Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) FAQ
This list answers the most common questions Boston building owners have about meeting the city’s building emissions requirements. Whether you are preparing your first report or looking for ways to reduce emissions, you’ll find clear, straightforward guidance here.
What does BERDO stand for?BERDO stands for Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance. The name reflects its two parts: disclosure (public reporting of building energy use) and reduction (meeting emissions targets that become stricter in future years).
What is BERDO?BERDO is Boston’s Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance. It sets greenhouse gas emissions performance standards for large buildings in the city and requires owners to track, report, and reduce emissions over time.
What is the large entity reporting requirement in Massachusetts?Under BERDO, most Boston buildings over 20,000 square feet, or with 15 or more residential units, must file annual reports on energy and water use with the City of Boston. This reporting requirement began in 2013 and has continued each year, with the city publishing the data through its benchmarking program. In 2025, emissions performance standards took effect for the first time, and fines now apply to properties that exceed their limits.
How do I do an energy audit of a building?An energy audit involves inspecting your building’s systems to find where energy is wasted. It typically includes examining HVAC systems, lighting, insulation, and other factors affecting efficiency. Many BERDO-covered buildings start with a professional audit to pinpoint upgrades that will bring them into compliance.
How do I get an energy report?To meet BERDO’s reporting requirements, building owners usually work with energy benchmarking software or consultants who submit data to the city’s reporting portal. The City of Boston provides step-by-step guidance on its official BERDO webpage.
What is the Better Buildings Act Massachusetts?The Better Buildings Act is separate from BERDO but supports similar goals. It encourages energy efficiency improvements in large buildings and can complement BERDO compliance efforts by offering additional pathways and resources.
What solutions are available to comply with BERDO?
There is no single path to compliance, since every building has different systems and usage patterns. Many owners start with a professional energy audit to identify the biggest opportunities for improvement. Common solutions include:
Upgrading HVAC systems to high-efficiency models
Improving insulation, windows, and lighting to reduce energy waste
Switching to renewable or cleaner energy sources
Sealing ductwork and the building envelope to stop hidden air leaksOf these, sealing ductwork and the envelope is often one of the fastest and least disruptive ways to cut emissions. One proven solution is Aeroseal, a technology designed specifically to tackle hidden air leakage problems in commercial and multifamily buildings. Aeroseal’s computer-controlled process seals leaks from the inside, requires no demolition, and delivers guaranteed results. For many building owners, it’s a practical first step that quickly reduces wasted energy and helps shrink potential BERDO fines.
Aeroseal in ActionWhen building owners are looking for ways to close the gap on emissions quickly, Aeroseal often becomes the first upgrade. It works as both a standalone measure and a complement to other improvements like HVAC upgrades or insulation. Aeroseal stands out because it is:
Guaranteed and verified with before-and-after leakage reports
Non-destructive, with no need to open walls
Quick to install, often delivering results in just a few daysTo understand how it works, watch the Aeroseal process in action.See how one New York medical facility cut duct leakage by 97% and saved $22,694 annually in energy costs. This 100-year-old building stayed fully operational during the project, and the results were verified on-site, ensuring confidence in the energy savings and compliance gains.
“The veracity of Aeroseal’s energy model and the leakage rates the crew achieved gave us confidence that the savings would be on target, and it was all backed up with a guarantee on the ROI.” — Facilities Director, New York State Medical Facility
Ready to get started?Contact us to learn how Aeroseal can help your building meet BERDO requirements faster, easier, and without disruption.
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