Big Y Foods is among 17 Massachusetts organizations and communities named recipients of the 2026 Mass Save Impact Awards, which recognize leadership in energy efficiency, electrification and building modernization. The honorees will be recognized at a ceremony at the Massachusetts State House on Oct. 27.
The Springfield, Massachusetts-based grocer is joined on the list by two other food industry names: dairy cooperative Agri-Mark, which completed eight energy efficiency projects over the past three years including electrification of a mechanical vapor recompression evaporator, and produce distributor Peter Condakes Company.
Other recipients span municipalities, healthcare providers, educational institutions, manufacturers, cultural organizations and nonprofits, from the cities of Cambridge, Quincy and Springfield to UMass Amherst and MASS MoCA.
The awards are presented by the Sponsors of Mass Save, the statewide energy efficiency and electrification collaborative of utilities and service providers including Berkshire Gas, Cape Light Compact, Eversource, Liberty, National Grid and Unitil. Formerly known as Mass Save Climate Leaders, the program was renamed to recognize the broader impacts of efficiency, electrification, decarbonization and building improvements.
Big Y’s achievements
According to Sponsors of Mass Save, “Big Y Foods has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to energy efficiency through extensive participation in Mass Save programs across more than 15 locations throughout Massachusetts.”
The grocer has completed more than 200 completed energy-saving projects, investing in improvements such as energy-saving power outlet controls (ESPOs), anti-sweat heater controls, refrigerated case night covers, condenser replacements, floor scrubbers and refrigerant swaps and upgrades.
The organization said Big Y’s efforts have generated more than 12,000 MWh in electric savings and 15,000 therms in natural gas savings while helping improve the efficiency of store operations and, in just the last couple of years, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 2,000 metric tons.
Collective impact
Taken together, the projects recognized this year are expected to deliver net lifetime CO2 emission reductions equivalent to the annual energy use of nearly 30,000 homes, or more than 50,000 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles driven for one year.
“The 2026 Mass Save Impact Award recipients demonstrate what can be achieved when organizations make energy efficiency a core part of their operations,” said Amy Vavak, director of customer energy management at National Grid. “These honorees are delivering meaningful energy savings, reducing emissions and advancing sustainable practices across Massachusetts. Their efforts are helping strengthen communities, lower energy use, and create lasting benefits throughout the Commonwealth.”
“When Massachusetts residents, organizations, and cities and towns make energy efficient upgrades to buildings and building systems, it can lower their ongoing energy costs and importantly, also reduce strain on our electric grid and save all ratepayers money,” said Massachusetts Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony.
The full recipient list: Agri-Mark; Bay State Linen; Big Y Foods Inc.; Camp Jabberwocky; Christian Union Church of North Truro Inc.; the cities of Cambridge, Fall River, Quincy and Springfield; Gordon College; Lowell General Hospital; Mass MoCA; Peter Condakes Company; the towns of Athol, Townsend and Westwood; and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Related: Big Y Opens New Store In Saugus, MA