BERDO Compliance

(This information has been pulled from the Boston.gov website)

BERDO is a Boston regulation designed to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from large buildings. Covered building owners must report annual energy and water use to the City of Boston. Beginning in 2025 or 2030, depending on building type, owners must also meet emissions limits. These limits become more strict over time, with all covered buildings expected to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

Who Does BERDO Apply To?

• Residential buildings with 15 or more units

• Non residential buildings that are 20000 square feet or larger

• Tax parcels with multiple buildings that together total at least 20000 square feet or 15 units

Mixed use buildings or parcels are considered residential if 50 percent or more of the gross floor area, excluding parking, is used for residential purposes.

Your Responsibilities

• Annual Reporting: Submit your building’s total energy and water use from the previous calendar year to the City of Boston by May 15 each year.
• Third Party Verification: Have your reported data verified by a qualified third party during your first reporting year and during each required verification year.
• Emissions Compliance: Reduce annual emissions to meet or fall below the emissions limit assigned to your building type.

How to Report

BERDO reporting includes three main steps:

• Enter building details and annual energy and water use in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager

• Complete the BERDO Reporting Form to provide emissions related information

• Complete third party verification (Home Energy Raters)

Third Party Verification Requirements

You must work with a qualified energy professional, like Home Energy Raters, to verify your reported data. Verification is required in your first reporting year, during your first emissions compliance year in either 2026 or 2031, and every five years after that. Boston’s BERDO compliance can feel like a moving target. The deadline for reporting is approaching quickly—May 15th—and failure to comply could result in daily fines ranging from $300 to $1,000 for property owners.

At Home Energy Raters, we understand the challenges you face, and we’re here to help. Let us take the burden of BERDO compliance off your plate entirely. We manage everything—from data collection and third-party audits to the final submission—allowing you to focus on what you do best: managing your property. Give us a call today at 508-833-3100.