In the fight to curb greenhouse gas emissions in Boston, buildings remain the largest obstacle. Buildings account for nearly 70% of greenhouse gas emissions in Boston. The 2021 amendment to BERDO gives the City authority to set carbon emissions standards for large existing buildings. The emissions standards will decrease over time, with all buildings achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
How do I ensure my building(s) comply with the BERDO 2.0 Ordinance?
BERDO 2.0 requires that buildings comply with annual reporting, due by May 15th of each year, which include three (3) main components:
- Energy Star Portfolio Manager: Used for reporting key building characteristics and energy and water usage.
- BERDO Reporting Form: Captures data required for BERDO 2.0 that isn’t included in Energy Star Portfolio Manager.
- Third-Party Data Verification: Third-party verification of buildings is required for the first year of reporting under BERDO 2.0. If thirdparty verification was completed in 2022, it is not required in 2023.
The City of Boston has published a step-by-step guide to completing annual energy and water reporting and third-party data verification for BERDO 2.0 in 2023
Understanding and navigating the new limits introduced in accordance with BERDO 2.0 can be overwhelming and stressful for building owners. Each journey toward compliance may look different but rest assured, the right collaborator will meet you at any point. The path to compliance can be summed up in one word— decarbonization. The journey to decarbonize your building is uniquely yours and Trane® is the right collaborator to help guide you.
When will BERDO 2.0 be implemented?
Disclaimer: Trane does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. This material is for informational purposes only and it should not be relied on for tax, legal, or accounting advice. Tax law is subject to continual change. All decisions are your responsibility, and you should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors. Trane disclaims any responsibility for actions taken on the material presented.
1. https://www.boston.gov/departments/environment/building-emissions-reduction-and-disclosure
2. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bTCjWuJzL-kfmM_nA_sIo9fm5BU5vwihdtbaq8OB3iU/edit
3. https://www.markey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/ira_implementation_guide.pdf
4. https://www.buildingengines.com/campaign/3-sustainability-mandates-in-commercial-real-estate-and-how-to-prepare/
5. “Driving Customer Engagement Through Portfolio Advisory Solutions,” Trane Technologies and Guidehouse Insights, published 2Q 2021.
6. “Refrigerant Management,” Project Drawdown