As Boston tightens its regulations to combat climate change, building owners are facing new challenges to stay compliant with the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO). If you own or manage a large commercial property, understanding how to navigate these standards is crucial to avoid fines and penalties. That’s where Green Econome steps in—helping you comply, reduce emissions, and achieve long-term energy savings. 

What Are BERDO Emissions Requirements? 

To reduce the environmental impact of Boston’s largest buildings, the city has set strict emissions standards that gradually lower every five years, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. Here are the key points you should be aware of: 

  • Buildings over 20,000 square feet or residential properties with 15+ units must comply. 
  • By 2025 or 2030 (depending on your building’s size), you’ll need to report your energy use and greenhouse gas emissions to the city annually.  
  • Every five years, buildings must either reduce emissions by 15% or complete a detailed energy assessment. 

Emissions reduction schedule by building type: 

How Green Econome Simplifies BERDO Compliance  

We specialize in helping Boston commercial real estate owners meet energy benchmarking and emissions reduction targets. With our expert team, you can: 

We assist in benchmarking, tracking, and reporting your building’s energy use and emissions through ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager®. We ensure that your data is accurate and submitted on time, so you stay compliant with BERDO’s requirements year after year. If you already have benchmarking covered, we can provide third-party verification services.   

Beyond benchmarking, Green Econome can help plan an effective strategy that aligns your reduction targets with company goals and budget. By conducting energy audits and analyses, Green Econome acts as an extension of your team to make efficiency recommendations, provide energy management, verify and track reductions to ensure you are on track for BERDO compliance.  

Green Econome is an end-to-end service provider that can manage and/or install your energy and water efficiency projects. Whether an LED lighting retrofit or a full scale building decarbonization and clean energy system, we leverage a national team of professionals to get the job done. 

Avoid Penalties – Act Today! 

The clock is ticking on Boston’s emissions standards, and penalties for non-compliance can add up fast, up to $1,000/day! Green Econome offers a streamlined approach to meet BERDO’s energy and emissions requirements, saving you time, money, and stress. Ready to make your building more efficient and compliant? Contact Green Econome today for a consultation and see how we can help you reduce emissions, lower costs, and stay ahead of Boston’s climate regulations. 

The clock is ticking on Boston’s emissions standards, and penalties for non-compliance can add up fast, up to $1,000/day! Green Econome offers a streamlined approach to meet BERDO’s energy and emissions requirements, saving you time, money, and stress. Ready to make your building more efficient and compliant? Contact Green Econome today for a consultation and see how we can help you reduce emissions, lower costs, and stay ahead of Boston’s climate regulations. 

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RELEVANT SERVICES

Cities around the US are implementing energy benchmarking laws. Boston is paving the way for energy efficiency with their Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO). The BERDO energy benchmarking ordinance provides an excellent opportunity for commercial real estate owners to improve their energy performance while saving money and staying ahead of future greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction requirements. If you’re a property owner or manager in the city, staying compliant with BERDO is crucial—and Green Econome is here to help. 

What is BERDO Energy Benchmarking in Boston?

Passed in 2013, Boston’s Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) requires large commercial and residential buildings to report their annual energy and water usage by May 15th annually to the city, as well as stating emissions standards every 5 years, starting in 2025 or 2030 depending on building size. This regulation applies to: 

  • Residential buildings that have 15 or more units 
  • Non-residential buildings that are 20,000 square feet or larger 
  • Parcels with multiple buildings totaling at least 20,000 square feet or 15 units 

What are the Benefits of BERDO?

Failing to meet BERDO energy benchmarking reporting requirements can result in penalties of up to $1,000/day! 

But beyond compliance, energy benchmarking through ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager® can help property owners identify areas for efficiency improvements and cost savings. Tracking and optimizing energy usage can significantly increase the value of your commercial property. Buildings that perform better in energy efficiency often attract more tenants and offer long-term savings on utility bills. By staying ahead of Boston’s energy benchmarking ordinance, you’ll ensure your property remains competitive in the city’s fast-growing commercial real estate market. 

