Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has signed an executive order banning the use of fossil fuels in the construction and renovation of city-owned buildings.
The order is part of the mayor’s larger effort to implement a similar ban on new residential buildings.
The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality by eliminating the use of coal, oil, and natural gas in heating, cooling, hot water, and cooking operations.
The order exempts projects that are currently in the procurement, design, or construction phase but will apply to future capital projects.
The move has drawn criticism from real estate groups due to potential cost implications and strain on the electrical supply capacity.
Mayor Wu is also planning to ban fossil fuels in new residential building projects throughout Boston and is seeking approval for a state pilot project that would allow the banning of gas hookups in new buildings.
The mayor’s office says municipal emissions constitute 2.3% of all of Boston’s carbon emissions, and more than 70% of the city’s emissions are from buildings.
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