by Lia Ward
From homes and hospitals to schools and skyscrapers, our buildings require tons of energy to light, cool, heat, and power appliances. It’s no surprise then that buildings are responsible for nearly 40 percent of total carbon emissions in the United States. Here in Boston, almost 70 percent of the city’s greenhouse gas emissions come from powering the buildings in which we live, learn, work and play. So, while reducing emissions from other key sectors like transportation is important, we can’t overlook the part that our buildings play in contributing to carbon emissions.
Thankfully, Boston is attempting to hold its building sector more accountable. In October 2021, Acting Mayor Kim Janey passed an upgrade to the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance, nicknamed BERDO 2.0, which is an improvement on the original BERDO from 2013. While the original BERDO mainly focused on making the energy and water use of buildings more transparent, this newer policy sets strict performance standards that will gradually reduce building emissions to net zero by 2050. BERDO 2.0 also lowered the minimum square footage of buildings to be included, meaning that more commercial and multifamily residential buildings will now have to follow the new BERDO regulations. To be specific, BERDO 2.0 applies to 4 percent of the city’s buildings which may seem like only a tiny portion of Boston, but this 4% is actually responsible for 42 percent of the city’s total emissions!
So, how exactly does BERDO 2.0 plan on achieving carbon neutrality in the next thirty years?
Well, the new ordinance has set a strict timeline that requires all affected buildings to meet a series of emissions targets starting in 2025 that result in them being carbon neutral by 2050. These targets are set at five year intervals and according to building type to make sure decarbonization projects stay on track. Building owners will do their part by submitting an emission reduction plan that outlines how their property will meet its targets. For instance, owners can achieve carbon neutrality by making energy efficiency improvements, switching from gas to electric heating, and incorporating clean energy systems like solar.
Emission Targets for Boston’s Building Performance Standards, BERDO 2.0. For example, starting in 2025, an office building won’t be permitted to emit more than 5.3 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent (kgCO2e) per square foot per year, followed by 3.2 in 2030, 2.4 in 2035, and so forth until 0 kgCO2e per square foot per year in 2050. Source: City of Boston
Though stringent, this policy does give buildings some wiggle room. Owners in unique situations — such as those who are locked into long-term energy contracts or own buildings with historic designations— can issue a hardship compliance plan that explains the need for alternative emission reduction standards and timelines. Also, until at least 2030, the emissions produced by emergency backup power and electric vehicles supply equipment can be deducted from a building’s emissions. The point of this policy is to make carbon neutrality by 2050 realistic and possible for all affected buildings.
BERDO 2.0’s ambitious goals set high quality building performance standards that are a huge step in the right direction towards achieving city-wide net neutrality. With the window of effective climate action closing, jurisdictions must follow the lead of Boston and take bold strides to reduce city-wide emissions. Stay tuned for our next blog that dives into the policy development process of BERDO 2.0!