Maximize Energy Efficiency in Boston with Green Econome’s Energy Benchmarking Services 

With over 20 years of combined experience in commercial real estate and benchmarking, Green Econome’s expert team is here to take the stress of BERDO compliance off your plate. Don’t wait until the last minute—get in touch with Green Econome today to simplify the compliance process and unlock energy savings for your property. For more information on how we can assist with Boston BERDO compliance, or energy benchmarking for commercial properties in any US state, contact Green Econome today!

RELEVANT SERVICES

In this episode of IMN’s Spotlight Podcast: Shining the Light on Real Estate Market Players, Green Econome’s founder Marika Erdely sits down to talk about what running a woman-owned business focusing on ESG in commercial real estate is like. She discusses the importance of energy benchmarking, successful case studies, mentorship, and the future potential of Green Econome and the industry.

You don’t want to miss this tell-all episode! You can listen to this episode and more on IMN’s Spotlight Podcast on SoundCloud or Spotify.

Sit down with Green Econome’s own Marika Erdely and the inimitable Kate Shoemaker of Assured Partners and CREW Orange County, and enjoy this episode of “Behind The Logo”.

In this fun and candid conversation, Kate and Marika discuss everything from the “Need to Do Initiative” of energy efficiency and sustainability in CRE, Arnold Schwarzenegger, networking scaries, and building a better future for all. 

As part of CREW Network, the industry’s premier business organization, CREW Orange County transforms the commercial real estate industry by advancing women globally. CREW Network’s membership of 12,000 professionals in over 75 major global markets represents all aspects of commercial real estate—providing our members with direct access to real estate professionals across all geographies and disciplines.

Head over to CREW Orange County to explore their mission, community, and opportunities to connect.

Here at Green Econome, we’ve been at the forefront of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) reporting, eagerly anticipating the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) ruling on mandatory disclosures for public companies. Fundamentally, ESG is a way of doing business. Green Econome lives in the world of the “E”, the “Environmental” with our ENERGY STAR® benchmarking and energy and water efficiency services. While we recognize that the “S” and the “G” are equally important for businesses to report on, we are going to focus on the “E” and how that relates to the SEC’s new ruling. Let’s get into it.

Unpacking the SEC Climate-Related Disclosures

What are public companies required to report and how does that intersect with commercial real estate? On March 6, 2024, the SEC passed legislation requiring public companies to measure their Scope 1 and 2 emissions as part of their annual reporting and include how climate risk will affect their businesses in the near future. This ruling is meant to enhance and standardize climate-related disclosures. The SEC also included a materiality clause to help guide businesses as to what to report. Although, it’s important to note that since March, there has been intense business opposition. But let’s get to the bottom line here: what are Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions and why do we need to report on them?

Defining Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions

Scope Emissions Pyramid

Basically, Scope 1 is for all direct Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions through the combustion of gas in buildings or by the business’ fleet. Scope 2 is indirect emissions for the electricity the business is consuming from the grid. Both emissions are part of the collection of data standard to ENERGY STAR benchmarking. Scope 3, although significant, was not included in the SEC’s ruling.

The ‘E’ in ESG is where Green Econome thrives

We are here to ENERGY STAR Benchmark your portfolio to meet your “E” goals and reduce the operating costs of your building. As a woman-owned, full-service energy and water efficiency construction and consulting company, we have over 20 years of combined experience. We provide accurate benchmarking services and insights to recommend solutions and incentives that will increase the NOI and market value of your property. Let us help you better understand and accomplish your property’s ESG goals to reduce emissions and meet science-based targets (SBTi).

Contact Founder and CEO Marika Erdely
Mobile: 818-681-5750
Email: marikae@greeneconome.com

DOWNLOAD OUR ESG SERVICES BROCHURE

RELEVANT SERVICES

Los Angeles, CA (March 26, 2024) – Green Econome is proud to announce that it has received the 2024 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a second consecutive year.

