Pathway to Net Zero: Strategic Planning for BERDO Compliance

Boston’s Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) is accelerating the push towards net-zero emissions for large buildings by 2050. Unlike previous discussions that focused on building optimization and retro commissioning strategies, this article outlines the long-term game plan for owners and design teams: how to reach net-zero using renewable energy, battery storage, electrification, and scalable infrastructure upgrades.  

The journey to net-zero emissions doesn’t happen overnight – and it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With careful planning and phased implementation, buildings can meet BERDO’s compliance deadlines while modernizing operations and reducing utility costs. The key lies in understanding the emission thresholds, forecasting future load demands, and strategically layering in renewable systems and electrification projects over time.  

Key Steps to Reach Net Zero Under BERDO 

1. Know Your Benchmarks and Emissions Schedule

BERDO requires buildings 20,000SF and larger (or multifamily buildings with 15+ units) to reduce emissions gradually starting in 2025, with a mandated trajectory to net-zero by 2050. Emissions caps are calculated in metric tons of CO2eCO2e per SF based on building type.  

First, determine your building’s current GHG emissions using a reliable tool such as ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager or similar platforms. Compare baseline to the cap for your building type to assess how far you need to go.

2. Prioritize Load Reduction and Electrification

Before adding renewables, you can always look for the low hanging fruit – reducing your overall energy load by reviewing existing building systems. 

• Lighting: Convert fluorescent fixtures to LED and add occupancy/vacancy/daylighting sensors where possible.  

• HVAC: Replace aging systems with electric heat pumps or VRF systems.  

• Domestic hot water: Electrify water heating where feasible.  

• Envelope upgrades: Improve insulation and windows to reduce heating/cooling demands.  

This step is crucial because lower energy demand means a need for smaller renewable systems, lowering upfront costs. Electrification may increase the building’s electrical load short term, so plan upgrades to your electrical infrastructure accordingly, especially service entrance and panelboard capacities.  

3. Incorporate On-Site Renewable Energy and Storage

After reducing a building’s energy demand through efficiency and electrification, renewable energy becomes the primary tool for achieving net-zero emissions. Onsite solar PV systems—whether rooftop, canopy, or ground-mounted—allow facilities to generate clean electricity and directly offset grid usage. When paired with battery energy storage systems (BESS), solar energy can be stored and used during peak demand or outages, increasing reliability and reducing dependence on fossil fuel-based utility power. 

For buildings requiring advanced resiliency or future scalability, microgrid-ready designs integrate solar, storage, and emergency power into a unified, flexible system. In cases where onsite solar is limited by space or structure, offsite renewable sources or Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) can supplement emissions reductions. RECs represent the environmental attributes of renewable energy and allow building owners to claim carbon offsets even when on-site generation is not feasible. 

Together, these renewable strategies provide a scalable, effective path toward BERDO compliance—transforming sustainability goals into measurable outcomes.  

4. Plan for Phased Infrastructure Upgrades for BERDO Compliance

Meeting BERDO targets doesn’t require a one-time retrofit – it calls for strategic long-term planning. You can always develop a roadmap that phases improvements in alignment with capital budgets and BERDO milestones:  

• Short-term (2025-2030): LED retrofits, VFDs, BAS upgrades, benchmarking 

• Mid-term (2030-2040): Replace fossil-fuel HVAC with heat pumps, install PV and storage.  

• Long-term (2040-2050): Electrify domestic hot water, eliminate any remaining fossil loads. 

Don’t forget to consider utility coordination, panelboard capacity, and structural assessments for solar arrays and equipment locations.  

Using tools like EnergyPlus, eQUEST, or OpenStudio, simulate how each proposed upgrade will reduce emissions over time. Pair these results with BERDO’s emissions thresholds to ensure your building remains on track through each reporting cycle, to avoid any accrued fines.  

This is especially important for buildings with fluctuating occupancy or usage profiles such as healthcare facilities, labs, or higher education buildings.  

Conclusion

While BERDO sets an ambitious target, it also offers a clear framework for transforming the way buildings operate. Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 doesn’t mean ripping out systems all at once – it means setting a course today and following a data-driven, phased plan.  

By combining building electrification, onsite renewables, energy storage, and emissions forecasting tools, MEP consultants, like ourselves, can guide clients towards a cost-effective and compliant solution.  

Now is the time to shift from reactive retrofit to proactive design, and to turn sustainability from a regulation into a competitive advantage. 

Written by:

Logan Cabral

Electrical Designer

Sources

Government of Boston, Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure, accessed July 21, 2025

US EPA, Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)

Energy Star, Benchmark Your Building With Portfolio Manager

NREL, Solar Energy Basics, accessed March 25, 2025