Newton Adopts Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Act

NEWTON, MA — The City Council voted to approve the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance during its meeting Tuesday night. The ordinance includes the implementation of a protocol that gradually reduces greenhouse gas emissions from large buildings with the goal of having zero direct emissions by the year 2050.

Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said that Newton took inspiration from the nearby communities of Boston and Cambridge.

“Newton’s BERDO ordinance impacts the 385 largest buildings in Newton,” Fuller explained. “These buildings are equal to or greater than 20,000 square feet which commonly are retail stores, supermarkets, shopping malls, schools, churches, or office complexes.”

Building owners will be required to submit annual reports of greenhouse gas emissions to the city. The 385 buildings are composed of both residential and non-residential. The 47 largest non-residential will be the first to submit their reports, which are due on Sept. 15, 2025.

Fuller expressed gratitude toward Co-Director of Sustainability Bill Ferguson for his contributions throughout the more than three-year process of getting BERDO passed.