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After years of research, planning, and community engagement, the City of Cambridge is preparing for new greenhouse gas emissions reduction requirements for large buildings to take effect beginning January 1. The Office of Sustainability is reaching out to property owners covered under the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (BEUDO) to help them understand and prepare for the new requirements.
BEUDO is a key component of the City’s Net Zero Action Plan, a community-driven roadmap to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions citywide by 2050. Under the ordinance:
Non-residential properties with 100,000 square feet or more must begin reducing their emissions starting in 2026, with a goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2035.
Non-residential properties between 25,000 and 99,999 square feet will need to begin reducing their emissions in 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. Until 2030, they’ll have to maintain their emissions at or below a “baseline,” which, in most cases, is their property’s average greenhouse gas emissions for the years 2018-2019.
Residential properties do NOT have emissions reduction requirements under BEUDO.
"We’re grateful to the many building owners who are stepping up to help Cambridge meet our shared climate goals. Their leadership is critical to reducing the city's emissions and protecting our shared future," said Climate Chief Julie Wormser.
In Cambridge, buildings account for about 80% of the City's greenhouse gas emissions. BEUDO was originally passed by the Cambridge City Council in 2014, requiring large buildings to report their energy and water use annually. Cambridge building owners stepped up to the challenge with a compliance rate over 90%. Despite that success, emissions did not significantly decline.
That’s why, following years of public meetings, data analysis, and community feedback, the Council passed amendments to BEUDO in 2023 that require emissions reductions —moving the policy from tracking to action.
"We know these new requirements are a big, important step, and we’re committed to making the process as clear and supportive as possible," said Nikhil Nadkarni, Cambridge’s Senior Climate Program Manager. "Our team is here to guide building owners every step of the way."
The Office of Sustainability is mailing comprehensive information and guidance to all BEUDO-covered property owners. Staff are also rolling out new resources and tools, including:
Additional support includes online information sessions throughout the fall and winter. You can also email BEUDO@cambridgema.gov for property-specific answers.
To learn more and stay up to date, sign up for the BEUDO Newsletter.
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