The City of Cambridge, Mass., recently mandated that all non-residential buildings—including existing structures—larger than 100,000 sf meet a net-zero emissions requirement by 2035.
In a news release, Cambridge says it is “the first known city in the country” to enact a 2035 deadline for net zero. Mid-size buildings, defined as 100,000 sf or smaller, will have to reach net zero by 2050.
Buildings covered under the new law can continue to burn fossil fuels on site if owners purchase verified carbon credits, but only until 2050, and only to offset limited amounts of emissions. Building owners must eventually use renewable energy, either by investing in solar panels or purchasing a contract for renewable energy.
Cambridge has 314 buildings facing the 2035 net-zero deadline. “The City is committed to supporting Cambridge property owners with robust technical assistance and connections to incentives and moving forward together with this challenging yet absolutely critical work,” the news release says.
Cambridge will use a separate process to develop regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in residential buildings.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | May 5, 2021
Majority of schools took steps to improve air quality during pandemic
Districts still have unmet needs, face high costs and outdated building infrastructure.
Codes and Standards | May 4, 2021
Cost to keep Miami dry over next few decades is $4 billion
Rising seas demand big investment.
Codes and Standards | May 3, 2021
Fire stops critical to preserving three-decker housing
Old multi-family structures continue to provide badly needed homes in urban zones.
Codes and Standards | Apr 29, 2021
Dept. of Energy publishes energy savings analysis for ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2019
More than 4% savings for commercial buildings found for the updated code.
Codes and Standards | Apr 28, 2021
Building-integrated solar power turns buildings into power plants
Multiple alternatives could replace or complement rack-mounted PV arrays.
Codes and Standards | Apr 27, 2021
Ten real estate groups sign on to New York State’s high-rise decarbonization challenge
Each signee commits to carbon neutrality in one or more high-rise buildings it owns.
Codes and Standards | Apr 26, 2021
Dozens of companies, organizations call for Congress to double Energy Star funding
Despite broad support, program’s budget has steadily declined in recent years.
Codes and Standards | Apr 22, 2021
Alabama fire chiefs oppose proposal to change school building code oversight
Bill would move code compliance control from state to local boards.
Codes and Standards | Apr 21, 2021
After dry winter, California ramps up wildfire prevention efforts
State to spend half a billion dollars on projects including making buildings more fire resistant.
Codes and Standards | Apr 20, 2021
U.S. electric grid is halfway to zero carbon
Other sectors including buildings lag power industry.