GBPSR Helps Pass Emissions Legislation June 1, 2022

Emissions from large buildings are responsible for 60% of emissions in Boston, so  last year the City developed legislation to measure and reduce these emissions.

The Boston City Council asked Andee Krasner, GBPSR Climate Program Manager, to speak on the health impacts of natural gas at a hearing on the legislation: Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) 2.0.

GBPSR worked with Alternatives for Community and Environment (ACE), an environmental justice organization to develop the environmental justice provisions of the ordinance, including:

• Including community representation on the Emissions Review Board to increase accountability and transparency.
• Starting the Equitable Emissions Investment Fund to address air quality, develop green jobs, and retrofit buildings in environmental justice communities.

The ordinance introduces greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets that reach zero emissions by 2050 for buildings greater than 20,000 square feet. Because of the success in Boston, other communities are considering similar bills, and a state bill is being considered in this legislative session.