City of Cambridge and Eversource Launch Building Energy Retrofit Program

CAMBRIDGE, MA (October 25, 2019) -- The City of Cambridge and Eversource today announced a new energy efficiency initiative, called the Cambridge Building Energy Retrofit Program, which targets buildings that are over 25,000 square feet or 50 units for energy-saving improvements. The program, which will proactively connect building owners and facility managers to energy efficiency services, incentives, and technical support, aligns with Cambridge’s Net Zero Action Plan to reduce building greenhouse gas emissions and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

“In Cambridge, buildings account for 80% of the city’s total greenhouse gas emissions. The Cambridge Building Energy Retrofit program helps large buildings access the resources they need to make energy efficiency upgrades that will reduce their energy use and cut their carbon footprint – an important step in furthering our Net Zero Action Plan,” said Iram Farooq, Assistant City Manager for Community Development. “Collaboration is crucial to the success of this program, and we are pleased to partner with Eversource as we work toward our shared climate mitigation goals.”

“Through the program, we are making it easier for large building owners, operators, and tenants to reduce their energy use and carbon emissions while saving money and enhancing their operations,” said Eversource Vice President of Energy Efficiency Tilak Subrahmanian. “We look forward to working with our Cambridge teammates to help program participants find the best solutions for their building and connect them with Eversource’s expertise, energy efficiency services, and incentives for upgrades.”

The City adopted the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (BEUDO) in 2014 to collect energy-related data from large commercial, institutional, and residential buildings. Combined, buildings that are subject to BUEDO are responsible for over 70% of the emissions from buildings in Cambridge. To assist buildings subject to BUEDO in taking steps to significantly reduce their energy use, the City and Eversource conducted policy research, quantitative analysis, and stakeholder engagement to develop the Cambridge Building Energy Retrofit Program.

The Cambridge Building Energy Retrofit Program helps BEUDO building owners take the next step to meet and exceed anticipated BEUDO performance requirements and enables the deep carbon savings necessary to meet the city’s climate mitigation goals.

For more information, visit cambridgema.gov/EnergyRetrofitProgram.