BOSTON (November 5, 2025) ~ Boston, a city known for its rich history and vibrant culture, has now been recognized for its efforts in addressing the pressing issue of climate change. Yesterday evening, at the COP30 Local Leaders Forum in Rio de Janeiro, Bloomberg Philanthropies and the COP30 Presidency announced Boston as a winner of the 2025 Bloomberg Philanthropies Local Leaders Climate Award in the Energy Transition and Smarter Buildings category.

The global Awards recognize the best policies, projects, or programs led by local leaders that have effectively addressed climate change over the past three years. Through the leadership of Mayor Michelle Wu, Boston was selected for its Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) and Equitable Emissions Investment Fund. This makes Boston the only winner from the United States.

In her statement, Mayor Wu emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change and how community-based solutions are crucial in building a greener and healthier city for everyone. She also highlighted how this recognition is proof that their efforts are working and that they will continue to scale up their decarbonization efforts through coordination across City departments and with community partners.

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One of Boston's key initiatives is BERDO, a local law aimed at reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions generated by large buildings. These buildings account for approximately 40% of the city's emissions. Under BERDO, building owners are required to report their annual energy and water consumption. Starting in 2025, buildings with 35 or more residential units or 35,000 square feet or larger must also comply with specific building emissions limits based on use. These emissions standards will decrease over time, with all buildings required to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

In addition to BERDO, Boston has also established the Equitable Emissions Investment Fund to support its carbon neutrality goals while also addressing environmental justice populations disproportionately impacted by air pollution. The Fund receives funding through BERDO Alternative Compliance Payments and has already supported decarbonization projects by various organizations, totaling $750,250.

According to Brian Swett, Chief Climate Officer, BERDO and the Equitable Emissions Investment Fund are critical in Boston's journey to achieving net-zero emissions. He also emphasized the importance of supporting decarbonization in climate justice communities most in need of such investments.

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Hannah Payne, Director of Carbon Neutrality, expressed her honor in accepting the award on behalf of the City of Boston. She also highlighted how their work is not only cutting costs and carbon but also having a direct impact on the public health of Boston's residents. Payne also mentioned that while they hope other cities will learn from BERDO, Boston will continue to learn from the best practices of other municipal climate leaders from across the world.

The 2025 Bloomberg Philanthropies Local Leaders Climate Awards celebrate climate leadership in six categories: Energy Transition and Smarter Buildings, Clean, Reliable Transportation, Safer Infrastructure for a Changing World, Healthy Cities Strong Communities, Sustainable Waste Solutions, and Power of Partnership. These categories recognize cities and regions for their measurable impact and scalable solutions in accelerating implementation of the Paris Agreement.

This year's awards were presented at the COP30 Local Leaders Forum—an international gathering focused on advancing bold, people-centered climate solutions. The forum highlights the vital role of cities and regions in addressing climate change.

Boston's recognition as a winner in the Energy Transition and Smarter Buildings category is a testament to its commitment to combatting climate change and creating a more sustainable future for its residents. With initiatives like BERDO and the Equitable Emissions Investment Fund in place, Boston is leading by example and inspiring other cities to take action towards a greener tomorrow.

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