(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

By Mayor Katjana Ballantyne

 In 2024, my administration released the first update of Climate Forward, our community’s climate action plan. Our vision is to create a carbon net-negative Somerville by cutting emissions to zero and beyond, while adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change. To do that, we’re taking bold, strategic, and inclusive action to tackle global challenges with local solutions.

Buildings are our largest source of emissions, and most come from multifamily housing. That’s why we’re focused on making sure these buildings aren’t left behind in the clean energy transition. The future of clean energy will come not only from the sun and wind, but also from right under our feet.

We’re exploring underground thermal networks that use the earth’s energy to heat and cool buildings year-round. This technology can transform our buildings, protect our health, and help us become carbon net-negative by 2050. It also improves indoor air quality, eliminates on-site combustion, and could ease strain on the electric grid.

Thermal energy networks already exist around the world and in Massachusetts, but there’s more groundwork to do. Our state aims to reach net-zero by 2050, yet we still allow new buildings to install gas lines, locking in costs for systems we plan to phase out. Cities need the authority to end new gas hookups and invest instead in clean, modern infrastructure.

It is important to continue Somerville’s leadership in preparing existing buildings for electrification through energy efficiency and grid upgrades, including one of the biggest and most overlooked barriers: outdated transformers. Transformers are the key to electrification and the bridge to next-generation systems like networked geothermal.

Over the past four years, my administration has laid the foundation for this future, through strong partnerships, innovative planning, and a shared belief that climate justice and housing justice are deeply connected. I’m proud of what we’ve built together, and I know there are great things to come.