During a recent government meeting, officials discussed ongoing efforts to implement the Building Emissions Reduction and Decarbonization Ordinance (BRDO) in Newton, highlighting its significance as the first action requiring emissions reductions since the city's climate action plan was approved four and a half years ago. The ordinance aims to address the rising costs associated with climate-related disasters, which totaled $92.9 billion in 2023 alone, with severe storms accounting for a record $54 billion.

Mister Dante Capasso is collaborating with city officials on a case study of a specific building at 181 Lexington Street, which is still in progress as they gather additional information. The meeting emphasized the importance of compliance pathways for buildings to meet BRDO standards through phased decarbonization strategies.

An illustrative example was provided involving a 30,000 square foot office building constructed in 1980. The building currently relies on natural gas for heating and is projected to undergo several upgrades over the next two decades to achieve net-zero emissions. Key steps include HVAC improvements, roof insulation enhancements, and the installation of heat pumps, which collectively aim to reduce emissions below the required standards by 2040.

The discussion underscored the city's commitment to tackling climate change through actionable policies and the necessity for building owners to adapt to new regulations to mitigate the financial and environmental impacts of global warming.