Boston Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO)
BERDO is a local law mandating that large buildings track, report, and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to reach net-zero by 2050. It covers non-residential properties more than 20,000 sq. ft. and residential buildings with 15+ units.
The legislation has specific impacts and requirements:
- Reporting: Building owners must report annual energy and water usage.
- Emissions Limits: Strict, decreasing carbon caps have been phased in to force energy efficiency upgrades and renewable sourcing.
- Penalties & Funds: Owners who exceed emissions limits must pay Alternative Compliance Payments or fines, which fund local climate projects.
- Boston.gov/berdo has all of the information you need about the requirements and resources.
- 2026 BERDO Reporting Form Questions - This the data collected through the BERDO Reporting Portal in addition to building characteristics and energy and water data, which is all collected through Energy Star Portfolio Manager.
- Building Use Type definitions
- Sign up for our Newsletter to stay up to date on announcements and reminders
2026 BERDO REPORTING DEADLINE AUGUST 15
The Boston Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) reporting deadline is August 15, 2026. If this is your first year of BERDO reporting or if your building is subject to the 2025 emissions standards, you will also need to complete the third-party verification process by August 15th. Buildings 35,000 SF and greater will need to comply with emissions standards for the first time this year.
The deadline to apply for a Building Portfolio, Short-Term Hardship Compliance Plan, or Individual Compliance Schedule for 2025 emissions is September 1, 2026. For more information about flexibility measures, check out the Flex Measures Quick Guide.
If you have questions about BERDO, you can reach out to the BERDO team at [email protected] or call 617-635-3850 x5. If you prefer to schedule a meeting on a specific BERDO topic, you can sign up here.
