Starting next year, all newly constructed buildings in Boston must achieve “net zero” carbon emissions upon opening. This requirement, recently approved by the BPDA board, aims to reduce the city’s largest contributor to climate change – building emissions.
The mandate applies to buildings over 20,000 square feet or with at least 15 residential units and will be enforced for projects filing after July 1st of 2025. Certain exceptions are granted for life sciences labs (until 2035) and hospitals/manufacturing buildings (until 2045).
In addition to this regulation, the BPDA board has also given approval for several housing projects including a large apartment building in Allston and smaller developments in Dorchester and East Boston. However, a condo proposal faced opposition from local residents in West Roxbury resulting in its postponement. The measure is currently awaiting approval from the Zoning Commission as it seeks to balance environmental goals with market realities by allowing time for developers to adjust their plans accordingly.
This latest development marks another step towards achieving sustainable practices within Boston’s construction industry as it strives towards becoming a more environmentally-conscious city.
