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
Codes and Standards | Jun 25, 2020
Arc offers tools, analytics for safe workplace re-entry
Platform helps sustainability teams to collect data, benchmark progress, measure impact, and improve performance.
Codes and Standards | Jun 24, 2020
New API enables design and construction technology platforms to connect
Construction Specifications Institute offers “digital classification engine.”
Codes and Standards | Jun 23, 2020
State lawmakers encouraging transition to heat pumps for building heating
Policies aim to replace gas heaters with electric units.
Codes and Standards | Jun 22, 2020
Natl. Renewable Energy Labs, Cold Climate Research Ctr. team up on extreme weather research
Focus on renewable power, sustainable transportation, energy efficiency, and energy systems integration.
Codes and Standards | Jun 19, 2020
Demand for family rentals expected to jump over next few years
Developers’ focus on single, urban millennials leaves family market underserved.
Codes and Standards | Jun 17, 2020
AIA offers retail and office 3D models for reducing risk of COVID-19 transmission
For modifying stores and offices with 17-point architectural, engineering, and administrative framework.
Codes and Standards | Jun 17, 2020
Santa Fe is second city in the world to achieve LEED v4.1 Gold
New Mexico community gained credits for resilience planning, including public health crises.
Codes and Standards | Jun 15, 2020
NSF International’s Checked by NSF program helps businesses reopen safely
Includes third-party validation of COVID-19 preventive measures.
Codes and Standards | Jun 15, 2020
Workers want policy changes before they return to offices
More office cleaning, work from home opportunities, and staying home when sick among the desired adjustments.
Codes and Standards | Jun 12, 2020
Carbon emission legislation prompts commercial real estate to innovate
Mass timber, augmented reality, and modular construction among the trends.
