Boston and Cambridge are emerging as national leaders in building decarbonization. Innovative policies such as BERDO and BEUDO are transforming the way buildings are designed, retrofitted, and powered, accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels while presenting new challenges for developers, utilities, and engineers.
Electrifying the built environment demands substantial upgrades to infrastructure and the integration of advanced technologies—from heat pumps to microgrids and distributed energy systems. As cities pursue ambitious climate goals, collaboration among policymakers, developers, utilities, and technology providers is increasingly vital.
This panel will examine both the policy and economic forces driving decarbonization, as well as the technical realities of electrifying buildings and infrastructure throughout the Boston–Cambridge region. Topics of discussion will include:
– BERDO and BEUDO policy frameworks
– Utility grid capacity and infrastructure planning
– Electrification strategies for various building types
– Emerging technologies, such as heat pumps and microgrids
– Developer case studies and project economics