The Barr Foundation is committed to mitigate climate change by supporting work locally and disseminating successful approaches nationally. Our goal is to significantly reduce Metro Boston's carbon footprint and to do so in a way that distributes costs and benefits equitably. It is our intent to demonstrate how other metros can do the same. Our investments are focused on achieving emissions reductions from the two largest producers of greenhouse gasses: buildings and transportation.

Nationwide, buildings are responsible for the largest share of carbon emissions (Towards a Climate-Friendly Built Environment, Pew Center on Global Climate Change, June 2005); in Boston, buildings produce two-thirds of the city's emissions (Tracking Our Progress, City of Boston). To reduce building-related emissions, the Barr Foundation focuses on increasing energy efficiency in existing buildings through retrofits. We are also expanding previous efforts to promote green development in Boston and energy efficiency in Cambridge, by working with cities in Metro Boston where we can assist in the implementation of energy efficiency retrofits.

Transportation is the second largest source of carbon emissions nationally, and accounts for over a quarter of Boston's emissions. To reduce transportation-related emissions, communities must create a multitude of high quality transit options for residents. The critical levers for achieving this vision are comprehensive planning and zoning reform, leading to more vibrant, walkable, bikeable city centers, with smarter development around existing transit hubs; and investments in transit quality and options, so that all residents have attractive alternatives to driving.

To learn more about climate change, its implications, and the opportunity to transform our economy, visit Barr's Climate Change Resources page.

"As we refocus our environmental work on climate change, we have to gradually phase out other strategies.There are hundreds of deserving environmental programs in our community, many of which we have been proud to fund for the past decade. The decision to narrow our focus to climate change was not an easy one. But the urgency of the problem requires swift action. It is the defining issue of our time, with a clock that is running out."
—Pat Brandes, Executive Director

Since 1998 the Foundation has invested over $117 Million to support local environmental organizations, with four areas of focus:

Open Space and Water Resources
We supported efforts to ensure the quantity and quality of open space and water resources and equitable access across neighborhoods.

Environmental Stewardship
We supported experiential environmental education and recreation programs, which were designed to deepen appreciation of the natural environment, and to build understanding about how human and natural systems interact.

Environmental Justice
We focused on ensuring that Boston residents of all backgrounds increased their ability to have meaningful democratic participation in decisions about their environment - where they live, work and play.

Smart Growth
As part of our climate change work, we continue to support efforts to ensure that Greater Boston will grow and develop in ways consistent with its long-term environmental health.