Green Econome Founder and CEO, Marika Erdely reflects on the meaning of this award, “I am incredibly proud to be an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year, two years in a row. Since founding this company in 2009 from scratch, to being acknowledged by the EPA for the quality work we do, I am very appreciative of the hard work and integrity of our team, and our clients who entrust us with their business. We have achieved this recognition together.”

Each year, the ENERGY STAR program honors a select group of businesses and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to energy efficiency and the transition to a clean energy economy. ENERGY STAR award winners lead their industries in the production, sale, and adoption of energy-efficient products, homes, buildings, services, and strategies. These efforts have saved more than five trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity over the past 30 years. In 2023, Green Econome benchmarked over 1,200 buildings, with 9 buildings earning their first-ever ENERGY STAR certification. Through ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager® web services, Green Econome introduced custom analytics and client reports in 2023, and is developing a client dashboard, further customizing how clients can view and interact with their building data.

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda creates unprecedented opportunity to build a clean energy economy, and private sector partners through programs like ENERGY STAR are leading the way,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “I congratulate this year’s ENERGY STAR award winners for their innovation and leadership, in delivering cost-effective energy-efficient solutions that create jobs, address climate change, and contribute to a healthier environment for all.”

Winners are selected from a network of thousands of ENERGY STAR partners. For a complete list of 2024 winners and more information about ENERGY STAR’s awards program, visit energystar.gov/awardwinners.

About Green Econome

Green Econome is a woman-owned small business in the dynamic intersection of sustainability and commercial real estate, providing energy and water efficiency compliance, consulting, and construction services nationwide. Our integrated team has over 20 years of combined experience finding energy-efficient solutions that positively affect market valuations, reduce environmental impact, meet ESG and sustainability goals, and ensure regulatory compliance.

About ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR® is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions. Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners helped American families and businesses avoid more than $500 billion in energy costs and achieve more than 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions. More background information about ENERGY STAR’s impacts can be found at www.energystar.gov/impacts.

Media Contact:

Karalyn Honea
karalyn@greeneconome.com

In this episode of The Commercial Real Estate Report podcast, Chris Berg of Abernathey Holdings and Green Econome Founder and CEO, Marika Erdely take a deep dive into:

  • Solar and clean energy requirements in CA
  • The positive impacts of ESG
  • Challenges facing CRE and building performance
  • Financial incentives and the tax benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act

The Commercial Real Estate Report is dedicated to bringing you in-depth analyses, market trends, and expert opinions from the world of commercial real estate. Whether you’re an investor, a developer, or simply someone interested in the dynamics of commercial properties, they’ve got you covered. Find them on YouTube @TheCommercialRealEstate. Listen, share, subscribe.

CREW Orange County and Green Econome present Connections 2024 Outlook Lunch and Learn

Please join us on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, for lunch, learning, and networking at Tangram Interiors‘ beautiful space in Newport Beach. Green Econome CEO, Marika Erdely will be discussing:

  • What you need to know about energy and water disclosure laws for existing buildings.
  • Critical insight into ESG and its impact on commercial real estate.
  • Available utility incentives and tax benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act for new development, renovations, and efficiency upgrades.

Space is limited. Registration is required and closes on January 9, 2024 at noon. We hope to see you there!

CREW Connections 2024 Outlook Lunch and Learn

Wednesday, January 10th
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Tangram Interiors
1375 Dove Street, Suite 300
Newport Beach, CA 92660

COMPLIANCE GUIDE

WHAT IS THE BRISBANE BUILDING EFFICIENCY PROGRAM (BBEP)?

