City of Boston Takes Step Toward Net-Zero Carbon Emissions
The Boston City Council passed an updated Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO), which was signed into law on October 5, 2021. Referred to as “BERDO 2.0,” the update “sets emissions targets and reporting requirements for buildings greater than or equal to 20,000 square feet, establishes the Emissions Review Board with community representation to increase accountability and transparency, and establishes an environmental justice Buildings Emissions Investment Fund,” according to the City of Boston website.
BERDO 2.0 builds on the original ordinance, which was passed in May 2013 and required that all commercial and residential buildings greater than 35,000 square feet report their energy and water use to the City of Boston every year. 85% of the buildings that will be standing in Boston in 2050 already exist. Therefore, the new amendment to the City of Boston code aligns with Boston’s goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 by targeting the emissions of existing buildings. BERDO 2.0 aims to hasten the transition to more efficient operations in large buildings and incentivize decarbonization throughout the city.
For an in-depth overview of BERDO 2.0, visit A Better City’s blog post.
