As Northampton moves forward, a number of city plans, ordinances, and initiatives, such as the Sustainable Northampton Master Plan, the Northampton Climate Protection Inventory, the Northampton Transportation Plan, the forming of a new Energy and Sustainability Commission, and the hiring of an Energy and Sustainability Officer all support the city's efforts to:
- Increase use of renewable energy
- Upgrade to highly efficient city buildings
- Expand bike and pedestrian pathways
- Improve traffic flow
- Eliminate idling of diesel vehicles
- Continue a steady reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
- Increase community energy-literacy
- Support private-sector energy upgrade efforts