The most notable discussion revolved around the reclassification of property types within the Berto policies and procedures. Claudia Diezmartínez introduced updates that proposed aligning property categories with the Energy Star Portfolio Manager, particularly affecting the designation of “senior living community” and “residential care facility.” These were reclassified from the lodging category to the healthcare category due to their higher energy use intensity. The change, affecting around five buildings, brings these facilities under stricter healthcare emissions standards, although it does not alter the existing standards themselves.

Board members discussed the implications of this reclassification. Concerns were raised about how the shift would impact emission standards and compliance, given the historical data basis for current standards. Stephen Ellis sought clarification on whether this alteration would necessitate changes in the standards themselves, while another board member inquired about the rationale and potential precedents set by such a change. It was clarified that the high energy intensity, primarily due to medical equipment usage, justified the reclassification. The board unanimously approved these changes.

Another agenda item was the extension of the emissions reporting deadline. Hannah Payne presented the proposal to extend the deadline from May 15, 2026, to August 15, 2026, to aid building owners in adapting to regulatory updates and improve compliance. This extension aligns with the ongoing updates to the Berto reporting portal and provides additional time for the purchasing of renewable energy credits (RECs). The extension was unanimously approved, with board members emphasizing the need for clear communication to building owners about these changes and potential further extensions if regulatory updates are delayed.

In addition to these major decisions, the board addressed modifications to the City of Boston’s building portfolio. A building previously owned by the city was removed from the portfolio due to a change in ownership to a trust, which exempted it from Berto compliance. Meanwhile, the city added three new Berto IDs: the Quincy Upper School in Chinatown and two properties on Freeport Way in Dorchester, both under long-term leases assumed by the city. These additions and removals maintained the city’s compliance with Berto’s emission reporting requirements.

The board also discussed the implications of long-term leases on Berto compliance, clarifying that leases of at least 15 years allow tenants to be considered owners for compliance purposes. This clarification supports the city’s strategy to ensure that all properties within its portfolio, regardless of ownership structure, adhere to emissions standards.

Further discussion touched on the board’s authority to modify special conditions during building portfolio reviews. It was confirmed that new conditions could be added if a portfolio’s classification changed due to the addition of new buildings. This highlights the board’s role in ensuring compliance with environmental justice requirements and maintaining oversight of modifications to the city’s building portfolio.

The meeting concluded with administrative updates, including the announcement of the final Berto Inerson workshop of the year and the launch of the 2026 fund application process.