The city launched the Brisbane Building Efficiency Program (BBEP) to address energy and water use in existing buildings to help make them more efficient, thereby saving owners money, improving the safety and comfort of building stock, and reducing emissions that are driving climate change  

DOWNLOAD BRISBANE BBEP BROCHURE

BBEP PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Policy

BUILDING EFFICIENCY PROGRAM

Bill Text

ORDINANCE

Enforcing Agency

CITY OF BRISBANE, CA

Size of Property

10,000 SQ. FT. AND ABOVE

Property Type

COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS

Required Information

12 MONTHS ENERGY AND BUILDING USE DATA

Phase II Building Performance
Standards Compliance

YES, BEYOND REQUIREMENTS

Enforcement

$100-$500 FINES

BBEP ORDINANCE DEADLINES

PHASE I – BENCHMARKING DISCLOSURE

May 15 – Annually

PHASE II – BUILDING PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

May 15, 2023 (Commercial) 

May 15, 2024 (Multifamily, Industrial) 

*Every 5 years 

EXEMPTIONS FROM BBEP BENCHMARKING

  • If a Certificate of Occupancy or Temporary Certificate of Occupancy for the building was not issued for more than half of the calendar year required to be benchmarked. 
  • If the building were vacant for more than half of the calendar year required to be benchmarked. 
  • If the building did not receive energy or water services for more than half of the calendar year required to be benchmarked. 
  • If a demolition permit for the entire building has been issued. 

PROGRAM ENFORCEMENT

Failure to comply may subject the owner to non-compliance fees as specified in Section 1.16 the Brisbane Municipal Code which can administer fines of $100 to $500 for violations.

PHASE II BUILDING PERFORMANCE STANDARDS REQUIREMENTS

The BEYOND requirements of the Brisbane Building Efficiency Program aim to help inefficient buildings improve their energy and water usage and reward high-performing ones. The cycle operates on a 5-year cycle and is separate from the BBEP annual benchmarking report. To meet the Beyond requirements of the Brisbane Building Efficiency Program, buildings must show that they are high-performing (Performance Path) or take steps to improve (Prescriptive Path)

PERSCRIPTIVE PATH

Conduct an audit under the supervision of a Qualified Auditor and prepare an audit report for the year 1 deadline.

For the year 3 deadline, you must decide which action you will take to improve your building and provide an update to BBEP staff. Options include:

  • Green Lease
  • RCx (Retro Commissioning)
  • Improvement Measures

For the year 5 deadline, you must submit all relevant forms, documents, and reports signed by Qualified Professionals.

PERFORMANCE PATH

Verify that your building meets the qualifications for high performance for both energy and water and prepare performance verification report for the year 1 deadline.

For the year 3 deadline, you must decide which action you will take to improve your building and provide an update to BBEP staff. Options include:

  • Green Lease
  • RCx (Retro Commissioning)
  • Improvement Measures

For the year 5 deadline, you must submit all relevant forms, documents, and reports signed by Qualified Professionals.

Meeting exemptions can save up to 65% off the cost of a full ASHRAE Level II Audit/RCx Report. If you need benchmarking performed or an evaluation of your existing benchmarking report, please contact us right away.

AS BENCHMARKING CONSULTANTS AND ESG REPORTING EXPERTS, WE WILL WORK WITH YOU TO DEVELOP A BUILDING PERFORMANCE BASELINE FOR COMPLIANCE

Green Econome takes an accurate, efficient, and comprehensive approach to ENERGY STAR® benchmarking that ensures you receive meaningful data about the performance of your building for disclosure compliance, ESG reporting, green loans, auditing, or whatever your project needs may be. Our property use details and utility data collection, review, and verification process leads to complete benchmarking.

COMPLIANCE GUIDE

WHAT IS THE CHULA VISTA BUILDING ENERGY SAVING ORDINANCE (BESO)?

The Chula Vista Building Energy Saving Ordinance (BESO), is a citywide energy benchmarking & building performance program requiring owners of existing commercial and multifamily buildings to report energy use annually, using ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager®, meet building performance standards every 5 years, and demonstrate improvements every 10 years.

