Providence to require city buildings be carbon neutral by 2040

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Providence Mayor Brett Smiley is set to sign a law requiring all city buildings to become carbon natural by 2040.

Smiley will join city officials on Tuesday to officially sign the Energy Efficiency and Carbon Neutral Goals for Municipal Buildings ordinance.

The Mayor’s Office said the city law sets guidelines for improvements across municipal infrastructure, with the goal of eliminating the use of fossil fuels by 2040.

“By committing to carbon neutrality in all city-owned buildings by 2040,” Smiley said. “We are paving the way for a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come by leading the charge towards a greener, more resilient future.”

The ordinance mandates a shift towards energy efficiency upgrades and encourages the installation of renewable energy infrastructure within municipal buildings, per officials.