Greenhouse Gas Reduction - Becoming a Standard Consideration for Development Projects

Massachusetts' Greenhouse Gas Emissions Policy and Protocol [Revised GHG Emissions Policy and Protocol (Effective February 3, 2009)] requires that projects undergoing review by MEPA quantify GHG emissions and identify measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate such emissions. In 2008, SHA submitted one of the first GHG analyses required for a development project in Massachusetts. Our analysis included a GHG assessment for direct (e.g., stationary sources) and indirect (e.g., transportation and utility-related sources) emission sources. Baseline GHG emissions associated with code-compliant buildings and "build without mitigation" transportation scenarios were compared in the GHG analysis to the proposed project (which included GHG mitigation measures). Following on the heels of Massachusetts' first in the nation, GHG Policy, New York and Maine are implementing similar policies and regulations to limit GHG emissions. David Adams, P.E. is a project director with SHA located in Westford, MA.