D.C. City Council moves to require net-zero construction by 2026

The Washington, D.C. City Council unanimously passed legislation that would require all new buildings and substantial renovations in D.C. to be net-zero construction by 2026.

The legislation also bans most natural gas use in new buildings. Net-zero building codes would cover all commercial buildings, condo and apartment buildings, as well as single-family homes taller than three stories.

The Council also passed separate climate legislation that commits the entire city to carbon neutrality by 2045. Influencing this lawmaking, a study released earlier this year found that natural gas leaks around the D.C. are significant contributors to climate change.

The bill requires audits every three years, starting in 2029, to report the percentage of new buildings in compliance with net-zero requirements. Shorter term goals in the legislation include a 60% cut in carbon emissions by 2030, and District government-owned buildings going carbon neutral by 2040.