The Boston Smart Utilities (BSU) Program aims to establish equitable, resilient, and innovative infrastructure in the City of Boston using the Article 80B Development Review process. Five Smart Utility Technologies (SUTs) across energy, water, telecommunications, and transportation broaden Smart City solutions.
Smart Utilities Review Process
Each stage of the Article 80 Development Review process involves Smart Utilities review as well as several city departments and agencies. The review process begins with the submission of a Project Notification Form, which must include three documents:
View the Smart Utilities Checklist template
Upon receipt, the Smart Utilities team will review the submission to ensure the project conforms with all required Smart Utility Technologies, determined by the project's size.
Smart Utilities Technology (SUT) Portal
Outlined below are the five SUTs and their respective project thresholds. Use the links provided to navigate to more detailed descriptions of each Smart Utilities Technology.
Advanced Energy Systems
Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) — such as district thermal systems, microgrids, nanogrids, photovoltaic (PV) systems , and/or energy storage systems — for a cluster of buildings that promote reliability, resilience, efficiency, and decarbonization. Many Advanced Energy Systems subject to this policy may be included within a Planned Development Area (PDA) under the Boston Zoning Code.
ACTIVATION THRESHOLD:
Project size exceeds 1.5 million GSF (subject to on-going review)
Green Infrastructure
Stormwater mitigation features, natural and engineered, that manage stormwater runoff either through infiltration or detention.
ACTIVATION THRESHOLD:
Project size exceeds 100k GSF (as of 2022)
Traffic/Transit/Pedestrian Technologies
The implementation of an interconnected network of signaling and sensor technologies aimed at promoting transportation efficiency and safety.
ACTIVATION THRESHOLD:
Project resides in corridor of interest, as determined by the Boston Transportation Department (BTD)
Smart Street Lights
Street lights outfitted with an array of technologies designed to promote equity, efficiency, public health and safety.
ACTIVATION THRESHOLD:
Project requires significant sidewalk reconstruction, as determined by the Public Improvement Commission (PIC) and Public Works Department (PWD)
Fiber and Telecom Equity
Digital efficiency and equity through telecom utilidors and city shadow conduit that increase ease of access for both constituents and future technologies.
ACTIVATION THRESHOLD:
Project size exceeds 1.5 million GSF, or resides alongside at least a half-mile of roadway
Program Background
For further background on the Smart Utilities Policy, including the program’s backstory, active policy considerations, and plans for future action, please visit the Background and History page.