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.
Related Stories
Casinos | Jan 30, 2016
Boston ends its opposition to a casino, Wynn to build $1.7B resort
A judge’s ruling last year paved the way for Wynn Resorts to begin construction on a 33-acre gambling palace in Everett, Mass.
| Jan 5, 2016
RICS 2016 Americas Summit to feature former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers
RICS - the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors - will hold its fourth annual Summit of the Americas in Washington, D.C., April 3-5, 2016.
Legislation | Sep 25, 2015
Pennsylvania’s contractor payment act doesn’t apply to government, court rules
State Supreme Court denies Navy contractor remedies in lawsuit
Legislation | Sep 18, 2015
Bill aims to harmonize policy regarding federal, state marijuana laws
Would provide protection from federal prosecution for property owners
Multifamily Housing | Jul 16, 2015
Minneapolis relaxes parking requirements on new multifamily buildings
The city cut the number of spots required for large developments by half. It also will accept plans with no parking spaces in certain cases.
Codes and Standards | Jul 16, 2015
Berkeley, Calif., adopts balcony inspection program following deadly collapse
Apartment building balconies will be subject to inspections every three years under new regulations adopted following a deadly collapse.
Codes and Standards | Jul 16, 2015
Oregon to spend $300 million for seismic updates on public buildings
A survey found that more than 1,000 Oregon school buildings face a high risk of collapse during earthquakes.
Codes and Standards | Jun 24, 2015
Maryland’s Prince George County turns to P3s to build green infrastructure
Over the next 10 years, the county must convert 15,000 acres of watertight surfaces—almost 5% of the county's total area—into surfaces that absorb or treat rainwater.