The City of Boston wants to go carbon-neutral by 2050. And BU researchers have figured out a path to get them there.
A January 2019 report based on research led by the University’s Institute for Sustainable Energy (ISE) reveals the massive efforts required for Boston to reach its goal of carbon neutrality, including retrofitting most of the building stock with energy-efficient features and for all vehicles on the road to be electric-powered.
ISE’s recommendations serve as a blueprint to mitigate global climate change, which has noticeably impacted Boston and the Northeast’s weather conditions in recent years. It’s not only a bold step forward in addressing climate change in Boston, but the report could serve as a framework for other cities and regions.
Based on two years of work in close collaboration with stakeholders from the Green Ribbon Commission, the group of Boston business and civic leaders focused on climate change and the City of Boston. The ISE report contains specific options for improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions across Boston’s buildings, transportation, waste, and energy sectors.
“Boston University researchers have long been invested in understanding climate change and promoting sustainable energy,” says President Robert A. Brown. “Their work has informed our Boston University Climate Action Plan, which was adopted by our board in December 2017. It is tremendously gratifying to see that work being strategically applied citywide.”