Mayor Michelle Wu has announced the approval of an amendment to Boston’s zoning code to incorporate Net Zero Carbon (NZC) Zoning. This pioneering policy mandates that most new large buildings permitted after July 1, 2025, must achieve net zero carbon emissions upon opening.
Buildings account for nearly 71% of Boston’s carbon emissions. The NZC Zoning aims to reduce this by requiring new projects to minimize energy use, decrease reliance on fossil fuels, increase electrification, and utilize renewable energy sources. Specifically, the zoning applies to new developments with 15 or more units, those encompassing at least 20,000 square feet, or additions of 50,000 square feet or more to existing structures. Compliance will be assessed during the Article 80 Development Review process. Furthermore, both small and large projects must report on embodied carbon—the emissions associated with building construction and material manufacturing—with large projects required to conduct a comprehensive life cycle assessment of these emissions.
This initiative aligns with Boston’s broader goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and complements existing measures such as the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO), which sets emissions standards for existing buildings. By embedding sustainability into new developments, Boston aims to lead the transition to a low-carbon future, ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for its residents.
