Benchmarking Standards for Boston Buildings
Our Mission‑Driven Approach in Boston
Building Performance Standards for Boston Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance
Performance Metrics
Annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (kgCO2e/sq. ft./year)
Performance Targets/Standards
Building targets are set by building type on an emissions intensity basis, each building’s target being multiplied by its gross floor area (blended average for multi-use buildings). Buildings must meet their targets annually starting in 2025, with the targets becoming more stringent every 5 years. Building owners can apply for an individual compliance schedule achieving 50% emissions reduction by 2030 and 100% by 2050 using a 2005 or later baseline.
Compliance Pathways
Buildings must meet emissions targets based on their use type, or their individual compliance schedule aligned with a 50% reduction by 2030 and 100% reduction by 2050 targets. Buildings with more than one primary use may comply with a blended CO2 emission standard.
Exemptions
Does not cover state, county, or federal buildings. Exemptions for newly constructed buildings, those with permits for demolition, and those facing spe- cific financial distress, single family housing and multifamily housing with under 15 dwelling units.
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Boston Building Energy Performance Standards
Policy Name
Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (Chpt VII, Sec 7-2.1 & 7-2.2)
Year Enacted
2021
Covered Buildings
All Public/Gov’t. Comm & MF buildings ≥ 20,000 sq. ft., 15 residential units
Compliance Cycle
Annually starting in 2025 for buildings ≥ 35,000 sq. ft. and 2030 for those between 20,000 - 34,999 sq. ft., with emissions targets ratcheting down every 5 years thereafter until zero carbon in 2050.
Enforcement
Failure to comply with emission standards will result in a fine of $1000 a day for non-residential buildings 35,000 sq. ft. or two or more buildings on a parcel ≥ 100,000 sq. ft and for residential buildings ≥ 35,000 sq. ft. or with 35 dwelling units or more. Failure to comply with emission standards will result in a fine of $300 a day for non-residential buildings ≥ 20,000 sq. ft. but < 35,000 sq. ft. and for residential buildings ≥ 20,000 sq. ft. but < 35,000 sq. ft. or with ≥ 15 dwelling units but < 35 dwelling units.
