City of Cambridge Officially Goes Fossil Fuel Free with Newly Constructed Buildings and Major Renovation Projects

Cambridge has long been committed to taking action on climate change to reduce emissions and prepare for climate impacts. To help Cambridge reach its climate goals, the City adopted the Fossil Fuel Free Ordinance in August 2023, which requires new buildings and major renovation projects to be fossil fuel-free. The Massachusetts legislature created a program for ten communities to implement these requirements and Cambridge was one of communities that applied for and was selected by the state to participate in the pilot. Identifying ways to make building operations less carbon-intensive is essential to reaching the city and state’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 or earlier. 
 
The Cambridge Fossil Fuel-Free Ordinance will go into effect starting March 22, 2024. Here's what you need to know about the ordinance:

What Does Fossil Fuel Free Mean? 
Fossil fuel free means not using oil, gas, propane, or other fossil fuels. Fossil fuel-free buildings use clean, all-electric systems like heat pumps and induction stoves. Because they do not burn fuel, they have better indoor air quality and emit less pollution. This means healthier homes and outdoor air. Heating, hot water, cooking, and laundry equipment are the most common current uses of fossil fuels.    

Who Do The Requirements Apply To? 
They will apply to both new construction and major renovations for residential and non-residential building projects. There are limited exemptions for specific building types and specialized equipment. 

New buildings would need to be built using systems like heat pumps and heat pump water heaters. 

Major renovation would include: 

For 1-2 family homes, townhouses:

o    renovation of 50% of the building, if over 1,000 square feet

o    addition of 1,000 square feet, or doubling the existing building

o    change of use of 1,000 square feet
 

For all other building types:

o    renovation of 50% of the building floor area, or more than 20,000 square feet

o    addition of 20,000 square feet or doubling the existing building

o    change of use of 20,000 square feet or the whole building

Major renovation projects cannot install fossil fuel-using equipment in the work area covered by the building permit.

Major renovations do not include:
 

·         Replacing a single piece of equipment

·         Renovations that fall below these thresholds

Hospitals, medical offices, and laboratories are exempt per state regulations.
 
What Will Change After March 22, 2024?
The Inspectional Services Department (ISD) will make sure that building permit applications for meet requirements for any new construction and major renovations for residential and non-residential building projects.

How Will Residents Be Affected?
If you are a resident and your home is not undergoing new construction or a major renovation, then the Cambridge Fossil Fuel-Free Ordinance will not have any impact.

However, for 1-2 family homes or townhouses, residents or landlords will be prohibited from installing equipment that uses oil, gas, propane, or other fossil fuels, if they plan to:

·         Renovate 50% of the building (and the renovation area is over 1,000 square feet)

·         Build an addition of 1,000 square feet

·         Double the existing building size

·         Change the use of 1,000 square feet

Fossil fuel free major renovations will be required to use clean, all-electric systems. They would also be required to use clean, all-electric systems for any new construction.

A home project that falls below these renovation thresholds, like replacing a stove or renovating a bathroom, would not be required to meet the fossil fuel-free requirements.

How Will Businesses Be Affected?
If you are the owner of a business and you are not planning a major renovation or new construction for your business, then the Cambridge Fossil Fuel Free Ordinance will not have any impact.

However, for businesses that are seeking to renovate 50% of the building floor area or more than 20,000 square feet, add 20,000 square feet or double the existing building area, or change the use of 20,000 square feet or the whole building, then business owners will be required to use clean, all-electric systems. They would also be required to use clean, all-electric systems for any new construction.

Who Can I Contact for Guidance if I Am Looking to Do a Major Renovation or Start New Construction?

If you are a building professional, you are encouraged to have a consultation with the Inspectional Services Department. They can be contacted at (617) 349-6100 during normal business hours.

How Does This Apply to Churches, Non-Profits, Private Schools, Etc.?

These buildings would be covered under ‘all other building types.’ If you are the owner or manager of such a building and you are not planning a major renovation or new construction for your organization, then the Cambridge Fossil Fuel Free Ordinance will not have any impact.

For organizations that are seeking to renovate 50% of the building floor area or more than 20,000 square feet or the whole building, they will be required to use clean, all-electric systems. They would also be required to use clean, all-electric systems for any new construction.

Is the City Providing any Funding for Residents Who Need to Make These Improvements?

The City’s Electrify Cambridge program provides no-cost technical assistance to residents who are interested in installing all-electric systems, such as heat pumps, heat pump hot water heaters, and induction stoves. The Electrify Cambridge specialists can also help residents connect with state, utility, and federal incentives for these systems. Visit cambridgema.gov/electrify to learn more.

Where Can I Learn More? 
Visit Fossil Fuel Free Ordinance (cambridgema.gov).