March 4, 2020
The Community Development Department is committed to reporting annually on progress towards implementation of the Net Zero Action Plan (NZAP). Fiscal Year 2019 (July 2018 - June 2019) is the fourth year of NZAP implementation. Program feasibility and design studies are yielding program implementation and policy recommendations. FY19 included actions in all five categories: Action 1 - Energy Efficiency in Existing Buildings, Action 2 - Net Zero New Construction, Action 3 - Energy Supply, Action 4 - Local Carbon Fund, and Action 5 - Engagement and Capacity Building. Key accomplishments include establishment of a Building Energy Retrofit Program to support comprehensive energy retrofits in large Cambridge buildings, passage of amendments to Green Building Requirements for new buildings, and commencement of a Resilient and Renewable Thermal Analysis to decarbonize building heating and cooling. The Annual Report gives a status update of each action, and also summarizes quantitative indicators which can serve as baselines for measuring future progress towards achieving GHG emissions reductions through the Net Zero Action Plan.
Click here for the FY 2019 Net Zero Action Plan Annual Report
January 15, 2020
The City is currently accepting applicants to be on the NZAP 5-Year Review Task Force. For more information and to apply, please click here. The application deadline has been extended to January 31, 2020.
October 2019
Attend upcoming Planning Board and Ordinance Committee Meetings to discuss proposed Exterior Building Insulation (Setback Requirements) and Article 22 (Green Building Requirements) zoning amendments. For the Exterior Building Insulation full proposal, see below, and click here for the Article 22 proposed changes.
Planning Board Meeting-
October 29, 2019
6:30pm
City Hall Annex, 2nd Floor
344 Broadway, Cambridge, MA
For more information and links to the agenda, visit the Planning Board Meetings website.
Ordinance Committee Meeting-
November 12, 2019
12-2pm
City Hall, 2nd Floor Sullivan Chamber
795 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA
Visit Meeting Portal for the full agenda and meeting materials.
Meeting about Proposed Zoning Amendment to Allow Exterior Insulation
The City hosted a meeting on Thursday, October 17, 2019 at the Citywide Senior Center Arts and Crafts Room (806 Massachusetts Ave. 2nd Fl) from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Adding insulation to the exterior of a building is a cost-effective and non-disruptive way to reduce a building's energy use, save money, and lower GHG emissions. Current zoning in Cambridge allows for the addition of exterior insulation in specific circumstances. However, this in many instances requires a zoning variance, which can be costly and time-consuming. The proposed amendment would increase zoning flexibility to make it easier for property owners to install exterior insulation without needing a variance. For the full proposal, click here. The proposed amendment aligns with the City's Net Zero Action Plan strategies.
During this meeting, City staff will explain the background and details of this zoning proposal and answer questions from the public. Click here for the presentation on the proposed Exterior Building Insulation zoning amendment.
Example of a house that installed exterior insulation before siding was re-installed:
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
The Community Development Department is committed to reporting annually on progress towards implementation of the Net Zero Action Plan (NZAP). Fiscal Year 2018 (July 2017 - June 2018) is the second year of NZAP implementation. Actions are therefore beginning to transition from study of program feasibility and design to initial program implementation and policy recommendations. FY18 included actions in all five categories: Action 1 - Energy Efficiency in Existing Buildings, Action 2 - Net Zero New Construction, Action 3 - Energy Supply, Action 4 - Local Carbon Fund, and Action 5 - Engagement and Capacity Building. Key accomplishments include implementation of the Low Carbon Energy Supply Strategy study and stakeholder input into potential performance requirements through the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance. The report gives a status update of each action, and also summarizes initial quantitative indicators which can serve as baselines for measuring future progress towards achieving GHG emissions reductions through the Net Zero Action Plan.
Click here for the FY2018 Net Zero Action Plan Annual Report
July 2019
Read the Summer 2019 Newsletter for more information on current progress.
July 2018
For updates regarding current progress:
Click here for the Summer 2018 Newsletter
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
The Community Development Department is committed to reporting annually on progress towards implementation of the Net Zero Action Plan (NZAP). Fiscal Year 2017 (July 2016 - June 2017) is the second year of NZAP implementation. Actions therefore focused on continued study of program feasibility and design along with initial pilot program implementation. FY17 included actions in all five categories: Action 1 - Energy Efficiency in Existing Buildings, Action 2 - Net Zero New Construction, Action 3 - Energy Supply, Action 4 - Local Carbon Fund, and Action 5 - Engagement and Capacity Building. Key accomplishments include launch of the Multi-Family Energy Efficiency Pilot program, completion of the Low Carbon Energy Supply Strategy study, and initial investigation of a potential Local Carbon Fund. The report gives a status update of each action, and also summarizes initial quantitative indicators which can serve as baselines for measuring future progress towards achieving GHG emissions reductions through the Net Zero Action Plan.
