Getting to net zero with mass timber

The City of Boston aims to be carbon neutral by 2050 and has set forth several policy initiatives in order to reduce building related carbon emissions. The Zero Net Carbon Building Zoning Initiative currently being developed will strengthen green building zoning requirements to a net zero standard.

Mass timber construction is a critical piece of getting to zero. The City sees an opportunity to expand these practices throughout Boston and New England. In order to identify opportunities, accelerate the use of mass timber and broaden awareness, the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) launched a technical assistance program in Fall 2021.

The Boston Mass Timber Accelerator is intended to:

• Raise public awareness of the carbon and economic benefits and beauty of mass timber construction

• Introduce more practitioners to the details and feasibility of mass timber construction

• Identify the potential for new development, affordable housing, business, and job creation through the expansion of mass timber construction

• Result in new building projects constructed with mass timber material

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