Decarbonizing Metropolises: Analyzing New York’s LL97 and Boston’s Berdo Net Zero Policies

Abstract

Carbon neutrality and net zero have emerged as critical goals in global climate governance, seeking to address human activities’ environmental and social implications on Earth. This thesis explores the decarbonization of urban environments by critically analyzing New York's Local Law 97 (LL97) and Boston's Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) through system thinking. The study evaluates the impact of these pioneering policies and renewable grid integration on office spaces.

The narrative unfolds by analyzing the challenges faced by pre-1985 office buildings in Manhattan. It employs system thinking to decipher developers’ decision-making processes when choosing between renovation and demolition to pursue more sustainable buildings. The study further explores the potential of repurposing aging office spaces into residential units, considering the complex dynamics involved and utilizing Net Present Carbon to calculate the time value of carbon.

Shifting focus to Boston's BERDO, the research investigates developers’ experiences using system thinking. The analysis illustrates BERDO's impact on older buildings at the neighborhood level, revealing the unintended consequences of a one-size-fits-all policy approach.

Examining the policies on a larger picture, the study examines federal and state-level policies across the United States, investigating their potential to bolster decarbonization efforts in New York and Boston. It unravels the economics of sustainable construction, contemplating ripple effects on housing prices and exploring pioneering practices of developers embracing circular building materials.

This thesis synthesizes the effectiveness of LL97 and BERDO policies in driving urban decarbonization while acknowledging their good intentions and the pressures they exert on big players. In doing so, it also highlights areas for refinement to address unintended consequences and better cater to diverse segments of the built environment. Through these means, the study contributes to understanding net zero policies as catalysts for a greener, more sustainable urban built environment.