64 Key Recommendations In future iterations of the survey, we hope to implement randomization of question order and further explanation of the technologies’ downsides, as requested by the participants. We also hope to further share this with the entire MIT community. Financial Risks In addition to the risks related to public perception, there are financial risks directly associated with the rate at which the MIT campus decarbonizes. This includes the potential impact of penalties stemming from policy frameworks shaping decarbonization. In line with the broader global initiative to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050, the City of Cambridge has adopted the Building Energy Use Disclosure (BEUDO) as a mechanism to guide building energy use reduction use, electrification, and the sourcing of renewable energy. Up to its recent 2023 amendment, the policy mandates the reduction of emissions to net zero over a period of time, establishing a clear decarbonization path and intermediate emissions reduction goals, Figure 11. Properties over 100,000 sq ft are required to achieve this by 2035, while properties ranging from 25,000 to 99,999 sq ft must comply by 2050 (City of Cambridge, 2023). The baseline for emissions is set as the average for 2018 and 2019, (City of Cambridge, 2023). Figure 16 (City of Cambridge, 2023) If failing to comply, Alternative Compliance Credits (ACCs) from the city are priced at $234 per metric ton of CO2 equivalent for the first compliance period — for large buildings, a 20% emission reduction is mandated by 2026, and 40% reduction for properties under 100,000 sq ft by 2030 (City of Cambridge, 2023). While the costs of ACCs for subsequent compliance periods remain undetermined, the environmental policy framework of the City of Cambridge and its enforcement are considered robust and steadfast, indicating an anticipated continuation of stringent financial penalties through BEUDO.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjA2MzQ5MA==