Introduction
Boston’s Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) sets ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from large buildings, a key part of the city’s strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. For building owners, real estate, and facilities management companies, achieving these targets demands more than just compliance—it calls for a proactive approach to energy management and emissions reduction. CopperTree Analytics provides the advanced data-driven tools necessary to help these stakeholders navigate BERDO’s requirements, optimize building performance, and contribute to Boston’s sustainability goals.
The Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) is a key initiative by the City of Boston aimed at significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions from large buildings, which are a major source of carbon emissions in the city. Initially enacted in 2013 and updated in 2021 as BERDO 2.0, the ordinance plays a central role in Boston’s strategy to become carbon neutral by 2050.
Key Features of BERDO 2.0:
Scope and Applicability:
- Buildings Covered: BERDO applies to buildings in Boston that are 20,000 square feet or larger, as well as residential properties with 15 or more units. This includes both commercial and residential buildings.
- Emissions Reporting: Owners of these buildings are required to annually report their energy and water use, as well as their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, to the City of Boston.
Emissions Reduction Requirements:
- Emissions Limits: Starting in 2025, BERDO 2.0 sets emissions intensity limits for covered buildings, which will progressively tighten every five years. These limits are based on the amount of greenhouse gases emitted per square foot of building space.
Net Zero by 2050:
- The ordinance mandates that all covered buildings achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This means buildings must either operate with no carbon emissions or offset their emissions through renewable energy credits or other mechanisms.
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
- Fines and Penalties: Buildings that do not comply with the reporting requirements or fail to meet the emissions reduction targets will face fines. The fines are based on the extent of non-compliance and are intended to incentivize building owners to take the necessary actions.
Flexibility and Compliance Options:
- Custom Compliance Pathways: BERDO 2.0 offers flexibility through custom compliance pathways. Building owners can apply for alternative compliance options, such as deep energy retrofits, purchasing renewable energy, or contributing to a fund dedicated to local climate action projects.
- Offsets and Renewable Energy: Buildings that exceed their emissions limits can purchase renewable energy credits (RECs) or carbon offsets to meet their obligations, though there are limits on how much of this can be used as part of their compliance strategy.
Support and Resources:
- Technical Assistance: The City of Boston provides technical assistance to building owners to help them comply with BERDO. This includes guidance on energy efficiency measures, retrofitting, and access to incentive programs like Mass Save®.
- Public Data Transparency: The emissions data reported under BERDO is publicly accessible, allowing residents, businesses, and other stakeholders to track the progress of buildings in reducing their carbon footprint.
Conclusion:
As Boston intensifies its efforts to combat climate change through initiatives like BERDO, the role of data-driven solutions becomes increasingly critical. CopperTree Analytics empowers building owners and real estate companies with the insights and tools to meet BERDO’s stringent emissions standards, reduce energy consumption, and integrate renewable energy sources. By adopting CopperTree’s solutions, buildings in Boston can not only comply with regulatory demands but also lead the way in creating a more sustainable and resilient city for the future.