The Climate Goals Tracker provides information to set climate goals for municipalities and track progress. Massachusetts’s Global Warming Solutions Act mandates 50% greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2030 (compared to 1990). From that, the Commonwealth derived statewide numerical goals for the adoption of three key decarbonization measures in the residential sector: 900,000 electric vehicles (EVs), 500,000 heat pumps, and 8,360 MW of solar photovoltaics (PVs). Visitors to the website can easily view town by town progress.
How is Newton doing in achieving these targets? The numbers show some progress but a lot more work is needed.
Electric Vehicles (EVs)
At the end of 2025, there were 6,058 passenger electric vehicles (EVs) registered in Newton. Based on the statewide goal of 900,000 in 2030, 5,452 additional EVs need to be adopted this year and every year thereafter until 2030. This represents 90% of the total number of EVs currently registered.
Heat Pumps
In Newton at the end of 2024, there were 1,767 heat pumps installed. Based on the state goal of 500,000 in 2030, 884 new installations are needed this year and every year thereafter until 2030. This represents 50% of the total number of heat pump installations currently.
Solar Photovoltaic
In Newton at the end of 2023, there was 10,597 kilowatts of residential solar installed. Based on the state goal of 8,360 megawatts in 2030, 1,060 kilowatts needs to be installed this year and thereafter until 2030. This translates to an additional 140 households adopting solar; or about 10% of the total number of households that currently have solar installations.
The Carbon Goals Tracker is a collaborative project of Massachusetts Climate Action Network, Green Energy Consumer Alliance, and MassEnergize. It is engineered by Dr. Zana Cranmer of Bentley University.