New buildings in Boston will be required to achieve net zero carbon emission standards before opening due to a new zoning amendment.

The Boston Zoning Commission approved an amendment to the city’s zoning code to include Net Zero Carbon (NZC) Zoning. The zoning is designed to accelerate the city’s goal of being carbon-neutral by 2050 and help Boston “lead in the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future for both building materials and energy,” according to Mayor Michelle Wu’s office. 

Under NZC, most new large buildings approved and constructed will have net zero carbon emissions from the day they open. 

The mayor’s office also said it will help Boston “lead in the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future for both building materials and energy.” 

Wu said globally and right here in Boston, the dangers of climate change are clear and intensifying. 

“To protect families across our neighborhoods and keep our city running, we need urgent action to ensure resiliency for the safety and well-being of all Bostonians,” Wu said. “By embedding sustainability into new projects, we set Boston on a direct path towards a cleaner and healthier future for generations to come.” 

With buildings accounting for nearly 71% of the city’s carbon emissions, adjusting the requirements for new buildings will help Boston minimize emissions and its climate impact, according to the Mayor’s office. 

The new zoning is required for new project filings after July 1 that have 15 or more units, are a minimum of 20,000 square feet or additions to existing buildings that are 50,000 square feet or more. 

“This zoning is the first of its kind that will ensure that all new buildings achieve net zero operational emission. It is the right thing to do, and it will make Boston more competitive in the future,” said Kairos Shen, Boston’s planning chief. “Thank you to our partners in the development community for working with us to keep building a healthy, green and growing city.”