Marblehead Sustainable Heritage
Integrating Historic Preservation with Clean Energy
MAPC completed a project in August 2025 to develop recommendations for approving clean energy interventions to historic buildings within Marblehead’s Old and Historic Districts.
The project’s objective was to provide a balanced approach that integrates environmental sustainability with the preservation of the town’s architectural heritage. The resulting recommendations offer practical and context-sensitive approaches that align with local preservation goals while supporting climate action. They are designed to enhance energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and safeguard Marblehead's unique historic character for future generations.
Community members were engaged throughout the process, ensuring that local perspectives helped shape the final guidelines.
Project Documents
The documents below include both a full overview of the process and the recommendations delivered to the Town in August 2025:
- Project Summary
- Outlines the planning process, engagement activities, and key findings.
- Proposed Recommendations
- The final text of the recommended guidelines for clean energy interventions in Marblehead’s Old and Historic Districts.
Funding
The Town of Marblehead received funding through MAPC’s Technical Assistance Program (TAP) for this project. Other funding sources included arts and cultural planning resources from the Barr Foundation.