Sustainability

Sustainability in Cambridge: Unpack a Greener Tomorrow

Cambridge isn’t just a city of innovation—it’s a community committed to climate action, equity, and a greener future. At the Cambridge Office for Tourism, we proudly support City and local efforts to build a sustainable destination that welcomes responsible travelers and meeting planners from around the world.

This page shares how sustainability is woven into the fabric of Cambridge, from bold citywide goals to the practices of our local businesses. Whether you're planning an event, visiting for pleasure, or simply curious, explore how Cambridge is creating impact today for a better tomorrow.

Citywide Sustainability Initiatives

The City of Cambridge is a leader in environmental and social sustainability, with frameworks that set a high standard for urban resilience and equity:

Net Zero Action Plan: Cambridge is committed to their Net Zero Action Plan, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, with detailed targets for building efficiency, renewable energy, and behavioral shifts.
Zero Waste Master Plan: The City of Cambridge has a Zero Waste Master Plan, which has four main goals:
- Reduce trash 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2050, with 2008 as a baseline.
- Improve sanitation and reduce rodent activity.
- Reduce environmental impacts of waste streams by maximizing reduce & reuse and diverting waste from the trash.
- Make the City’s waste programs more equitable and accessible
LEED-Certified Development: Over 100 buildings in Cambridge meet LEED standards, with zoning that requires sustainable construction and design.
Energy Disclosure Law (BEUDO): Large buildings must transparently report and reduce energy use through the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance amendments (BEUDO) passed in June 2023.
Free Public Wi-Fi: Equitable tech access is supported by open Wi-Fi across parks, libraries, City buildings, and additional public spaces.