DOWNLOAD CHULA VISTA BESO BROCHURE

BESO PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Policy

CITY OF CHULA VISTA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN

Bill Text

CHULA VISTA BUILDING ENERGY SAVING ORDINANCE

Enforcing Agency

CITY OF CHULA VISTA

Size of Property

20,000 SQ. FT. AND ABOVE

Property Type

COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS

Required Information

12 MONTHS ENERGY AND BUILDING USE DATA

Phase II Building Performance
Standards Compliance

YES

Fees

N/A

BESO ORDINANCE DEADLINES

PHASE I – BENCHMARKING DISCLOSURE

May 20 – Annually

PHASE II – BUILDING PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
CONSERVATION REQUIREMENT COMPLIANCE DUE DATE 50,000+ SQ.FT. COMPLIANCE DUE DATE 20,000-49,999 SQ.FT.
Commercial Buildings Performance Targets / A/RCx Every five (5) years beginning
2023 or later. Schedule TBD.
Every five (5) years beginning
2026 or later. Schedule TBD.
Commercial Buildings Min. Improvement Requirements Every ten (10) years beginning
2028 or later. Schedule TBD.
Every ten (10) years beginning
2031 or later. Schedule TBD.
Multifamily Prescriptive
Upgrades
2023 or later, schedule TBD. 2023 or later, schedule TBD.

EXEMPTIONS FROM BENCHMARKING

  1. No/temporary certificate of occupancy for more than half of the reporting calendar year.
  2. The building is scheduled to be demolished one year or less from the reporting date.
  3. The building is under financial distress.
  4. The building does not receive energy or water service.
  5. Disclosure of energy usage data would result in the release of proprietary information covered by applicable privacy law(s).

PROGRAM ENFORCEMENT

Failure to comply with this law results in a notification and a 60-day window. If a building owner/agent does not submit the report within that time, they are subject to fines of up to $2,250 on a per-incident basis, with the amount based on the building’s gross floor area (GFA).

PHASE II BUILDING PERFORMANCE STANDARDS REQUIREMENTS

Phase II consists of conservation requirements every five (5) years, and demonstrating minimum improvements every ten (10) years. The requirements are categorized between multifamily and commercial building types.

COMMERCIAL

CONSERVATION REQUIREMENTS

Buildings must meet either the Performance Targets or the Audit Requirement every 5 years, and the Minimum Improvement requirement every 10 years.

MULTIFAMILY

PRESCRIPTIVE MEASURES

Buildings built prior to 2006 must perform prescribed measures. Properties with Significant Common Load are subject to Commercial Conservation Requirements.

Meeting exemptions can save up to 65% off the cost of a full ASHRAE Level II Audit/RCx Report. If you need benchmarking performed or an evaluation of your existing benchmarking report, please contact us right away.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES: CONSERVATION REQUIREMENT DETAIL

High Performing Buildings are exempt from all requirements. All other covered commercial buildings must demonstrate energy reductions that meet or exceed Performance Targets, and submit an ASHRAE Level I or higher energy audit and retro-commissioning report (A/RCx).

EXEMPTIONS

Buildings must meet one of the following requirements to be exempt from both the 5-year Performance Targets and the 10-year Minimum Improvement Requirement:

  1. HIGH PERFORMANCE BUILDING:
    • Submit a benchmarking report for the most recent compliance deadline AND meet any of the following:
    • ENERGY STAR score of 80 or greater
    • Achieved ENERGY STAR certification
    • Achieved LEED Existing Building Certification for three (3) of five (5) preceding years
  2. The Property has been occupied for less than five (5) years
  3. The Property is in Financial Distress
  4. A demolition permit for the entire Property has been issued and demolition work has commenced
  5. The Property is not subject to the Benchmarking Requirement
CONSERVATION REQUIREMENT DETAIL

Non-residential buildings, and multifamily buildings with Significant Common Load which do not meet any of the above exemptions must:

EVERY FIVE (5) YEARS

  • Meet or exceed the Improvement Target % (see chart below) by reducing energy use compared to the baseline ENERGY STAR score or EUI equivalent, within the 5-year compliance window. OR;
  • If the building does not meet or exceed the Improvement Target %, An ASHRAE Level I or higher energy Audit and Retro-commissioning (A/RCx) report must be conducted and submitted to the City.

