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BERDO Regulations Development

The Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) requires large buildings in Boston to reduce their emissions. Regulations will set the rules for implementing BERDO. 

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Comment on Draft Regulations

Written comments on the Phase II.a draft regulations will be accepted until 12:00 p.m. on Friday, December 9, 2022. You can view draft regulations and policies online. Comments can be emailed to apcc@boston.gov. 

The Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) requires large buildings in Boston to:

  • report their annual energy and water use to the City, and
  • reduce their greenhouse gas emissions over time.

BERDO 2.0 is an important tool for helping Boston meet its climate goals. The first step for implementing BERDO is to develop and adopt regulations. The Air Pollution Control Commission reviews and adopts all BERDO regulations.

Phase I: Reporting and Verification

Phase I

On March 16, 2022 the Air Pollution Control Commission voted to approve the Phase 1 Regulations and associated Policies and Procedures. 

Second Public Comment Period

February 18, 2022 - March 11, 2022

First Public Comment Period

January 21, 2022 - February 11, 2022

INFORMAL Comment Period

December 20, 2021 - January 14, 2022

Phase II: Review Board and Emissions Accounting

DRAFT REGULATIONS OPEN FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

Written comments on the draft Phase II.a regulations will be accepted until 12:00 p.m. on Friday, December 9, 2022. Draft regulations and policies can be downloaded here. 

If you would like to provide comments, you may  send written comments to apcc@boston.gov or the Air Pollution Control Commission, Boston City Hall, Environment Department, Room 709, 1 City Hall Square, Boston, MA 02201. 

A public hearing concerning the revisions will be held on December 14, 2022, at 1:00 p.m., virtually at  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86329377111. Members of the public will be invited to provide comments at the hearing.

Phase II.a will focus on the following topics: 

  • Review Board member nomination and selection process and other rules and policies related to the seating and operation of the Review Board.
  • Designating a tenant as an owner
  • Blended emissions standards
  • Changing building ownership
  • Reporting for buildings in special circumstances

A public hearing concerning the proposed revisions on these topics will be held on December 14, 2022, at 1:00 p.m., virtually at  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86329377111. 

Phase II.b will focus on the following topics:

  • Emissions factors
  • Additional compliance mechanisms including renewable energy purchases

Proposed revisions to regulations on these topics will be presented at the Air Pollution Control Commission hearing on December 14, 2022 at 1pm. During this meeting, a public comment period on the revised Phase II.b regulations may be opened at the Commission's direction. 

Phase 2 Community Engagement Process

The table below summarizes the main components of the planned community engagement process for developing Phase 2 regulations. Details on upcoming public meetings can be found under "Events". The approach and timeline are subject to change.

Community Leads Meetings

Technical Working Sessions

Focus Groups

Air Pollution Control Commission

Special meetings with community partners

Public meetings on Zoom. Technical experts invited.

Special meetings to go deep into specific topics

Public meetings on Zoom 
  • Advise on community needs and priorities.
  • Engage residents.
  • Inform and provide feedback on regulations. 
  • Ensure the regulations and implementation of BERDO are aligned with environmental justice and equity.
  • Provide technical feedback  on regulations
  • Event details and registration info can be found under the "Events" section of this page.
  • Convening of specific groups to have in-depth discussions on relevant issues.
  • Scheduled as needed.
  • Series of monthly meetings from September to December.
  • City will present proposals and draft language on regulations.
  • Commission will provide direction and open public comment periods when appropriate.
KEY DATES FOR APCC HEARINGS (TENTATIVE SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE):

Meetings publicly noticed and accessible via the City of Boston public notices website.

  • September 28, time to be determined (APCC Special Hearing):  City presents first proposals for regulations.
  • October 19 at 1 p.m. (APCC Monthly Hearing): City submits draft regulations language. At the discretion of the Commission, first public comment period will open.
  • November 16 at 1 p.m. (APCC Monthly Hearing): Discussion of feedback from public comment period. 
  • December 14 at 1 p.m. (APCC Monthly Hearing): To be determined by prior hearing.

PAST Meeting Materials

Air Pollution Control Commission Hearings
Setpember 21 Working Session

Topic: District Energy Emissions Factors

September 14 Working Session

Topics: Grid Emissions Factors, Renewable Energy Purchases, Fossil Fuel Emissions Factors

September 7 Working Session

Topics: Blended Emissions Standards, Change of Ownership, Designating a Tenant as "Owner", and vacant buildings.

August 18 Listening Session on emissions topics
July 19 Listening Session on Review Board regulations

Upcoming events

Events
Air Pollution Control Commission Notice of Rulemaking
On Dec 9

Dec 9

Phase III: Compliance with Emissions Standards

Phase 3 of the BERDO regulations process will begin later in 2022 and will focus on the following topics:

  • Hardship compliance plans
  • Individual compliance schedules
  • Equitable emissions investment fund 
  • Additional regulations as needed

The timeline for Phase 3 is to be confirmed. Please stay tuned for updates.

Who's Involved

Environment
Air Pollution Control Commission
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