A coalition of Newton climate groups* will present a free public education forum on BERDO (Building Emission Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance). It will be held on May 30, 6:30PM-8:30PM in the Parish Hall of the First Unitarian Society in Newton (1326 Washington Street, West Newton). Light refreshments will be provided by Green Newton. Register here.
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 28. 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. Learn about this ordinance, why it is important and what can be done to support it.
* Sponsored by FUUSN Climate Action Task Force, Green Newton, 350Mass Newton chapter, Mothers Out Front Newton Chapter.