Click here for the FY2017 Net Zero Action Plan Annual Report.
Friday, April 20, 2018
The Community Development Department is pleased to share the results of the Low Carbon Energy Supply Strategy study. The City of Cambridge engaged a consultant team led by Ramboll to undertake a Low Carbon Energy Supply Strategy study in support of the City’s commitment to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. The purpose of the study was to determine current and future energy demand, assess the potential for renewable energy generation in Cambridge, develop technical scenarios for renewable energy delivery systems, and evaluate the risks, benefits, and feasibility of each scenario along with discussion of potential implementation pathways.
Click here for the Low Carbon Energy Supply Strategy Report
Friday July 7, 2017
The Community Development Department is pleased to share the Fiscal Year 2016 Net Zero Action Plan Progress Report. The Net Zero Action Plan aims to set Cambridge on the trajectory towards zero greenhouse gas emissions from buildings over a 25-year period. FY16 is the first year of Net Zero Action Plan implementation. Most of the actions therefore focus on studying the feasibility and design of action categories. FY16 included actions in four of the five categories: Action 1 – Energy Efficiency in Existing Buildings, Action 2 – Net Zero New Construction, Action 3 – Energy Supply, and Action 5 – Engagement and Capacity Building. Significant progress was made in each of these areas, including planning for the renewal of municipal buildings, initiating a low carbon energy supply strategy, and developing a communication strategy. The report gives a status update of each action, and also summarizes initial quantitative indicators which can serve as baselines for measuring future progress towards achieving GHG emissions reductions through the Net Zero Action Plan.
Click here for the FY2016 Net Zero Action Plan Progress Report
Monday June 22, 2015
Net Zero 25-Year Action Plan adopted by City Council
The City Council unanimously voted to adopt the Net Zero 25-Year Action Plan and also request that language be drafted and referred to the City Council to include LEED gold + points. Updates to the LEED requirement will be before the Council late summer/early fall.
Click here for the Net Zero 25-Year Action Plan (Gantt Chart)
Tuesday June 9, 2015
Health & Environment Committee Voted to Approve the Net Zero Action Plan
The Health and Environment Committee, chaired by Councilor Leland Cheung, held a public hearing on Tuesday, June 9 in Sullivan Chamber, City Hall. The purpose of the hearing was to discuss a proposed framework for the goal of setting Cambridge on the trajectory to becoming a “net zero community.” The Committee voted to approve the net zero action plan and also request language to change the LEED requirement in the zoning code by the Council’s summer meeting (August 10). Click here for a summary of the Committee Report.
Monday May 4, 2015
The Net Zero Action Plan has been completed and sent to the City Council as part of the City Manager's Agenda for Monday, May 4.
Check out snapshots of the of the Framework and Action Plan & Timeline:
Thursday April 16, 2015
Upcoming meeting of interest: Thursday, April 16, 2015 from 6:00 P. M. to 8:00 P. M. at the Citywide Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Avenue, 1st Floor Ballroom. This is the last scheduled meeting of the Net Zero Task Force. After this last meeting, the Task Force's recommendations will be submitted to the City Manager. It is anticipated that in early May the City Manager will forward the recommendations to the City Council for discussion.
Wednesday April 8, 2015
Public Forum: The Path towards a Net Zero Cambridge
Join us for a public forum on The Path towards a Net Zero Cambridge featuring the Net Zero Task Force and a presentation of their 25-year action plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from building operations citywide! The purpose of this forum is for Task Force members to present their recommendations to the public followed by a question and comment session. This is an opportunity for the City to solicit public input and support on the Task Force’s recommendations as well as receive feedback on issues of concern. See the draft action plan below!
DRAFT Net Zero Task Force Reports
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Net Zero Task Force meeting, Wednesday, March 4th from 7:00 P. M. to 9:00 P. M. Smith Campus Center, 2nd Floor, 1344 Massachusetts Avenue. Entrance located next to Cambridge Trust (to the left of the main entrance). A sign will be on the door indicating the location
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
CANCELLED: Net Zero Task Force meeting. Wednesday, February 11th from 6:00 P. M. to 8:00 P. M. Location and details to follow.
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
(Postponed due to weather)
Upcoming meeting of interest: Wednesday, January 28, 2015 from 6:00 P. M. to 8:00 P. M. at the Citywide Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Avenue, 1st Floor Ballroom. Details to follow.
