Navigating Boston’s BERDO regulations doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With solar energy, you can meet compliance standards, avoid costly fines, and unlock long-term savings. Let Green Current Advisors guide you through the process with expertise and solutions tailored to your property.
Boston’s strategy to curb building emissions and achieve carbon neutrality
BERDO, short for the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance, is a regulation requiring large buildings in Boston to report energy usage and meet strict emissions reduction standards. The ordinance applies to commercial buildings over 20,000 square feet and aims to help Boston achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Why Boston Enforces BERDO:
Large buildings are responsible for over 70% of the city’s carbon emissions.
BERDO ensures property owners play a critical role in reducing the environmental impact.
The BERDO Compliance Process: Key Steps for Property Owners
To comply with BERDO, property owners must:
1. Report Annual Energy Usage: Submit detailed energy and emissions data to the city.
2. Meet Emissions Standards: Reduce emissions based on performance thresholds set by the ordinance.
3. Achieve Compliance Goals: Gradually decrease emissions over time to meet future targets.
Fines for Non-Compliance: Failing to comply can result in fines of up to $300 per day per building for smaller buildings and $1,000 per day per building for buildings greater than 35,000 square feet.
Compliance with BERDO presents several hurdles, from deciphering complex regulations to managing costs and finding expert guidance. Let’s break down the most common challenges:
Understanding the performance standards and reporting requirements can be overwhelming.
Implementing energy upgrades can feel financially daunting, especially for property owners managing tight budgets.
Navigating the complexities of BERDO compliance requires in-depth knowledge of energy efficiency technologies, emissions standards, and available incentives
Installing solar panels helps property owners:
Slash Carbon Emissions: Meet BERDO’s strict requirements.
Save on Energy Costs: Generate your own renewable energy and reduce utility bills.
Boost Property Value: Increase appeal to tenants and buyers.
Leverage Tax Incentives: Take advantage of federal and state programs like the Investment Tax Credit (ITC).
Solar is ideal for the following property types in Boston:
Apartment/Condo Complexes
Parking Lots/Garages
Retail Spaces
Schools and Municipalities
Hospitals
Shopping Centers/Malls
Industrial Parks
Hotels
Why Choose Green Current Advisors?
Expert Guidance: We simplify the compliance process by identifying the right solar solutions for your property.
Tailored Matches: Green Current Advisors connects you with the most reliable solar developers, installers, and maintainers.
End-to-End Support: From feasibility studies to installation oversight, we’re with you at every step.
Cost and Time Savings: Avoid costly fines and maximize incentives without lifting a finger.
BERDO, or the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance, is a regulation in Boston requiring large buildings to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, disclose energy usage, and comply with emissions performance standards to help the city achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
BERDO applies to non-residential and residential buildings in Boston over 20,000 square feet or residential buildings with 15 or more units. This includes apartments, offices, schools, hospitals, retail spaces, and more.
Property owners must:
Non-compliance can result in fines of up to $300 per day per building or $0.05 per square foot, as well as penalties for late or incomplete reporting.
Boston introduced BERDO to reduce carbon emissions from large buildings, which contribute over 70% of the city’s emissions. This is part of Boston’s goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Solar panels significantly reduce a property’s greenhouse gas emissions by generating renewable energy. This can help properties meet or exceed BERDO’s emissions reduction standards while lowering energy costs.
Property owners can benefit from:
You can install solar panels via:
Common challenges include:
Green Current Advisors provides end-to-end support for property owners, from conducting feasibility studies and identifying the right solar solutions to connecting you with trusted developers, overseeing the installation process, and ensuring full compliance with BERDO regulations.
