Navigating BERDO Compliance: Boston’s Path to a Sustainable Future

As the urgency to combat climate change grows, U.S. cities are implementing policies to reduce building carbon emissions. Boston’s Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) aims for net-zero emissions in the building sector by 2050. If you’re planning a new development or managing an existing building in Boston, understanding BERDO’s requirements is essential for compliance and supporting the city’s sustainability goals.

Key Requirements

Applicability of BERDO to Affected Buildings: BERDO applies to owners of existing buildings over 20,000 square feet or those with 15 or more residential units. See BERDO Covered buildings list here.

Annual Reporting and Staying on Top of Your Data: Building owners must report their annual energy and water consumption by May 15th every year. The data must be submitted through Energy Star Portfolio Manager, and a qualified energy professional must verify it for accuracy.

Emission Standards and Phased Carbon Reduction Targets: BERDO sets phased carbon emissions reduction targets for various building types, with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Click here to follow a chart to see your emission standards by year.

Compliance Timeline:

2022: Annual Energy Reporting

• Non-residential buildings > 20,000 sq ft or residential with 15+ units
• Energy and water use report due annually on May 15
• Third-party verification required in the first year and every subsequent verification year

2025: Emission Standard Starts (1st Cohort)

• Non-residential buildings > 35,000 sq ft or residential with 35+ units

2030: Stricter Emission Standards (2nd Cohort)

• Non-residential buildings > 20,000 sq ft or residential with 15+ units

2050: Net-zero Emissions

• Achieve net-zero emissions for all covered buildings

How We Can Help You Meet BERDO Requirements

Navigating BERDO can be complex, but our expert team at RDH is here to guide you through every step.

Reporting Assistance for Accurate and Timely Data Submission: We can assist with collecting energy and water usage, completing the BERDO Reporting Form, and submitting the data on time to meet compliance deadlines.

Third-Party Verification by Trusted Experts: Our Qualified Energy Professionals will verify your data, ensuring that all information is correct and meets the city’s standards.

Compliance Assessment and Four Paths to Meeting Emissions Standards:

There are four primary pathways for your building to meet emissions standards:

1. Reduce Direct Emissions: This path focuses on identifying energy retrofits and decarbonization upgrades that directly reduce your building’s emissions. The outcome is a reduction in emissions through these targeted upgrades.

2. Obtain Renewable Energy: In this path, we guide you through various renewable energy options, including the Boston Community Choice Electricity program, Renewable Energy Credits (RECs), and local solar (PV) systems. This results in a reduction in emissions from electricity use.

3. Alternative Compliance Payments (ACP): If energy reduction or renewable energy isn’t feasible for your building, you can comply through the Alternative Compliance Payment option. This payment is $234 per metric ton of CO2e above the emissions limit, contributing to decarbonization efforts in Boston’s environmental justice communities.

4. Flexibility Measures: In some cases, building owners may qualify for flexibility measures that adjust compliance limits or timelines. These adjustments are made based on eligibility, providing some leeway for meeting the required standards.

Decarbonization Roadmap with Tailored Strategies for Your Building:

To support your building’s decarbonization efforts, we provide a comprehensive roadmap with the following four key elements:

1. Energy Conservation Measures: We identify and implement energy-saving solutions designed to reduce both energy consumption and emissions within your building. These measures are tailored to fit your specific needs.

2. Estimated Construction Costs: We provide detailed cost estimates for any necessary upgrades or retrofits required to meet compliance with emissions standards. This helps you plan and budget for the changes.

3. Available Utility or Government Incentives: We assist you in exploring available incentives, rebates, grants, and tax credits, such as those offered through programs like Mass Save, to help offset the costs of upgrades and improvements.

4. Sustainability Support: In addition to financial incentives, we help you access programs that support your building’s decarbonization goals and offer guidance on how to make the most of these opportunities.

Maximize Your Sustainability Efforts with Mass Save: Through programs like Mass Save, we can help you access rebates, grants, and tax credits to support your sustainability efforts.

Ongoing Support to Stay Compliant Year After Year: We provide regular check-ins and ongoing expert guidance to make sure your building meets reporting deadlines and remains compliant with BERDO year after year.

Partnering for a Carbon-Free Future

With BERDO setting ambitious carbon reduction targets, building owners need a strategic approach to compliance. Whether it’s through energy retrofits, renewable energy procurement, or navigating the complexities of reporting, RDH is here to help your building meet Boston’s sustainability mandate and contribute to the city’s vision of a carbon-neutral future by 2050.

Key Contacts: