States from coast to coast have signed a joint agreement to accelerate the transition to pollution-free residential buildings by significantly expanding heat pump sales to meet heating, cooling, and water heating demand in coming years. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), led by the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM), has been signed by directors of environmental agencies from California, Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Rhode Island.
Under the MOU, these states have set a shared goal for heat pumps to meet at least 65% of residential-scale heating, air conditioning and water heating shipments by 2030 and 90% by 2040 across the participating states. States will also collaborate to collect market data, track progress, and develop an action plan within a year to support the widespread electrification of residential buildings.
This MOU builds on a September 2023 commitment from the U.S. Climate Alliance’s member states and territories to quadruple heat pump installations by 2030.
Efforts to Transition to Clean Residential Buildings
“Heat pumps and building electrification are the future for healthier homes and a thriving green economy,” said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain. “This multi-state partnership will help Maryland meet its ambitious climate goals and strengthen a coalition of states for cleaner air and better health outcomes.”
Buildings are a hidden source of air pollution, which comes from combustion of fossil fuels in furnaces, boilers, and water heaters. According to NESCAUM, fossil-fueled heating equipment across the participating states emits annually over 138,000 tons of smog-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx) and 6,000 tons of fine particulate matter, causing increased risk of heart attack, asthma events, premature death, and many other adverse health outcomes. Buildings also annually emit 173 million metric tons of CO2 across participating states.
To pave the way for widespread adoption of heat pumps, the agreement emphasizes collaboration with key stakeholders, including heat pump manufacturers and HVAC installers. The transition to efficient electric heating, cooling, and water heating has the support of major market players and manufacturers.
“To achieve our shared decarbonization goals, we need to send an unmistakable signal to the marketplace that zero-emission homes are the future. This agreement does that,” said Matt Rusteika, Director of Market Transformation, Building Decarbonization Coalition. “We applaud NESCAUM and state leaders for a commitment that is ambitious, flexible, and pragmatic.”
To lead by example, states signing the NESCAUM-led MOU committed to promote installation of zero-emission, grid-interactive technologies in existing state buildings. States also seek to direct at least 40% of efficiency and electrification investments to benefit low-income households facing high energy burdens and communities historically burdened with elevated air pollution levels.
A recent letter from business-focused Ceres united 24 businesses, investors, and building owners and operators in stating support to accelerate heat pump adoption. Last year, ten of the nation’s largest manufacturers committed to help California achieve its target of six million heat pumps by 2030.
“State policy is critical to accelerating the adoption of building technologies that are good for the climate and good for business. Initiatives that encourage collaboration across state lines to develop best practices are essential to accelerating this transition,” said Alli Gold Roberts, Senior Director of State Policy, Ceres.
Related Stories
Sustainability | Sep 19, 2016
Brussels’ Botanic Center apartment block looks to live up to its name with the addition of 10,000 plants and a rooftop “Chrysalis”
The project, which has been commissioned and is in the design phase, would eliminate CO2 and produce its own energy.
Energy | Sep 13, 2016
Oberlin College to hold conference on post-fossil fuel economy
The gathering will address climate change and new sources of energy.
Sustainability | Sep 8, 2016
Forging a sustainable future: How would a five-year-old design it?
When it comes to design we are in the business of imagining what could be, not necessarily what is, writes HDR's Lynn Mignola.
Sustainability | Sep 7, 2016
New plans call for hundreds of thousands of British homes to be heated by factory machines
An expansion of ‘heat networks’ is viewed as a possible means for Britain to accomplish its goal of slashing carbon emissions by 2050.
Building Team | Sep 6, 2016
Letting your resource take center stage: A guide to thoughtful site selection for interpretive centers
Thoughtful site selection is never about one factor, but rather a confluence of several components that ultimately present trade-offs for the owner.
Sustainability | Aug 30, 2016
New federal project plans must include climate impacts
Agencies must quantify the specific impacts when possible.
Green | Aug 29, 2016
Vancouver, B.C., to require zero emissions on new buildings by 2030
No net GHG emissions will be allowed.
Energy Efficiency | Aug 17, 2016
Investor Confidence Project aimed at raising trustworthiness on energy efficiency projects
The new initiative screens projects to see if they are investor-ready.
Sustainability | Aug 4, 2016
S.F. Bay Area voters approve first-of-its-kind tax to fight impact of climate change
The funds from the tax will be used to restore wetlands
Sustainability | Jul 12, 2016
Wellness is the missing link to sustainable real estate value
Healthier and happier employees benefit a company’s bottom line. Paladino senior project manager Divya Natarajan writes that the proof lies within results from the evidence-based WELL Building Standard.
