Boston
Committee on Government Operations
Building Code Amendment - Emissions Targets and Reporting
2021-0775
Executive summary
- Docket #0775 sets emissions targets and reporting requirements for buildings greater than or equal to 20,000 square feet, establishes the Emissions Review Board with community representation to increase accountability and transparency, and establishes an environmental justice Buildings Emissions Investment Fund.
- The ordinance also includes performance standards for large buildings to decrease carbon targets with flexibility to assist companies in complying.
Climate implications
- This proposal sets emissions targets, performance standards, and reporting requirements for buildings greater than or equal to 20,000 square feet, establishes the Emissions Review Board with public input to increase accountability and transparency, and establishes an environmental justice Buildings Emissions Investment Fund.
- Passage of this docket is necessary in order to achieve carbon neutrality and carbon neutral goals. The docket establishes reasonable measures and is a critical step to reduce carbon emissions and will improve the efficiency of existing building stock.
- This docket is designed to achieve equity by developing workforce opportunities and establishing the emissions reduction equitable investment fund. The fund is designed to improve public health and affordable housing opportunities by prioritizing environmental justice populations and housing stabilization. Requiring performance standards is a necessary and immediate step in order to achieve carbon neutrality and carbon neutral goals.
- Building owners have flexibility with how targets are met which include portfolio options, individual compliance schedule, and a hardship compliance plan.