Building Performance Regulations
In Massachusetts, building performance regulations are primarily governed by the state’s building energy codes and local emission ordinances, which are designed to enhance energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The energy codes, along with the local ordinances, shape the regulatory landscape.
Building Performance Disclosures
These ordinances require annual disclosure of energy and water usage.
Scope: Disclosure Only
Compliance Overview
1. Annual Reporting: Building owners must report their building’s energy and water usage each year, often using tools like the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.
Examples: Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ LBER and Lexington’s BEU-D which require large buildings to report their energy use.
Building Performance Standards
These ordinances require annual disclosure of energy and water usage and emissions reductions over time.
Scope: Disclosure + Emissions Reduction
Compliance Overview
1. Annual Reporting: Building owners must report their building’s energy and water usage each year, often using tools like the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.
2. Third-Party Verification: Reported data must be verified by a third party in the first reporting year and periodically thereafter.
3. Emissions Standards: Buildings must meet emissions reduction targets that become more stringent over time, aiming for significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Non-compliance can result in penalties.
Examples: Boston’s BERDO, Cambridge’s BEUDO, and Newton’s BERDO, which require large buildings to report their energy use and meet emissions reduction targets.
Review statewide regulations:
Massachusetts' LBER
Massachusetts’ Large Building Energy Reporting
Start Here: Mass.gov LBER Website
If applicable, review city and town specific regulations:
Boston BERDO
Cambridge BEUDO
Newton BERDO
Lexington BEU-D
The Building Peformance Exchange is funded by MassCEC
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center accelerates building decarbonization with proven electrification technologies, financing solutions, and workforce programs that deliver immediate economic and environmental benefits to every Massachusetts community.
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