Boston furthers efforts to promote energy efficiency in its facilities

The city of Boston is in the process of drafting an ordinance to track energy use in its facilities. In its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 25% by 2020, the city, through the mayor's Climate Action Leadership Committee and the Office of Environmental and Energy Services (EES), will be proposing a "Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance." Based on the philosophy that "knowing what you spend on water and energy use" will increase conservation; and as part of the city's "Leading by Example", the proposed ordinance is intended to both track and publicize the energy and water use in all city-owned facilities. The proposal is currently intended to commence in 2013 for the calendar year 2012. Initially, the requirement would apply to non-residential buildings greater than 50,000 s/f; and then proceed to cover residential buildings with more than 50 units; moving to smaller facilities including non-residential buildings with more than 25,000 s/f and then onto residential buildings with more than 25 units. Buildings will be required to participate in the reporting program would report annual energy and water use, and GHG emissions through Energy Star portfolio manager or an equivalent mechanism as approved by EES's Air Pollution Control commission. The proposal will be presented to the city council in the coming months for review and adoption. Susan Bernstein is an attorney at law, Needham, Mass.