QUICK SUMMARY
Boston hosted its inaugural BERDO Fest on October 23, 2025, focusing on building decarbonization. The event gathered hundreds of stakeholders to discuss compliance with emissions standards under the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO), which targets significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from large buildings.
On October 23, 2025, Boston held its inaugural BERDO Fest at Artists for Humanity, uniting stakeholders focused on building decarbonization. This event served to prepare building owners for compliance with the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO), which targets substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from large buildings. Chief Climate Officer Brian Swett highlighted that buildings account for nearly 70% of the city's emissions, underscoring BERDO's significance in achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The festival included a resource fair, four panel discussions, and acknowledgments of five organizations recognized for their early leadership in sustainability. Over 30 vendors showcased energy-efficient technologies and solutions available to assist property managers in meeting the city's emissions standards. The collaborative effort involved partnerships with organizations such as A Better City, the Boston Green Ribbon Commission, and Mass Save Sponsors. This inaugural event marks a pivotal step in Boston's strategy to combat climate change and promote sustainable building practices. It reflects the city's commitment to engaging community stakeholders in the transition to a low-carbon future.