The Boston City Council recently approved a mandate for major emissions cuts for large buildings.
The legislation is one of only a few of its kind in the country and will apply to buildings that are 20,000 sf or larger. That amounts to about 4% of the buildings in the city.
About 2,200 buildings that are 35,000 sf or larger will have to start meeting emissions caps in 2025. Another 1,300 buildings —20,000 sf or larger—must start meeting emissions caps by 2030. The ordinance aims to cut all those buildings’ emissions in half by the end of the decade and completely by 2050. A review board can receive input from financial experts and energy providers for recommendations on changes to the rules and on hardship compliance plans.
Acting Mayor Kim Janey is expected to soon sign the ordinance into law. It was modeled on similar measures in New York, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C.
Related Stories
Concrete | Aug 2, 2016
Concrete Association builds case against cross-laminated timber
The campaign asserts that not enough is known about CLT in construction
Seismic Design | Jul 28, 2016
Risk of man-made earthquakes now factor in seismic hazard analysis
Significant risk increases seen in some areas of the U.S.
Resiliency | Jul 27, 2016
New York’s resilience plans not taking long-term view, critics charge
Continued waterfront development may be regretted later this century.
Green Specifications | Jul 26, 2016
New Miami Beach law requires LEED certification on projects larger than 7,000 sf
LEED Silver the prescribed standard on buildings larger than 50,000 sf.
Energy | Jul 25, 2016
Michigan law provides local governments with flexible energy conservation financing
Allows cities to fund projects without adding debt.
Contractors | Jul 15, 2016
Trade unions, contractors call for maximum penalty in construction worker death case
‘Sick and tired’ of lawbreaking contractors defining public perception.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 14, 2016
Portland, Ore., City Council approves construction excise tax for affordable housing
Expected to raise $8 million annually on commercial and residential projects.
Drones | Jul 13, 2016
FAA issues final rule on commercial use of drones
The rule covers commercial uses for drones that weigh less than 55 pounds, and it takes effect Aug. 29.
Codes and Standards | Jul 12, 2016
OSHA raises maximum civil penalties by 78%
Applies to infractions that occurred after Nov. 2, 2015.
School Construction | Jul 11, 2016
Fight over school funding in Arizona headed to court
Legislature accused of ignoring 1994 ruling ordering state to pick up some of the costs.
