BERDO Fest 2025
The City of Boston's inaugural BERDO Fest brought together hundreds of stakeholders driving building decarbonization across the City.
On October 23, 2025, the City of Boston's Environment Department hosted its first-ever BERDO Fest, which brought together hundreds of stakeholders driving building decarbonization across the city. This event, held at Artists for Humanity in South Boston, served as both an information and learning session to prepare owners of buildings subject to BERDO to comply with emissions standards set by the City of Boston. BERDO Fest was hosted in partnership with A Better City, Boston Green Ribbon Commission, Built Environment Plus, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP), and Mass Save Sponsors Eversource and National Grid.
The Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) is a Boston law that aims to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions generated by large buildings in the city. In his opening remarks, Chief Climate Officer Brian Swett highlighted that nearly 70% of Boston’s total emissions come from buildings, meaning BERDO is the single most impactful tool Boston has available to reduce its overall emissions and reach its goal of achieving carbon net neutrality by 2050.
This inaugural event included a resource fair, four panel discussions, and remarks by City of Boston representatives and building sustainability leaders. Five organizations also received recognition as Spotlights for their early leadership in building decarbonization. More than 30 vendors showcased sustainable energy technologies and solutions they offer to help building owners and property managers reduce building emissions and meet the city’s BERDO requirements (see the full 2025 vendor list).
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BERDO Fest Spotlights
BERDO Fest SpotlightsA first-of-its-kind renewable energy aggregation led by Harvard, MGB, MIT, and PowerOptions is driving building emission reductions through two new, large-scale projects, including the Big Elm Solar project in Texas, which ensures 1.3 million MWh of generated renewable energy is "additional" under BERDO rules. This collaboration enabled greater investment in new renewable energy than any single institution could achieve alone. Learn more >
The BXP portfolio achieved a 39% reduction in overall energy use since 2008 by implementing an energy efficiency strategy focused on retro-commissioning, the comprehensive fine-tuning of HVAC, electrical, and other building systems. This program, which typically pays for itself in under 24 months, has been applied to over 13 million square feet and is intended to cover 100% of all actively managed office buildings. Learn more >
The BXP portfolio achieved a 39% reduction in overall energy use since 2008 by implementing an energy efficiency strategy focused on retro-commissioning, the comprehensive fine-tuning of HVAC, electrical, and other building systems. This program, which typically pays for itself in under 24 months, has been applied to over 13 million square feet and is intended to cover 100% of all actively managed office buildings. Learn more >
A multi-phase restoration of the 1877 National Historic Landmark Trinity Church in Boston focused on preserving its historic character while significantly improving energy performance. Work included the installation of six geothermal wells, the first geothermal project in Back Bay. Learn more >
The Deep Energy Retrofit of the 102-unit Eva White Apartment complex utilized a comprehensive overhaul of building envelopes and mechanical systems to achieve projected energy reductions of 67% at 440 Tremont Street and 49% at 450 Tremont Street. This ongoing project, which included tenant engagement and thorough planning, serves as an important example of decarbonization progress in multi-family housing. Learn more >
The Deep Energy Retrofit of the 102-unit Eva White Apartment complex utilized a comprehensive overhaul of building envelopes and mechanical systems to achieve projected energy reductions of 67% at 440 Tremont Street and 49% at 450 Tremont Street. This ongoing project, which included tenant engagement and thorough planning, serves as an important example of decarbonization progress in multi-family housing. Learn more >
Decarbonization Resources
Are you a building owner subject to BERDO and looking to understand your emissions? Check out the following resources:
- Start by reviewing all of our support offerings
- Review your individual building’s emissions by using the BERDO emissions calculator
- Contact our help desk if you have any questions by emailing EnergyReporting@boston.gov
Seeking more support?
- Building Decarbonization Advisor Program: We’re launching a new condo cohort of our Building Decarbonization Advisor Program (BDAP). BDAP pairs owners with an engineering firm that develops them a zero-over-time plan at no cost!
- Equitable Emissions Investment Fund: This year, the BERDO review board voted to award a total of $750,000 to four non-profits to complete building decarbonization projects. The next application round is set to open in spring, 2026. Note, this fund is only open to nonprofit organizations.
If you’re a building owner who is not subject to BERDO but is still interested in decarbonizing your building, check out Boston Energy Saver, a service from the City of Boston that helps renters, homeowners, and small businesses upgrade their buildings for big savings. You can schedule a 1-on-1 consultation or reach out directly at 617-635-SAVE (7283) and energysaver@boston.gov.
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