The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources has launched the SAPHIRE program (Schools and Public Housing Integrating Renewables and Efficiency) in collaboration with the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Massachusetts School Buildings Authority to promote renewable thermal heating and cooling upgrades in public schools and state public housing across the Commonwealth. These projects will strive to combine renewable thermal heating upgrades with energy efficiency improvements ─ such as insulation, air sealing, and lighting upgrades ─ to achieve deeper energy savings and provide cost savings to schools and low-income housing developments.
