Green

Program Launched to Support Carbon Neutral Goals

Boston – The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) and Boston Society for Architecture (BSA)  launched the Mass Timber Accelerator for local building industry professionals to broaden awareness, identify new opportunities, and accelerate the use of mass timber in Boston and the New England region.

The Accelerator will provide technical support and award up to ten $25,000 grants for active development projects in the early phases of project planning. Mass timber is a structural wood product that is transforming building practices in an environmentally friendly way. It is comprised of multiple solid wood panels nailed or glued together, which provide exceptional strength and stability.

The program supports the City of Boston’s Climate Action Plan Update, an initiative created to meet Boston’s Carbon Neutral 2050 goals. The expansion of mass timber construction practices is a step to reaching zero net carbon building and zoning standards.

The launch includes the Think Wood Mobile Tour, a traveling visual exhibit showcasing the environmental and economic benefits of wood products and their current and future use in both commercial, multifamily, and residential construction. The exhibit will be on display from Sept. 28 – 30.

Boston’s Mass Timber Accelerator Program is open to development teams with active building projects in the City of Boston. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis with a goal of selecting new practitioners with Boston projects representing a wide range of building uses, affordability, and heights, and based on the potential for successful integration of low carbon mass timber building materials and practices into the project. Applications are due Nov. 19.