The City of Cambridge adopted the Fossil Fuel Free Ordinance in August of 2023, and the regulations went into effect on March 22, 2024. The ordinance requires new buildings and major renovation projects to be fossil fuel free. Fossil fuel free means not using oil, gas, propane, or other fossil fuels. The requirements apply to both residential and non-residential building projects. There are limited exemptions for specific building types and specialized equipment. The Inspectional Services Department (ISD) will make sure that building permit applications meet requirements. Construction of new buildings provides the best opportunity to build all-electric. Fossil Fuel Free ensures we are building the right way from the start.
Fossil Fuel Free Ordinance
Overview
Background
The Massachusetts legislature created a program for ten communities to implement these requirements. Cambridge was one of the communities allowed to participate. The City collected feedback from the community in 2023 and used it to shape this policy. The state approved Cambridge’s ordinance in December 2023.
Key Goals
The Fossil Fuel Free Ordinance will help Cambridge reach its climate goals, including being carbon-neutral by 2050 or earlier. Fossil fuel free buildings use clean, all-electric systems like heat pumps and induction stoves. Because they do not burn fuel, they lead to better indoor air quality and emit less pollution. This means healthier homes and cleaner outdoor air. New buildings and major renovations are opportunities to build all-electric, which supports the City's ongoing work to reduce greenhouse gases. The Fossil Fuel Free Ordinance helps make sure that these buildings operate in the most climate-friendly way possible.
FAQs
Building Professionals
Are you a building professional with questions about Fossil Fuel Free? Contact the Inspectional Services Department at 617-349-6100.More on Climate & Energy
Learn about the City's climate goals and initiatives: