Understanding BERDO: A Guide for Building Owners

Boston skyline Understanding BERDO Inovis Energy

Hey there, building owners! If you own or manage property in Boston, you’ve probably heard about the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO). This might sound like just another piece of regulation, but it’s actually a game-changer for creating a greener, more sustainable city. Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to digest and show you how Inovis Energy can help you navigate these new rules.

What is BERDO?

BERDO is Boston’s ambitious plan to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. It requires large buildings to report their energy and water usage annually and meet progressive emissions reduction targets starting in 2025. Buildings over 20,000 square feet, or residential buildings with 15 or more units, fall under this ordinance.

Key Requirements

  1. Annual Reporting: Every year, you need to report your building’s energy and water usage through the ENERGY Star Portfolio Manager and the BERDO Reporting Form. This helps the city track progress and identify areas needing improvement.
  2. Emissions Standards: Starting in 2025 for buildings over 35,000 square feet and in 2030 for those between 20,000 and 35,000 square feet, you’ll need to meet specific carbon emissions standards. These standards will get stricter over time, so early action is crucial. Find out if your building is required to report: BERDO Covered Building List
  3. Third-Party Verification: You’ll need a qualified energy professional to verify your data initially and then every five years. This ensures that the reported data is accurate and reliable.

Compliance Strategies

So, how can you ensure your building meets these standards? Here are a few strategies:

  • Energy Efficiency Improvements: Upgrade your HVAC systems, improve insulation, and adopt energy-efficient lighting.
  • Switch to Renewables: Consider transitioning to electric heating and explore options for purchasing renewable energy.
  • Alternative Compliance Payments (ACPs): If you can’t meet the standards directly, ACPs allow you to contribute to environmental justice projects as an alternative compliance method.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Ignoring BERDO isn’t an option if you want to avoid hefty fines. Failure to comply with reporting requirements can cost you between $150 to $300 per day, while not meeting emissions standards can rack up fines from $300 to $1,000 per day. Inaccurate reporting can lead to fines between $1,000 and $5,000. Yikes!

How Inovis Energy Can Help

Navigating BERDO compliance might seem daunting, but that’s where Inovis Energy comes in. We specialize in helping building owners like you make the necessary upgrades and ensure compliance with BERDO. Here’s how we can assist:

  • Energy Audits and Assessments: We’ll evaluate your building’s current energy usage and identify areas for improvement.
  • Efficiency Upgrades: From HVAC upgrades to lighting retrofits, we provide the solutions needed to reduce your emissions.
  • Renewable Energy Solutions: We’ll help you transition to renewable energy sources, making your building more sustainable.
  • Compliance Assistance: We’ll guide you through the reporting process, ensuring all your data is accurate and verified.

By partnering with Inovis Energy, you can not only meet BERDO’s requirements but also enhance your building’s performance and reduce operating costs.

Get Started Today

Ready to take the next step? Check out these resources to get started:

Understanding and complying with BERDO is crucial for all Boston building owners. But with the right strategies and support, it’s entirely manageable. Let’s work together to create a greener, more sustainable Boston.

If you have any questions or need personalized assistance, feel free to contact us at Inovis Energy. We’re here to help!