Flynn moves to roll back building emission disclosure to bolster housing construction. Critics say no evidence suggests a relation between the two.
Councilor Ed Flynn put forth a resolution last week in support of rolling back the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) and the Stretch Energy Code for the next five years.
Flynn said that housing production has dropped significantly in recent years
“All options should be on the table to increase supply and meet demand,” he said, but sent his resolution straight to committee, claiming that it was “not the time for politics.”
“There is no credible evidence that BERDO is responsible for the slowdown in housing production, and rolling it back would only harm the communities already bearing the greatest burden of pollution,” Councilor Coletta Zapata told Caught In Southie. “Suspending BERDO and the Stretch Energy Code for five years would be a serious step backward for Boston and undermine our leadership on climate action.”
70% of Boston’s total greenhouse emissions come from the burning of fossil fuels to heat, cool, and power the city’s largest buildings. BERDO requires the annual reporting of water and energy consumption, third-party verification, and a reduction in total annual emissions for residential buildings with 15 or more units and non-residential buildings with 20,000 square feet or more.
In 2025, properties of 35 units or more were additionally required to reduce emissions by reducing energy consumption, transitioning away from fossil fuels, using or purchasing renewable energy, or begin making Alternative Compliance Payments. Buildings containing 15-34 units or non-residential buildings between 20,000 and 34,999 square feet will be subject to compliance by 2030.
Failure to comply with BERDO is met with daily fees of $300 per day, or $109,500 per year.
A 2025 report by theWorker Empowerment Cabinet states that BERDO will drive at least $4.4 billion in new spending by 2030 that could support upward of 29,000 new green careers per year.
The Boston Climate Action Network (BCAN) said they categorically reject Flynn’s resolution.
“BERDO is a world-leading climate standard that improves health, lowers long-term energy costs, and creates good-paying jobs,” BCAN said, in a statement. “The Net-Zero-by-2050 approach ensures long-term action and provides predictability and transparency for building owners in their capital planning. Rolling back the Ordinance for five years harms predictability and guts our ability to take action on climate.
BCAN was joined by the Massachusetts chapter of the Sierra Club in urging the council not to support Flynn’s resolution.
Jacob Downey is a contributor to Caught in Dot. He is formerly of The Clock, Plymouth State University’s award-winning student newspaper. He enjoys spending time with his two kittens – Gin and Tonic – reading Uncanny X-Men and writing about local government meetings.
We need bold action to increase the number of housing units in the city. The council should think of the citizens first.