BERDO Review Board
The BERDO Review Board works to ensure the equitable implementation of BERDO, the City's initiative to get large buildings to net zero emissions by 2050.
NOTICE: The deadline to apply for a Building Portfolio and/or an Individual Compliance Schedule to be in effect in 2025 was January 6, 2025. Applications received after this date will be considered for the year 2026.
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important DEADLINES ▸APR 1: 2026 Long-term Hardship ▸May 15: Annual Reporting ▸SEP 1: 2026 building Portfolios and Individual Compliance Schedules ▸Oct 1: 2026 Short-term Hardship
About the Review Board
The BERDO Review Board is a nine-member independent board of volunteers. They oversee the implementation of BERDO and work to ensure environmental justice communities benefit from BERDO decarbonization efforts.
Of the nine members who comprise the board:
- Six must be nominated by a community-based organization,
- Two may be nominated by any individual or organization, including self-nomination, and
- One is reserved for the Chair of the Boston City Council's Environmental Justice, Resiliency, and Parks Committee, or their designee.
- Review, accept, or deny applications for flexibility measures.
- Make funding decisions for the Equitable Emissions Investment Fund.
- Issue notice of violations subject to penalties.
- Recommend updates to BERDO regulations and policies.
Flexibility Measures
Flexibility Measures are options available to building owners to adjust their emissions limits and/or timelines for emissions reductions. These measures are subject to eligibility criteria, and most require approval from the BERDO Review Board.
The following flexibility measures require approval by the BERDO Review Board:
- Building Portfolios
- Individual Compliance Schedules
- Hardship Compliance Plans
Building Portfolios: A single owner can group their BERDO buildings into a Building Portfolio and comply with a portfolio-wide Blended Emissions Standard, rather than addressing each building individually. All buildings in the portfolio must have the same owner.
Individual Compliance Schedules: Building owners who have been tracking historical emissions data may apply for a customized emissions reduction timeline based on that data and by selecting a baseline year. Total emissions must be reduced by 50% by 2030 and 100% by 2050 from baseline.
Hardship Compliance Plans: Owners experiencing an eligible technical or financial hardship may request an alternative emissions reduction timeline and/or more flexible emissions reduction targets.
Deadlines for Flexibility Measure Applications
| Flex Measure | Deadline | How to Apply |
| Short-Term Hardship Compliance Plan for 2025 |
Rolling Basis* |
1. Review the Hardship Compliance Plan application guides 2. Email your application packet to BerdoReviewBoard@boston.gov |
| Long-Term Hardship Compliance Plan for 2026 |
April 1, 2025 |
1. Review the Hardship Compliance Plan application guides 2. Email your application packet to BerdoReviewBoard@boston.gov |
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September 1, 2025 |
Submit an application form via the BERDO Application Homepage |
| Short-Term Hardship Compliance Plan for 2026 | October 1, 2025 |
1. Review the Hardship Compliance Plan application guides 2. Email your application packet to BerdoReviewBoard@boston.gov |
*Short-term Hardship Compliance Plan applications are being accepted on a rolling basis if you've explored other compliance options and are facing extenuating circumstances. the City will accept your application. Earlier submission can provide greater certainty for your planning.
BERDO Resources
Resources↗ TEMPLATE FOR BUILDING PORTFOLIO BLENDED EMISSIONS STANDARD
↗ application guide & FAQ
↗ Compliance Cost Calculator template
↗ english Template for Notice of HCP Hearing
↗ translated templates for notice of HCP hearing
The Commercial Real Estate Working Group meets to discuss topics and potential issues that arise for the commercial real estate industry in relation to BERDO.
↗ Working Group Members and Meeting MinutesThe Healthcare Institutions Connected to District Energy Systems Working Group meets to discuss topics and potential issues that arise for healthcare institutions in relation to BERDO.
↗ Working Group members and Meeting MinutesLearn how to use the BERDO Environmental Justice map tool with this How-to-guide.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming EventsMeeting Minutes and Agendas
Meeting MinutesMarch 10, 2025
January 13, 2025
December 9, 2024
November 25, 2024
November 12, 2024
October 28, 2024
October 15, 2024
September 23, 2024
September 9, 2024
August 26, 2024
August 12, 2024
June 24, 2024
June 10, 2024
April 22, 2024
April 8, 2024
March 11, 2024
February 26, 2024
February 12, 2024
January 8, 2024
December 4, 2023
November 20, 2023
November 6, 2023
October 23, 2023
October 2, 2023
September 11, 2023
August 21, 2023
August 7, 2023
July 24, 2023
July 10, 2023
June 26, 2023
June 12, 2023
Current Board Members
Members
Who's Involved:
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important DEADLINES ▸APR 1: 2026 Long-term Hardship ▸May 15: Annual Reporting ▸SEP 1: 2026 building Portfolios and Individual Compliance Schedules ▸Oct 1: 2026 Short-term Hardship
