The California Energy Commission is considering a statewide ban on the use of natural gas for heating and hot water in new homes.
Such a code update would take effect in 2023 if the commission goes ahead with the ban. Environmental groups want a complete ban on natural gas in new homes, but the commission isn't likely to take that step yet. Instead, it is likely to use incentives to urge developers to pick electric heating via efficient means such as heat pumps.
Natural gas in buildings generates about 10% of California’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to the California Air Resources Board. That board recently urged the implementation of stronger kitchen ventilation standards and electrification of appliances, including stoves, ovens, furnaces, and space and water heaters, in the 2022 code cycle for all new buildings.
To date, more than 40 cities and counties in California have tightened rules on natural gas use in new homes. A few, including San Francisco, have banned it entirely.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Nov 20, 2018
OSHA publishes updates to crane operator certification requirements
Long-delayed rules accept certifications by type or type and capacity.
Codes and Standards | Nov 19, 2018
Guide offers understanding of elements that create successful multi-floor communal spaces
CTBUH technical document analyzes how to approach tall urban habitat.
Codes and Standards | Nov 16, 2018
2018 International Green Construction Code released
Updated version helps governments streamline code development and adoption.
Codes and Standards | Nov 15, 2018
New versions of DOE’s EnergyPlus engine and the OpenStudio software development kit released
New offerings resolve over 70 bugs and offer new features.
Codes and Standards | Nov 14, 2018
Obsolete safety standards may have been used in cleanup of former naval shipyard
San Francisco redevelopment site work may have been racked by fraud.
Codes and Standards | Nov 13, 2018
New York City’s new construction safety requirements are delayed
Some contractors say they weren’t ready for ‘massive initiative’.
Codes and Standards | Nov 9, 2018
Cities have multiple strategies to reduce parking requirements
Each community has to find its own mix of solutions.
Codes and Standards | Nov 8, 2018
Denver replaces green roof mandate with cool roof option
Less costly light-colored roofs can cut project costs by about 1.5%.
Codes and Standards | Nov 7, 2018
New report addresses sound transmission of wood-framed assemblies
AWC document provides empirical sound transmission model.
Codes and Standards | Nov 6, 2018
AIA releases 13 new and updated contract documents
Includes new Contractor-Subcontractor Master Agreement.
