What is BERDO 2.0?

The City of Boston’s Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) was significantly updated on October 5, 2021, setting carbon targets for existing buildings that decrease over time and requiring all existing large buildings to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

BERDO previously required Boston buildings over 20,000 SF to report their energy consumption to the City and to conduct periodic energy audits. “BERDO 2.0” additionally sets carbon emissions limits on a square-footage basis for different types of buildings, with higher limits for more energy-intensive uses. Emissions limits will decrease every five years and ultimately go to zero emissions by 2050. Buildings that exceed emissions limits will be subject to fines costing tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.

How Does This Affect Your Building?

All buildings over 20,000 sf will need to steadily reduce their emissions over the next three decades to avoid penalties. Even new, code-compliant buildings may exceed the emissions limits within the first ten or twenty years of operation. Older, less-efficient buildings may need to take action now to remain in compliance when the ordinance goes into effect in 2025.

Boston Emission Limits by Building Type

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How to Comply With BERDO 2.0

As the local electrical grid becomes cleaner, buildings will benefit from some automatic electricity emissions reductions. In most cases, however, that won’t be enough to remain below the limits for the life of the building or systems, so additional strategies which cut emissions even faster will be required.

Building owners can reduce emissions and avoid penalties by carrying out energy efficiency improvements; switching to clean, fossil-fuel-free heating systems; and/or installing or purchasing clean energy and carbon offsets. Owners of a portfolio of buildings can also balance their overall portfolio against the limit. The best way to find the right path for your building is to consult a qualified engineer.

Need Help?

Vanderweil has extensive experience helping owners to reduce emissions and to comply with local carbon emissions limits. Reach out to us at sustainability@vanderweil.com with questions about your building.