
The BE+ Decarbonize Existing Building Alliance Community brings together architects, designers, construction managers, and sustainability professionals to discuss issues related to existing buildings.
Reach out to decarbonize@builtenvironmentplus.org with any inquiries, questions, or concerns.
Decarbonize Existing Buildings Alliance
Decarbonize Existing Buildings Alliance
Decarbonize Existing Buildings Alliance
Decarbonize Existing Buildings Alliance
Objectives: Promote the transformation of communities throughout Boston and New England that are socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative.
Increase awareness of energy disclosure ordinances including BERDO and BEUDO and enhance understanding of requirements.
Provide information and resources to reporting organizations that answer “how do we comply” questions through general and building-sector specific webinars.
Convene regular roundtable discussions among practitioners, participants, manufacturers and other stakeholders.
Engage disadvantaged/underserved communities.
Share best practices and lessons learned.
Provide resources to building owners to help understand decarbonization pathways and create carbon reduction roadmaps.
Work with non-profit partners to provide information about/introductions to established practitioners.
What is the D.E.B. Alliance Community?
Existing buildings are major contributors to climate change. In 2015, existing residential and commercial buildings generated 1,913.3 MMtCO2e, or 29 percent of total U.S. emissions.
To help address this sector, Built Environment Plus (BE+) with Rethinking Power Management LLC (RPM) are spearheading a coalition of organizations with expertise in GHG reduction and who are committed to supporting decarbonization in existing buildings.
Topics & Speakers
August 2023 – Carbon Offsets + RECs
DEBA’s next roundtable will be 3:00-4:00 pm on October 4th.
The focus will be Carbon Offsets + RECs. More info to come!
August 2023 – Planning Pathways to Net Zero Carbon Emissions
DEBA’s next roundtable will be 3:00-4:00 pm on August 2.
The focus will be Planning Pathways to Net Zero Carbon Emissions. More info to come!
June 2023 – Mass Save DER programs with the existing building community
DEBA’s next roundtable will be 3:00-4:00 pm on June 7.
The focus will be Mass Save’s Deep Energy Retrofit programs. We’re pleased to welcome Kevin Lubinger, Program Manager at Eversource, and James Collins, Director, Climate Equity & Impact at ABCD, to discuss C&I and LEAN DER programs, respectively. If you’d like to attend, please register below.
Subject Matter Experts:
Kevin Lubinger | Program Manager | Eversource
James Collins | Director, Climate Equity & Impact | ABCD
April 2023 - Emissions Reduction Mandates: BERDO & BEUDO
At our April session, we’ll be focusing primarily on Boston’s BERDO ordinance and are excited to welcome Hannah Payne, Boston’s Director of Carbon Neutrality, to share information and answer questions. We’re also excited to welcome Seth Federspiel, Cambridge’s Climate Program Manager, to share updates and answer questions on their BEUDO ordinance. Bill Riordan, Senior VP at AlbireoEnergy, will be moderating the session.
Subject Matter Experts:
Hannah Payne | Director of Carbon Neutrality | City of Boston
Seth Federspiel | Climate Program Manager | City of Cambridge
February 2023 - Where to Start: Impacts of Increasing R Value on Building Performance
Staying with the ‘Where to Start’ theme, we’ll be focusing on increasing envelope R values, specifically walls and windows.
Rand Lemley | Architect with D/R/E/A/M Collaborative
Andrew Steingiser | Associate & Project Architect at RDH Building Science
Rebecca O’Hearn | Sustainability Consultant at Linnean Solutions
2022
December – Where to Start: Ventilation & Ventilation Controls
October – Where to Start: Low and Moderate Cost Envelope Improvements
August – Where to Start?
June – Welcome + Kickoff Planning Session
Community Stewards
Community Leadership

Ilene Mason
Chair
Founder and CEO at Rethinking Power Management

Rand Lemley
Co-Chair
Architect at DREAM Collaborative

William Riordan
Co-Chair
Senior VP Sales at Albireo Energy

Brad Mahoney
Board Liaison
Senior Project Manager at MP Boston

Rebecca Rahmlow
Board Liaison
Senior Associate and Sustainability Consultant at Thornton Tomasetti