The Green Ribbon Commission accelerates Boston toward a climate safe, carbon free, equitable future
News
Green Ribbon Commission announces Dr. Lindsey Butler as Executive Director
August 7, 2025 (Boston, Mass.) – The Boston Green Ribbon Commission announced today the appointment of Dr. Lindsey Butler as its new Executive Director. Lindsey brings deep environmental knowledge, experience working in both the public and private sectors, and a passion for communicating the urgency of our climate issues. The Green Ribbon Commission (GRC) is
“Now comes the tough part- building resiliency.” – A Conversation with Arbella’s John Donohue
Although Green Ribbon Commission (GRC) member John Donohue retired as CEO of Arbella Insurance in June, he remains board chair of the Boston-based company, as well as CEO of Arbella’s Charitable Foundation. When the GRC launched in late 2010, Donohue was the only insurance industry representative invited to become a founding member. He is excited
Cool Boston’s hottest neighborhoods with more white roofs and trees, study says
GRCx
Coastal Resilience Planning
Director of Preservation at The House of the Seven Gables, Paul Wright, discussed the intensive two-year process of coastal resilience planning for their historic waterfront property in Salem, MA; and the institution’s plans for a multi-decade adaptation, resilience, and mitigation transition that proactively anticipates sea level rise and environmental warning signs.
Watch the RecordingGRC Leadership
GRC Announces Dr. Lindsey Butler as Executive Director
The Boston Green Ribbon Commission announced the appointment of Dr. Lindsey Butler as its new Executive Director. Lindsey brings deep environmental knowledge, experience working in both the public and private sectors, and a passion for communicating the urgency of our climate issues.
Read MoreBoston Climate Report
Working Groups
The work of the Green Ribbon Commission is structured through sector and topic working groups that tackle efforts outlined in the strategic plan – sharing best practices and findings as they go. Working groups convene leaders in commercial real estate, cultural institutions, health care, higher education, coastal resilience, and grid modernization to advance initiatives and drive action based on research and analysis.
Learn MoreClimate Action
Accelerating Boston Climate Action: Green Ribbon Commission Strategic Plan
Our 2025-2030 strategic plan articulates our vision for how the GRC can uniquely contribute to this critical next phase of climate work. Each pillar of our plan is a place where the City needs to be bold, and where partnership with the private sector is critical.
Read MoreClimate Justice
“Massachusetts families and businesses can’t afford big energy price spikes now, or in the future. This bill – along with our energy affordability agenda – gets costs off bills, saves people money, and adopts an all of the above strategy to bring new energy into Massachusetts.”
– Governor Maura Healey
City Updates
Mayor Wu Signs Executive Order Creating a Climate Council for the City of Boston
Mayor Michelle Wu signed an Executive Order creating the Boston Climate Council, a key partnership that will coordinate the City’s all-of-government approach to combating climate change and advancing resilience. This group consists of thirteen Cabinet Chiefs and will be co-lead by the Chief Climate Officer Brian Swett and the Green New Deal Director and Environment Commissioner Oliver Sellers-Garcia. The Climate Council will be responsible for developing and implementing the next phase of Boston’s Climate Action Plan (CAP), which will focus on short-term methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions between 2026-2030, furthering Boston’s ability to support climate justice and reach carbon neutrality by 2050.
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