Monday, January 12, 2015
Interim Net Zero Task Force Meeting: Monday, January 12, 2015, 11:30AM to 1:30PM at 344 Broadway, 2nd Floor Conference Room. We will be hosting an interim Net Zero Task Force meeting to continue discussions on the draft bold moves action plan. For more information on the draft bold moves plan, go to the "Presentations & Meeting Materials" Tab to review the December 10 meeting minutes and presentation.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Upcoming meeting of interest: Wednesday, December 10, 6:00 P. M. to 8:00 P. M. at the Citywide Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Avenue, 1st floor ballroom.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Upcoming meeting of interest: Wednesday, November 19, 6:00 P. M. to 8:00 P. M. **Please note the location change**
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Net Zero Task Force Upcoming Meeting of Interest: Wednesday, October 8, 6:00 P. M. to 8:00 P. M. at the Citywide Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Avenue. We will be hearing presentations on the challenges and opportunities of single-family and multi-family residences as well as reviewing the results of the prioritization exercise regarding the preliminary working group ideas. *See agenda under "Presentations & Meeting Materials" Tab
Tuesday, September 23
Public Forum: Getting toward Net Zero, 6:00 P. M. to 8:30 P. M.
- Join us for a discussion at the Cambridge Main Public Library, Lecture Hall, 449 Broadway: Getting toward Net Zero featuring guest panelists and big ideas for reducing carbon emissions from buildings. The purpose of this forum is for the City to present the Net Zero Task Force's preliminary ideas to the public followed by guest expert analysis and feedback in addition to public comment. Panelists will craft an objective response to the preliminary ideas and offer recommendations moving forward. This is an opportunity for the City to solicit public input on the preliminary ideas as well as receive feedback on issues of concern.
Featuring Guest Panelists:
- Ralph DiNola, Executive Director, New Buildings Institute
- Luke Falk, Sustainability Manager, Related Companies
- Christina Halfpenny, Director, Energy Efficiency Division, Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources
August 6, 2014
Net Zero Task Force Upcoming Meeting of Interest: Wednesday, August 6, 6:00 P. M. to 8:30 P. M. at the Citywide Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Avenue.
June 25, 2014
Net Zero Task Force Upcoming Meeting of Interest: Wednesday, June 25, 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Citywide Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Avenue. Please note the location change.
June 4, 2014
The most recent Net Zero Task Force meeting was held on Wednesday, June 4, 6:00 P. M. to 8:00 P. M. at the Main Library, 449 Broadway in the Community Room. Task Force members discussed the ideas from each of the four working groups. Working Group facilitator, Barbra Batshalom led the discussion in which Task Force members clarified their concerns and shared ideas that excite them most. In addition, Integral Group's, Rachel Moscovich proposed a 2014 engagement plan. The meeting concluded with public comment in which attendees raised concerns and shared new ideas for consideration.
May 14, 2014
The May Net Zero Task Force meeting was held on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at the Citywide Senior Center. Members from each of the four working groups reported back to the Task Force. In addition, Integral Group project consultant presented an overview of energy supply and renewable energy options. The meeting concluded with a group exercise to help develop an engagement strategy over the course of the year.
April 9, 2014
The third Net Zero Task Force meeting was held on April 9, 2014 at Cambridge City Hall, Sullivan Chamber. Members from each of the four working groups reported back to the Task Force. In addition, Dave Ramslie, Integral Group, led a discussion of early action items and recommendations and Paul Gromer, Peregrine Energy Group, presented a preview the Cambridge Building Energy primer. All meeting materials may be found under the "Presentations & Meeting Materials" tab.
Early April 2014
The first meetings of the Net Zero Task Force Working Groups were held on April 7 and 8. Attendees were presented a roadmap of the working group process. In addition, the project consultants facilitated working group conversations to identify conditions that characterize the current state in Cambridge. For working group meeting minutes, please check under the "Working Groups" tab.
Mid-March 2014
The project team is currently organizing the Net Zero Task Force Working Groups. Working Groups are charged with investigating the following topics in detail: regulation and planning approaches; incentives and financing tools; energy supply and offsets; and engagement and behavior change. For more information on the Net Zero Task Force Working Groups, check under the "Working Groups" tab.
March 5, 2014
The second Net Zero Task Force meeting was held on Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at City Hall, Sullivan Chamber. Integral Group consultants provided an overview of best practices from other cities. In addition, the Task Force were presented a revised proposal for the Net Zero Task Force Working Groups. For more information on the Net Zero Task Force Working Groups, please check under the "Working Groups" tab. All other meeting materials may be found under the "Presentations & Meeting Materials" tab.
January 28, 2014
The first Getting to Net Zero Task Force meeting was held on Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at the City Hall Annex. The Task Force was presented an overview of the scope and work plan for the year. In addition, City staff discussed other related Cambridge initiatives that support the vision of the Net Zero Task Force. For meeting minutes, please check under the "Presentations & Meeting Materials" tab.