Boston, MA — Environmental advocates delivered 1,800+ petition signatures to Boston City councillors and the Mayor’s office demanding them to pass a reinforced and updated Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO). Community organizations of Green Justice Coalition and other environmental advocates are concerned that fewer than 3% of buildings are currently responsible for over half of all citywide emissions. These are Boston’s hospitals, universities, labs, hotels and corporate offices. The group was received by Councilor Matt O’Malley.
“We need the support of our city council to achieve a carbon emission reduction in Boston by 2030 to avoid the worst effects of climate change such as storms, flooding, and warming temperatures,” said Dwaign Tyndal, Executive Director at Alternatives for Community & Environment. “We had a strong process that engaged consulting technical experts, building owners, and the Resident Advisory Group. Passing BERDO 2.0 will redirect funds into investing in our community, creating reliable jobs and reducing impacts of climate change from the largest and most polluting buildings in the city.”
In an updated proposal by Councilor Matt O’Malley, a cut in climate change emissions from large buildings can encourage an efficient climate for low-income communities and communities of color disproportionately impacted by climate changes.
“Our city council must take action urgently to take advantage of these opportunities and pass the proposed BERDO 2.0 swiftly. The ordinance will improve air quality, clean up our buildings, create over 500 jobs, and create a fund overseen by a review board with ⅔ community stakeholders,” said Paulina Casasola, Climate Justice Organizer, Clean Water Action.
In partnership with this ordinance, the Green Justice Coalition’s petition delivery demands that the city pass BERDO 2.0 to invest in the community and lessen the impact of storms, flooding, and warming temperatures for those most impacted.
“By passing BERDO 2.0 we can hold large buildings accountable for the carbon emissions they give off. We are responsible for cleaning up Boston but we must do it together and for each other,” said Andy Wells-Bean, Boston Climate Action Network Campaign Coordinator.
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About Clean Water Action:
Since the organization’s founding during the campaign to pass the landmark Clean Water Act in 1972, Clean Water Action has worked to win strong health and environmental protections by bringing issue expertise, solution-oriented thinking, and people power to the table. www.cleanwater.org
About The Green Justice Coalition:
The Green Justice Coalition (GJC) is a partnership of community-based, environmental, and labor allies who lead campaigns that have a meaningful impact on working-class people and communities of color. Together, our members organize and advocate for a just transition to a sustainable economy that allows our communities to achieve environmental and economic justice. GreenJusticeCoalition.org.