Ensuring Equitable Tenant Outcomes: Case Studies of Building Decarbonization Initiatives in Greater Boston, Massachusetts

Abstract

U.S. cities are ramping up building decarbonization initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings. However, these programs and policies generate complex challenges at the intersection of housing, climate, and environmental justice, especially for cities that face barriers to adopting strong renter protections. This thesis offers two case studies regarding tenant-related equity concerns that emerged during the implementation of building decarbonization initiatives in greater Boston, Massachusetts: Boston’s building performance standard the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) and Everett’s energy efficiency incentive program Electrify Everett. This thesis also identifies strategies that residents, community organizations, and city officials highlight as important to advance building decarbonization without generating unintended consequences for tenants. Key equity concerns include the potential impacts of building decarbonization on rental affordability, displacement, and energy burden, whereas strategies include broad tenant protections such as rent control, renter protections attached to building decarbonization subsidies, and robust enforcement mechanisms. This research illuminates the need to build power to win essential tenant protections, focus decarbonization on housing with existing affordability protections, and advance alternative, decommodified forms of housing.