The City of Everett has completed the installation of a new high-efficiency heat pump system at the Ferry Street Fire Station, replacing aging heating infrastructure while improving air quality and comfort for firefighters who live and work in the station around the clock.
The project was made possible through a $126,675 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Green Communities Competitive Grant Program, along with $29,575 in incentives from National Grid. The remaining $10,000 was covered through National Grid’s On-Bill Repayment program using solar credits from the City’s power purchase agreement with Syncarpha. By combining these funding sources, the City was able to complete the upgrade at no cost to Everett residents.
“This is a great example of how we can make smart investments in our City buildings that benefit both our employees and our residents,” said Mayor Robert J. Van Campen. “We replaced a failing system, created a healthier and more comfortable environment for our firefighters and reduced the City’s long-term energy costs, all without placing the financial burden on our taxpayers. These are the kinds of practical improvements we want to continue making across Everett.”
The project became a priority after the station’s steam boiler began to fail in 2024. Rather than simply replacing the aging equipment with another fossil fuel-reliant system, the City pursued grant funding to modernize the building with a more efficient heating and cooling system.
The new heat pumps are projected to reduce natural gas consumption by approximately 3,546 therms and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 12.21 tons of carbon dioxide annually. That reduction is roughly equivalent to the emissions produced by burning 1,374 gallons of gasoline.
The system also provides an important benefit for the firefighters stationed on Ferry Street: improved indoor air quality. Because Everett’s fire stations operate 24 hours a day and serve as both workplaces and living quarters, maintaining proper ventilation and air circulation is particularly important. The new system brings fresh air into office and living spaces while filtration helps reduce dust, mold spores, odors, smoke and emissions that can enter from the attached apparatus bay.
“Our firefighters spend long shifts at the station, so this building is more than just a place where they report for work,” said Fire Chief Joe Hickey. “Having reliable heating and cooling and better air circulation makes a real difference in the environment our firefighters are working and living in every day. I appreciate the work that went into securing the funding and getting this upgrade completed.”
In addition to improving conditions inside the station, the project is expected to reduce annual utility costs by approximately $1,500. Electrifying most of the building also reduces reliance on the former steam boiler and allows the remaining gas-fed areas to operate more efficiently.
The project is part of Everett’s broader effort to reduce municipal energy consumption and improve the efficiency of public buildings. Since becoming a designated Green Community, Everett has received approximately $2.5 million through Green Communities funding and National Grid incentives. Those funds have supported projects including building envelope and lighting improvements, solar installations, energy management software, and heating and cooling upgrades.
Collectively, the City’s energy-efficiency projects are expected to generate more than $500,000 in annual savings while reducing Everett’s municipal carbon footprint.
The City plans to apply for up to $500,000 through the Green Communities Fall Block Grant this year to support additional energy-efficiency improvements at a municipal facility or school building. Everett remains committed to pursuing outside funding that can help lower utility costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create healthier, more efficient public spaces.
For more information about the City’s sustainability initiatives or Green Communities projects, contact the City of Everett Planning Department at 617-944-0236 or [email protected].
