Beginning next year, newly constructed buildings in Boston will be required to achieve “net zero” carbon emissions from the time they open. This mandate, approved by the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) board, aims to reduce emissions from buildings, the city’s largest contributor to climate change. 

The regulation applies to buildings larger than 20,000 square feet or with 15 or more residential units, starting with projects filing after July 1, 2025. Exceptions include life sciences labs, which have until 2035, and hospitals and manufacturing buildings, which have until 2045 to comply.  

The BPDA board also approved Hines’ and Calare Properties’ 318-unit apartment building in Allston, and smaller housing projects in Dorchester and East Boston. However, a 21-unit condo proposal in West Roxbury faced neighborhood opposition and was tabled. The measure, pending Zoning Commission approval, aims to balance environmental goals with market realities by delaying implementation to mitigate development impact.