The Cambridge City Council has taken a step closer to implementing a law that would require large commercial property owners to achieve “net zero” carbon emissions by 2035, 15 years earlier than the deadline set in Boston. According to the Boston Business Journal, the council voted in favor of advancing amendments to the city’s Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance, which would impose fines on properties that fail not reduce their emissions. The final vote on this measure is expected during its June 26 meeting.
Opposition from institutions like Harvard University and MIT has been met with proponents arguing wealthy cities like Cambridge should take a leadership role in tackling climate change. Under this plan, non-residential properties over 100,000 square feet must reduce emissions at least 80% of 2018-2019 levels by 2026 and reach net zero by 2035; smaller properties have until 2050 for compliance. This proposal demonstrates an increased commitment towards reducing carbon emission levels within Cambridge while setting an example for other cities across Massachusetts and beyond
