Baker moving Mass. toward cleaner energy

With steps big and small, Massachusetts is moving toward a more environmentally friendly future in which the state will rely increasingly on renewable energy.

One step came this week when Republican Gov. Charlie Baker announced more than $500,000 in funding for what he described as eight “early-stage clean energy companies.”

The checks may be modest, but the goal is to help ensure Massachusetts remains among those states on the leading edge of renewable energy technology — in part by harvesting the brain power of local universities and entrepreneurs.

Among the companies receiving money are:

Somerville-based Cambridge Crops, which is developing an edible odorless, tasteless and invisible coating to extend the shelf life of meat and poultry while also reducing the water and energy resources lost to spoilage and waste;

Amesbury-based INRoof Solar, which is working to integrate a space-cooling feature into its solar thermal metal roofing system by removing waste heat to provide air conditioning, and;

Somerville’s Exact Lux, which is developing longlasting LED lighting for indoor horticulture to increase yields and save energy.

Baker said the eight companies are part of the state’s “nation-leading innovation and clean energy economies.”

Environmental activists are also pushing a slew of bills on Beacon Hill aimed at reducing the state’s carbon footprint and minimizing waste.