Beginning Jan. 1, 2020, new buildings in Berkeley, Calif., will have to be 100% electric.
The City Council recently passed the ordinance, the first of its kind in the U.S. The measure bans gas hook-ups in new houses, apartments, and commercial buildings. Existing buildings will not be affected.
More than 50 other California cities are considering the use of local building codes and ordinances to encourage or require all-electric new construction, which could eliminate the use of fossil fuels for heating buildings.
A representative of the utility Pacific Gas & Electric told the Berkeley City Council that his company does not want to invest in new gas infrastructure that would get stranded before the end of its life. One council member’s staff demonstrated an electric induction cook top to address concerns about a ban on natural gas stoves.
Others speaking in favor of the ordinance pointed out that phasing out gas from new buildings will not only slash carbon emissions, but it will also reduce local air pollution by avoiding combustion gases inside buildings and in the community. In addition, safety would be improved by reducing the risk of gas fires in California’s numerous earthquake-prone areas.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Dec 20, 2017
Moody’s says cities may face credit downgrades if they don’t address climate risks
Credit ratings giant will ask what communities are doing to mitigate risk exposure.
Codes and Standards | Dec 18, 2017
Schools with optimal indoor environments boost student performance and energy efficiency
World Green Building Council report confirms that lighting, indoor air quality, thermal comfort and acoustics impact learning.
Codes and Standards | Dec 14, 2017
Mayors sign Chicago Climate Charter; will strive to meet Paris accord goals
Pledge to push for more local authority to reduce emissions.
Codes and Standards | Dec 13, 2017
New report examines ongoing costs of green infrastructure options
The report compares solutions to reduce stormwater.
Codes and Standards | Dec 12, 2017
Total cost of structural fires in U.S. reached $328.5 billion in 2014
Costs associated with losses was $55.4 billion.
Codes and Standards | Dec 11, 2017
Steel-timber composite system proposed for mid- and high-rise buildings
Structural steel columns and beams support a cross-laminated timber floor system.
Codes and Standards | Dec 7, 2017
Many coastal states performing poorly to protect beaches, coastlines
The most vulnerable regions fare the worst in new study.
Codes and Standards | Dec 6, 2017
2017 wildfires highlight gaps in California’s approach to fire safety in urbanized areas
Better hazard mapping and retrofit programs could help.
Codes and Standards | Dec 5, 2017
Guide for understanding medical monitoring requirement of OSHA silica standard released
Center for Construction Research and Training gives advice on new regulation.
Codes and Standards | Dec 4, 2017
Trump tax proposal would kill historic tax credits
Developers would lose up to 20% discounts on some redevelopment projects.
