Boston Sets Ambitious Goal to Achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2050 with Signing of Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO)

Strategic Insights -

Boston Mayor Kim Janey has signed the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO), a landmark initiative aimed at significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting efficient use of energy and water, and driving investments in a green economy. The ordinance sets carbon targets for existing buildings, with all buildings required to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. This policy is the single most impactful initiative to curb Boston's carbon emissions, with buildings accounting for nearly seventy percent of citywide greenhouse gas emissions. The ordinance was unanimously approved by the Boston City Council and is part of a broader push by the City of Boston to lead on climate action.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote efficient use of energy and water, and drive investments in a green economy.
  • The ordinance sets carbon targets for existing buildings, with all buildings required to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
  • Buildings in Boston account for nearly seventy percent of citywide greenhouse gas emissions, with four percent of buildings covered by the ordinance accounting for approximately sixty percent of Boston's building emissions.
  • The ordinance requires building owners to carry out energy efficiency improvements, switch to clean and efficient heating systems, or purchase clean energy to reduce emissions.
  • The Emissions Review Board will be established to increase accountability and transparency, with community representation to ensure equity and justice.
  • The Equitable Emissions Investment Fund will prioritize benefits to environmental justice communities, green jobs, and transparency.
  • The ordinance was designed in partnership with local stakeholders and community, with over 100 residents involved in its design.
  • The signing of the ordinance is part of a broader push by the City of Boston to lead on climate action and was supported by the Bloomberg Philanthropies American Cities Climate Challenge.
  • Boston is one of the 25 winning cities in the Climate Challenge, which is helping cities set and surpass ambitious climate goals.
  • The ordinance builds on Mayor Janey's work to create a climate-ready, resilient Boston, with investments for environmental justice and resilience in the Fiscal Year 2022 budget.

Statistics:

  • Buildings in Boston account for nearly seventy percent of citywide greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Four percent of buildings in Boston are covered by the ordinance and they account for approximately sixty percent of Boston's building emissions.
  • The ordinance requires building owners to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
  • $48 million is allocated for Phase 2 and 3 of Renew Boston Trust for energy retrofit project opportunities in City-owned buildings.
  • $5 million is allocated for the development of a Climate Ready Boston Harbor Study to examine the feasibility of measures along and within the harbor to reduce vulnerability of coastal flooding due to sea level rise caused by climate change.
  • $20 million is allocated for the design and implementation of a signature, climate resilient waterfront park along the Fort Point Channel.
  • $4 million is allocated for workforce development and training opportunities for green jobs in the environment.
  • $1 million is allocated for workforce development and training opportunities for zero waste and mobility jobs.
  • $500,000 is allocated to support residents in making energy efficient upgrades to their homes.
  • $340,000 is allocated for the new Healthy Places Initiative targeted for environmental justice populations.
  • $200,000 is allocated for the preservation and maintenance of historic and cultural sites in Boston.

Sources:

  • City of Boston
  • Mayor Kim Janey
  • Boston City Council
  • Council President Pro Tempore Matt O'Malley
  • Reverend Mariama White-Hammond, Chief of Environment, Energy and Open Space
  • Bloomberg Philanthropies
  • Kelly Shultz, sustainable cities program at Bloomberg Philanthropies
  • Dwaign Tyndal, Executive Director of Alternatives for Community and Environment (ACE)
  • Mark Liu, Operations and Development Director, Chinese Progressive Association
  • Tom Yardley, Vice President of Area Planning and Development, MASCO (Medical Academic and Scientific Community Organization)