 1 Year

Transportation and Land Use

TLU.1

Devens provides multimodal, universally accessible, safe, and, efficient community and regional links between housing, schools, recreation facilities, conservation areas, shops, workplaces, parking areas, and public transportation stops.

Action	Description	Timeline
TLU.1.1	Continue work on a forward-looking regional plan for bike/pedestrian transportation that creates an interconnected system with neighboring towns See Implementation Blueprint	1 - 3 Years
TLU.1.2	Continue implementing the Complete Streets priority actions	Ongoing
TLU.1.3	Encourage reuse of previously developed sites that are transit-oriented and mixed-use	< 1 Year
TLU.1.4	Provide clear, efficient links between housing, schools, recreation facilities, conservation areas, shops, workplaces, parking areas, and public transportation stops	1 - 3 Years
TLU.1.5	Explore regional Transfer of Development Rights (TDR)	4 - 5 Years

TLU.2

Devens designs for and promotes the proliferation of transportation choices that reduce GHG emissions.

Action	Description	Timeline
TLU.2.1	Expand low-carbon transportation options for the workforce that commutes to Devens	< 1 Year
TLU.2.2	Encourage multimodal transportation through outreach and installation of necessary infrastructure See Implementation Blueprint	< 1 Year
TLU.2.3	Encourage local businesses to adopt commuter incentives for employees to promote alternative modes of commuting such as walking, biking, and transit	< 1 Year
TLU.2.4	Enforce anti-idling laws	< 1 Year
TLU.2.5	Expand infrastructure and promote policies that encourage the use of electric vehicles	1 - 3 Years
TLU.2.6	Require all new commercial construction to meet electric vehicle readiness requirements	< 1 Year

TLU.3

As a regional logistics hub, Devens is a leader in electrified freight transportation.

Action	Description	Timeline
TLU.3.1	Engage with Devens logistics companies to identify opportunities for the development of electric or hydrogen fueled freight truck fueling and support infrastructure See Implementation Blueprint	4 - 5 Years
TLU.3.2	Electrify the municipal fleet as electric vehicle options are available for fleet needs	1 - 3 Years
TLU.3.3	Utilize an electric community shuttle	< 1 Year
TLU.3.4	Work with intermodal facility (PanAm) to electrify freight rail and all supporting freight infrastructure	4 - 5 Years

Plan Engagement Process

Developing the plan relied on a significant level of community engagement from a diverse array of stakeholders to identify priorities and avenues for climate action in Devens. A Climate Action Stakeholder Group (CASG) was assembled to provide input on the plan goals, actions, and implementation. CASG members represented a diverse set of local organizations and businesses, including:

Transitions Women’s Shelter,
United Native American Cultural Center,
Dragonfly Wellness Center,
Mt. Wachusett Community College,
Parker Charter School,
US Army

The group also brought a regional perspective with representatives from the Towns of Harvard, Shirley, and Ayer, as well as regional organizations like the Nashua River Watershed Association.

Guiding Principles

With a long list of potential actions, the plan advisors relied on five guiding principles to prioritize climate actions. The guiding principles represent Devens’ values and climate goals. Actions that had the potential for the highest impact in these areas became priority actions for this Climate Action and Resilience Plan.

Be Part of the Solution

You are essential to moving Devens Forward!

Devens’ sustainable future depends on our ability to work together to identify and prioritize opportunities to strengthen our community and to be prepared for the impacts of a changing climate. Whether you live, work, learn, or play in Devens, commit to being part of the solution.

We invite you to stay engaged by:

sharing your ideas via email to neilangus@devensec.com
visit to engage with us online at devensec.com
to learn about upcoming events at devenscommunity.com
and talk to your family and friends on Facebook and include @devensec & #DevensForward