BERDO 2.0 is a landmark ordinance set to drive decarbonization in Boston's building sector by establishing mandatory carbon emission standards and requiring yearly energy and emissions data reports. To avoid costly fines, building owners need to prepare for the reporting requirements starting this year and consider strategies to meet upcoming emissions limits.

Boston hosts a diverse city with buildings in a variety of configurations, from new construction to decades-old structures. From 1980-2010, Boston's buildings emitted 8.9 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), as estimated by the Boston University Building Science and Development Center (BSBDDC). If unchecked, this emission level is expected to increase by 14.9% by 2030 and by 25.1% by 2050, compared to 1990.

The BSDCD estimates that, without action, the value of greenhouse gas emission reduction, energy use efficiency and renewable energy investments in Boston will rise to $21.8 billion from $5.4 billion over the next five years. We see the value of BSDDC data and tools for organizations to collect and analyze climate data as critical for decision makers, especially when it comes to minimizing emissions and maximizing investment returns. 

The recent release of the Envisioning Boston 2030 plan, with climate change a core element, is a great example. The Boston Climate

Action Plan, launched in 2016, will implement greenhouse gas emission reduction measures and renewable energy initiatives to decrease city emissions by 20% by 2035.

Applying the BERDO 2.0 Standards to Your Building and Workplace

All existing buildings in Boston are required to prepare annual energy and emissions data reports and set CO2 emission limits. A number of organizations in Boston already have data reporting services. For example, the City of Boston also offers an online reporting tool, called BY FutureTracker, to track and report energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Depending on the building type, greenhouse gas emissions could be estimated by using BU FutureTracker or directly by using BERDO 2.0 technology. In general, generating and tracking greenhouse gas emissions data is critical for most organizations to identify their emission reduction strategy. The calculation of greenhouse gas emission amounts provides a broad baseline for organizations to compare what they have already achieved, and how much more they need to reduce.

In addition to the data reporting service, BERDO 2.0 will set emission limits to set lower limits. On January 1, 2017, BERDO 2.0 emissions limits were set to reduce emissions by 62% compared to 2008. These limits can be viewed on the MBTA website.

We strongly recommend that organizations consider making continuous reductions to meet these new standards. Without accurate measurements, it will be difficult to realize further reduction. The majority of investments in buildings come in the next 10-15 years, but emissions limits may be applied for up to 20 years after a building is demolished. Building owners should plan to upgrade their facilities to better reflect energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions.

Designing for Renewables

Before taking any action, organizations in Boston should be aware of the likely impact of proposed new initiatives, including parking requirements, transportation pricing and construction and maintenance requirements. These initiatives can help shape planning for renewable energy investments.

For example, parking requirement increases in many jurisdictions in Boston, including the local, state and federal government, could provide an incentive for more efficient and renewable energy investments. Also, transportation planning policies, like congestion pricing, could help decrease the cost of transportation. Charging fees based on vehicle miles traveled can stimulate renewable energy investment in vehicle fleets and improve the operation of transport infrastructure.

Berkeley Group, the developer of the 1,200-home Forest Hill Village, is already building a data center with 100 MW of solar power. In addition, BDO expects to see more data centers utilizing renewable energy. Specifically, BDO expects to see new data centers using rooftop solar to provide electricity.

As data centers continue to grow and their energy needs grow, the development and operation of new data centers and renewable energy resources will be integral to supporting the development of the new tech economy and creating an even more sustainable future.

Activities to Prepare for the Challenge

Building owners and organizations in Boston can prepare for the challenge by assessing current energy use and identifying ways to further reduce emissions in the next decade. This assessment could be accomplished by using BERDO 2.0, which can generate data on buildings’ current energy use and the properties’ potential energy efficiency and renewable energy potential. This data is also helpful for setting new renewable energy generation requirements for new construction projects.

If energy reduction is not achievable, organizations should consider modifying building design and operations. For example, energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements can be implemented to reduce the amount of energy needed for operation. In addition, lighting and cooling optimization can reduce energy demand.

Energy use can be reduced by analyzing existing building spaces and processes. Building energy information can provide accurate energy consumption data that can be used to design improved building operations. When designing buildings and facilities, owners and organizations can use BDO to measure their carbon footprints.