Real Estate Decarbonization Strategy
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The Planning Department will work to achieve zero net carbon emissions at all BPDA-owned properties through the newly adopted decarbonization strategy. This strategy builds on Carbon Free Boston and the Climate Action Plan Update, the City of Boston’s initiative to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 in order to significantly reduce the greenhouse gas emissions, that contribute to climate change.
In Boston, buildings account for nearly 70 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, and represent the greatest opportunity for emissions reductions. The BPDA’s real estate portfolio, 320 parcels totaling over 13 million square feet, emits an estimated 31,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide in one year.
Staff have laid out strategies that align with the various types of real estate assets in the agency’s portfolio:
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Existing buildings that are owned by the BPDA and managed by the Planning Department: Immediately begin planning and implementing operational improvements and renovations to achieve zero net carbon for each building by 2030. The BPDA’s properties already meet Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) standards for office use. Examples of BPDA properties include 12 Channel Street in the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park and the China Trade Building in Chinatown.
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Existing buildings on land that the BPDA ground leases: Immediately begin tenant engagement and education and complementary strategies to achieve full carbon neutrality by 2040.
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New buildings on BPDA-owned land: Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and lease negotiations for new buildings over 20,000 square feet on BPDA-owned land will include zero net carbon requirements. In the rare case where a new building is developed but is not carbon neutral, it will have a clear decarbonization plan.
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Other parcels in the BPDA portfolio: Creative options, including clean energy generation, are being identified to offset operational carbon emissions, contribute to a net zero carbon portfolio, and drive innovation to support equity and environmental justice.
The Planning Department has begun initial steps to execute on this strategy, including initiating energy audits and exploring a solar energy generation pilot on BPDA-owned land. Staff will track results of the strategies identified and continue to work with other City departments to make adjustments to the policy as needed.