Mayor Michelle Wu unveiled Boston’s Net Zero Carbon (NZC) Zoning Amendment, making it the first U.S. city to require new buildings to achieve net zero carbon emissions and report embodied carbon. This accelerates Boston’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, with new projects required to meet zero-operational carbon standards starting July 1, 2025, positioning Boston as a leader in climate action.
Who the Net Zero Carbon (NZC) Zoning Amendment Applies To
Boston’s Net Zero Carbon (NZC) Zoning Amendment affects sectors involved in new construction and major building renovations. If your project falls under any of the following categories, this amendment is relevant to you:
• Residential: New developments with 15 or more residential units.
• Commercial: Projects exceeding 20,000 square feet.
• Additions: Additions of 50,000 square feet or more to existing buildings.
Key Net Zero Carbon Zoning Requirements
Zero-Operational Carbon Emissions
All applicable projects requiring zoning approval must achieve net-zero operational carbon from the start.
Embodied Carbon Reporting
In addition to operational carbon, all projects must report on their embodied carbon emissions. Although zoning requirements currently lack embodied carbon limits, data from initial projects will likely shape future regulations.
Timeline for Boston’s Net Zero Carbon (NZC) Zoning Amendment
July 1, 2025: NZC Zoning Amendment Takes Effect
• New developments and major renovations in the affected sectors must meet net-zero operational carbon standards and begin embodied carbon reporting.
• Projects must use renewable energy sources to meet operational emissions requirements and demonstrate their carbon neutrality.
2025 – 2035: Gradual Implementation for Different Sectors
• Labs: Net-zero operational emissions by 2035.
• Hospitals: Net-zero operational emissions by 2045.
• General Manufacturing: Net-zero operational emissions by 2045.
How We Can Help Your Project Meet Net Zero Carbon (NZC) Goals
If you’re a developer, architect, property owner, or construction firm involved in a new development or major renovation in Boston, complying with the Net Zero Carbon (NZC) Zoning Amendment is crucial to your project’s success. Meeting these requirements aligns your development with the city’s 2050 carbon neutrality goals.
We understand that navigating these complex regulations can be challenging, which is why we’re here to help you every step of the way. Here’s how we can assist you:
• Assess your project’s scope and requirements to understand the NZC Zoning guidelines.
• Conduct early-stage energy modeling and feasibility analysis to achieve net-zero operational emissions.
• Perform Life Cycle Assessments (embodied carbon analysis) to make informed decisions about sustainable materials.
• Optimize design for energy efficiency, aligning with NZC goals.
• Provide ongoing support for documentation and reporting to maintain compliance.
Opportunities Beyond Net Zero Carbon (NZC) Zoning
While the NZC Zoning Amendment primarily applies to new construction, retrofitting existing buildings offers carbon reduction opportunities. Extending their service life reduces operational and embodied carbon, lowers environmental impact, and helps meet sustainability targets, even if your project isn’t required to comply with the NZC Zoning.
It’s important to note that the NZC Zoning does not apply to:
• Renovations (existing buildings not undergoing major expansion)
• Additions under 50,000 square feet
• Change of Use (conversion of space for a different function)
Even if your project isn’t subject to NZC Zoning, it may still fall under other regulations, like Boston’s Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO), which sets emission reduction requirements. We can help you navigate these regulations to keep your project on track.
Key Contacts:
| Luc Nahrgang | Principal, Building Science Specialist | ||
| Voytek Gretka | Associate, Senior Building Energy Engineer | ||
| Andrew Steingiser | Associate, Specialist | ||
| Anushka Singh | Energy and Sustainability Analyst |
