The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 to review and discuss the Cambridge Net Zero Action Plan (NZAP) Annual Report and the Climate Committee’s review and report.

1 MINUTES OF THE CAMBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE Tuesday, March 31, 2026 HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS Councillor Nolan, Chair Councillor Al-Zubi Vice Mayor Azeem Councillor McGovern Councillor Zusy A public meeting of the Cambridge City Council’s Health and Environment Committee was held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. The meeting was Called to Order at 3:00 p.m. by the Chair, Councillor Nolan. Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025 adopted by Massachusetts General Court and approved by the Governor, the City is authorized to use remote participation. This public meeting was hybrid, allowing participation in person, in the Sullivan Chamber, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA and by remote participation via Zoom. At the request of the Chair, Clerk of Committees Erwin called the roll. Councillor Al-Zubi – Present/In Sullivan Chamber Vice Mayor Azeem – Present/Remote Councillor McGovern – Present/In Sullivan Chamber Councillor Nolan – Present/In Sullivan Chamber Councillor Zusy – Present/In Sullivan Chamber Present – 5. Quorum established. Chair Nolan noted that the Call of the meeting was to review and discuss the Cambridge Net Zero Action Plan (NZAP) Annual Report and the Climate Committee’s review and report. Present at the meeting were Julie Wormser, Chief Climate Officer, Susanne Rasmussen, Deputy Chief Climate Officer, Nikhil Nadkarni, Senior Climate Program Manager, and Thomas O’Neill, Sustainability Planner. Mayor Siddiqui was also present via Zoom. Present from the Climate Committee was the Chair, Joel Nogic and Megan Lim. Chair Nolan offered opening remarks, not verbatim. (Attachment A) Chair Nolan recognized Julie Wormser and the Office of Sustainability who gave a presentation titled “Net Zero Action Plan”. The presentation was provided in advance of the meeting and included in the Agenda Packet. Chair Nolan recognized Joel Nogic and Megan Lim who gave a presentation titled “Cambridge Climate Committee (CCC) Presentation”. The presentation was provided in advance of the meeting and included in the Agenda Packet.

2 Chair Nolan opened Public Comment. Susan Murcott, 265 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, spoke in support of the NZAP and recommendations from the Climate Committee Quinton Zondervan, Princeton, NJ, spoke in support of the NZAP and offered suggestions on how to move forward. Chair Nolan read written public comment from David Rabkin for the record. (Attachment B) Chair Nolan recognized Councillor Zusy, who thanked Chair Nolan, City staff, and the Climate Committee for their leadership and commitment to the Net Zero Action Plan work. Councillor Zusy asked for more information related to how BEUDO performance requirements are being met by larger buildings and businesses. Susanne Rasmussen responded and shared that there has been interest and some concern from property owners about how to comply with the regulations, adding that staff have been meeting with larger building owners and business associations to guide them through the process. Julie Wormser added that it is helpful that the larger buildings with more resources are required to comply first, because the City will be able to learn from that process before smaller BEUDO buildings begin meeting the requirements. Councillor Zusy asked if there is a timeline for a thermal energy network in Cambridge. Julie Wormser indicated that staff are actively studying clean thermal network opportunities, but the City cannot move forward with a citywide geothermal project at this time due to costs and feasibility. Julie Wormser added that there may be more opportunities for geothermal or clean thermal systems in the future, such as the Alewife Quadrangle, or by participating in regional broader studies. Chair Nolan recognized Councillor Al-Zubi who thanked everyone for their work and emphasized the important progress Cambridge has made while still having more goals to reach. Councillor Al-Zubi asked how BEUDO progress will be evaluated and what measurable data will help determine if buildings are meeting the required emissions reductions. Nikhil Nadkarni shared that the City would begin receiving data from the larger buildings as they establish emissions reductions, and that there will also be a review point in 2028 to determine if policy changes are needed. Susanne Rasmussen provided a brief overview of the system the City will use to collect data and analyze emission impacts. Councillor Al-Zubi asked for more information related to the role local institutions, such as Harvard and MIT, and how they will be making efforts to be compliant with BEUDO and overall emission reductions. Susanne Rasmussen emphasized that both institutions are expected to comply in the aggregate and have climate goals that align closely with Cambridge’s goals. Megan Lin added that the City has a more indirect influence over the institutions, but there are many opportunities for collaboration, adding that Harvard and MIT also have their own climate action plans. Chair Nolan had questions related to the City’s greenhouse gas inventory and asked when it would be completed, adding that it is the first step in the NZAP five year review and needs to be completed before the full review can move forward. Nikhil Nadkarni provided a brief update and shared that staff are hoping to complete the inventory by the end of June. Chair Nolan emphasized the importance of having the inventory available to move on to the next phase of the review. Chair Nolan added that the NZAP update should include metrics that focus on actions

3 completed and the impact those actions have on reducing emissions. Julie Wormser indicated that staff would be including that with the update. Chair Nolan provided suggestions on how staff could be more creative with residential decarbonization plans, noting the importance of residential efforts because they can help support better health and residents have a better understanding of the City’s climate goals. Chair Nolan recognized Councillor Zusy who asked how the Urban Forest Master Plan relates to emission reductions and if trees are a factor in the City’s carbon goals. Julie Wormser shared that the urban forest has a larger impact on heat reduction, water quality, and climate resilience than on carbon in an urban environment. Julie Wormser added that trees are very important for addressing heat and noted that the City is looking at opportunities to plant trees on state and private property because City property is becoming limited. Councillor Zusy asked for more information related to cool roofs and Chair Nolan asked if green roofs could be combined with cool roofs. Susanne Rasmussen provided a review of cool roofs and green roofs and explained how staff are looking into reviewing green roof performance over time. Joel Nogic provided an example of a building that uses both cool and green roofs, which help support each other by cooling the panels and reducing watering needs. Councillor Zusy asked about the City’s equity work within NZAP. Julie Wormser explained that climate impacts and energy costs can worsen existing inequities related to income, health, housing, race, and language access, and putting efforts towards equity means helping everyone move through the clean energy transition without pushing people out of Cambridge because of rising costs. Julie Wormser also provided an overview of different financial tools that are available. Chair Nolan offered closing remarks and highlighted the recommendations made by the Climate Committee and recognized how important it is for the City to continue to be a leader in climate change. Chair Nolan recognized Councillor Al-Zubi who made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Clerk of Committees Erwin called the roll. Councillor Al-Zubi – Yes Vice Mayor Azeem – Absent Councillor McGovern – Absent Councillor Nolan – Yes Councillor Zusy – Yes Yes – 3, No – 0, Absent – 2. Motion passed. The Health and Environment Committee adjourned at approximately 5:05p.m. Attachment A – Opening remarks from Councillor Nolan. Attachment B - Written public comment from David Rabkin. Attachment C – Communications from the public. Clerk’s Note: The City of Cambridge/22 City View records every City Council meeting and every City Council Committee meeting. The video for this meeting can be viewed at: Mar 31, 2026 Health and Environment Committee - Cambridge, MA

4 In City Council June 1, 2026. Adopted by Affirmative Vote of Eight Members:- Attest:- Paula M. Crane, Interim City Clerk A true copy; ATTEST:- Paula M. Crane Interim City Clerk