EVERY TEN (10) YEARS

  • Meet or exceed the Mandatory Minimum Improvement (see chart below) by reducing energy use compared to the previous (5-year) baseline ENERGY STAR score or EUI equivalent.

[su_table alternate=”no”]

BASELINE ENERGY STAR SCORE / EQUIVALENT SITE EUI-WN 5-YEAR IMPROVEMENT TARGET 10-YEAR MANDATORY IMPROVEMENT
1-45 / 80+ 30% 15%
46-65 / 51-79 20% 10%
66-79 / 19-50 10% Exempt
80+ / 0-18 Exempt Exempt

[/su_table]

MULTIFAMILY PROPERTIES: CONSERVATION REQUIREMENT DETAIL

High Performing Buildings are exempt from all requirements. All other covered multifamily buildings must meet the prescriptive measures requirement by their first 5-year deadline. Additionally, buildings with Significant Common Load (10,000+ Sq. Ft. master metered, or shared common meter/load) are subject to the Conservation Requirements outlined above for commercial properties.

EXEMPTIONS

Buildings must meet one of the following requirements to be exempt from Conservation Requirements:

  1. HIGH PERFORMANCE BUILDING:
    • Submit a benchmarking report for the most recent compliance deadline AND meet any of the following:
    • ENERGY STAR score of 80 or greater
    • Achieved ENERGY STAR certification
    • Achieved LEED Existing Building Certification for three (3) of five (5) preceding years
  2. The Property has been occupied for less than five (5) years
  3. The Property is in Financial Distress
  4. A demolition permit for the entire Property has been issued and demolition work has commenced
  5. The Property is not subject to the Benchmarking Requirement
PRESCRIPTIVE MEASURES DETAIL

Multifamily Residential Properties constructed prior to 2006 must perform the minimum number of energy efficiency upgrades, or ‘measures’ required in the table below, within all tenant spaces where utility costs are borne by tenants. Owners may choose from a prescribed list of applicable measures. Efficiency measures already in place, or not included on the list count toward satisfying the minimum number of measures.

[su_table alternate=”no”]

YEAR BUILT        CLIMATE ZONE 7*  CLIMATE ZONE 10* 
Pre-1978 Choose four (4) Measures Chose five (5) Measures
1978 – 1991 Choose three (3) Measures Chose five (5) Measures
1992 – 2005 Choose two (2) Measures Chose five (5) Measures

[/su_table]

* Chula Vista Climate Zone Map

PRESCRIPTIVE MEASURE LIST SAMPLE
  • Attic Insulation
  • Air Sealing
  • Cool Roof
  • Duct Sealing
  • LED Lighting
  • Water Heating Package
  • Heat Pump Water Heater Replacement
  • HVAC Replacement
  • Windows

GREEN ECONOME PHASE II (A/RCx) PROCESS

    1. Evaluate the Phase I benchmarking report(s) for the building’s least-cost path to Phase II compliance (or complete benchmarking, if annual disclosure hasn’t been met).
    2. Provide Phase II proposals for applicable services.
    3. Upon signed agreement, fulfill Phase II services, submit compliance requirements to the City, and provide reports to the building owner/representative.

AS BENCHMARKING CONSULTANTS AND ESG REPORTING EXPERTS, WE WILL WORK WITH YOU TO DEVELOP A BUILDING PERFORMANCE BASELINE FOR COMPLIANCE

Green Econome takes an accurate, efficient, and comprehensive approach to ENERGY STAR® benchmarking that ensures you receive meaningful data about the performance of your building for disclosure compliance, ESG reporting, green loans, auditing, or whatever your project needs may be. Our property use details and utility data collection, review, and verification process leads to complete benchmarking.