Commercial Real Estate

The Green Ribbon Commission’s Commercial Real Estate Working Group (CREWG) brings together Boston’s leading property owners, developers, and commercial real estate organizations to advance climate action across the built environment.

Buildings are Boston’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, making the leadership of the commercial real estate sector essential to achieving the City’s climate goals. The CREWG helps members move from ambition to implementation by sharing proven approaches, addressing common challenges, and advancing strategies that reduce emissions, strengthen resilience, and support long-term asset value. Its work spans policy, advocacy, communication, research, pilot projects, and demonstration models that can inform action across the sector.

The CREWG also played an important role in the development and passage of BERDO 2.0, Boston’s Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance. Adopted unanimously by the Boston City Council in 2021, BERDO establishes declining emissions standards for large existing buildings, with the first standards taking effect in 2025 and additional buildings beginning compliance in 2030. All covered buildings are expected to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

Today, CREWG continues to support implementation by connecting members with practical strategies, emerging technologies, financing approaches, and examples of institutional leadership. Through this collaboration, Boston’s commercial real estate sector can demonstrate how climate action strengthens buildings, businesses, and the city as a whole.