Boston moves forward with plans to discourage the use of fossil fuels in new buildings
BOSTON — Boston is pushing through plans to discourage the use of fossil fuels in new buildings.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu filed an ordinance with the city council on Thursday that would require new buildings that rely on fossil fuels to install solar panels and add wiring in anticipation of a future conversion to electrification with the goal of keeping the Most new buildings are fully electric.
Several other communities in the state have adopted similar efforts.
Wu also announced that the city will use $10 million in federal Bailout America Act funds to improve energy efficiency in the city’s affordable housing developments.
In Boston, 70 percent of greenhouse gas emissions come from the construction sector, according to Wu, who said the emissions contribute to both global climate change and local air pollution that disproportionately harms low-income residents and the city’s communities of color.
The announcement comes after Massachusetts lawmakers adopted a new law last year aimed at encouraging communities to adopt fossil fuel-free codes for new construction.
While Wu’s proposal falls short of that, he has expressed interest in taking even more aggressive steps. Wu has said he wants Boston to participate in a new pilot program included in the 2022 law. Under that program, 10 cities and towns will be allowed to require new construction free of fossil fuels, as long as each community first meets the 10 target. % of affordable housing established by state law and also exempts life science laboratories and health care facilities from all -Electrical requirements.
Participating cities and towns are expected to be announced later this year.
