HWCAT Blog
The climate landscape is constantly evolving, and we’re here to keep you updated. From policy changes to community success stories, our news page features the latest insights, tips, and updates from HWCAT. Explore our blog to stay informed and inspired!
10-year resident sees electrifying future for H-W
By Mike Munsell reprinted from the HWNews I recently purchased the book "Hamilton," by the Hamilton Historical Society's Annette Janes. The book is a wonderful snapshot in time and includes about 100 years of photos with the oldest dating back to the late 1800s....
What is the Specialized Building Code?
By Sue Patrolia The MA Specialized Building Energy Code requires new construction to be pre-wired for electric appliances and to install solar panels when feasible. In practice, Hamilton and Wenham typically see on average about 5 new homes built each year. Approving...
Solar power’s foes: squirrels and raccoons
By Mike Munsell reprinted from the HWNews Not long after Kyle and Lauren Nichols moved to Hamilton with their twin girls, they noticed another family had moved in above them. A squirrel had made a nest under the solar panels on their roof. Kyle Nichols initially...
Electrifying chat on battery-powered vehicles.
By Mike Munsell as printed in the HW News As temperatures have plunged this winter, so has the milage range of the electric vehicles (EV) driving around town. That was one of the talking points of my new and unofficial neighborhood clean energy roundtable. We...
Neighbors sizing up heat pumps, in dollars and sense
Reprinted from the HW News By Mike Munsell This past fall hundreds of Hamilton and Wenham residents found a bit of relief in their electric bills thanks to a new statewide policy. On Nov. 1, 2025, the three biggest utilities in Massachusetts—National Grid (which...
Masone recognized as powerhouse in towns’ energy progress
By Tim Vande Brake | H-W News Staff Local energy manager Victoria Masone was recognized by the state last week for promoting green-power projects in Hamilton and Wenham. On Tuesday, Dec. 10, Masone, who lives in Salem and is the energy manager for the towns of...
HWCAT Addresses Sustainability in League of Women Voters Series
See the video recording of the event.
H-W Climate Action Team celebrates green energy projects
By Tim Vande Brake: HW News Staff Hamilton-Wenham's Climate Action Team (HWCAT) is committed to helping both towns keep their word on green energy goals. The local nonprofit hosted an event on Nov. 3 at the Post Restaurant in Hamilton to highlight some of the current...
From Lawn to Larder, Part 1
HWNEWS, Sept. 18th, 2025 By Simon Padley In the latest installment of “H-W Gardening Heroes,” I’m writing about people who have converted large parts of their lawn into vegetable and flower gardens. From my perspective walking the dogs in the evening, a couple of...
Iron Rail Softball Field Eyed as Potential Solar Array Site
BY EMMA FRINGUELLI, H-W NEWS, Aug. 15, 2025 A solar energy project could be coming to Iron Rail. As part of the Town of Wenham’s Iron Rail revisioning process, town officials have considered installing ground-mounted solar panels on part of the property. If the...
Green-energy momentum picks up in Hamilton and Wenham; will it continue?
By Emma Fringuelli, HW News Aug. 1, 2025 In Hamilton and Wenham, the town governments, school district, and private entities are moving toward renewable energy. Not only are environmentally friendly projects already underway - namely the net-zero carbon renovation of...
H-W School Committee approves shift to electric buses
BY TIM VANDE BRAKE | H-W NEWS STAFF As early as this fall, Hamilton and Wenham students will notice that some of the buses shuttling them to and from school include the quiet, fume-free electric variety. By the end of the 2026-2027 school year, the entire fleet is...
Green Homes Tour 2025: Making the Electric Switch Showcased Local Action on Saturday, May 3rd.
On a rainy Saturday in May, neighbors from across Hamilton and Wenham came together for a shared purpose: to learn, connect, and see firsthand how everyday homeowners are taking steps to decarbonize their homes. The Green Homes Tour, spearheaded by the Hamilton Wenham...
Hamilton to Become the 1st Net Zero Historic Town Hall in MA
The first historic Town Hall in Massachusetts with net zero emissions will be in Hamilton. A recent groundbreaking marks the start of a $10.5 million renovation project that will transform the 128-year-old building into an accessible, net-zero carbon footprint center...
Local Residents Showcase Climate Solutions
Living sustainability doesn’t mean sacrifice. Instead, climate solutions like electric cars and lawnmowers or heat pumps not only save you money, but in many cases are better devices than their gas-run counterparts. That’s what a group of Hamilton and Wenham residents...