BERDO Education Forum

A coalition of Newton climate organizations (Green Newton, 350Newton, Mothers Out Front Newton, and the FUUSN Climate Action Task Force) are sponsoring a public education forum on BERDO. We would appreciate it if you could attend, and spread the word about the event to your networks. Contact me if you have questions. Light refreshments will be provided by Green Newton.

In Newton, about 23% of our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions come from about 293 large commercial buildings. In order to meet Newton’s Climate Plan goal of reducing GHG emissions to zero by 2050, the emissions from these buildings must be addressed. A draft Building Emission Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) will be presented to Newton’s Zoning and Planning Committee on Tuesday, May 28th. The ordinance pertains to existing non-residential buildings that are larger than 20,000 square feet in size, including houses of worship. The ordinance sets a timeline for building owners to begin measuring the emissions from the buildings, and for reducing emissions over time in a stepwise fashion. Come learn about this ordinance, why it is important and what you can do to support it in the upcoming public hearing.