The City of Denver has released a plan to decarbonize existing homes and buildings within the city limits and beyond to Denver County.
The heart of the plan is to replace traditional gas space and water heating appliances with electric heat pumps that are powered by renewable energy. The city moved ahead with the initiative buoyed by a commitment made by Xcel Energy, Denver’s utility, to generate 80% of Denver’s electricity by renewables by 2030.
Today, 97% of natural gas consumed in buildings and homes is used for space and water heat, the city says. Emissions from these uses account for 24% of Denver’s total greenhouse gas emissions.
The city says that under the plan, 66% of homes, 69% of multifamily units, and 49% of commercial buildings can be fully electrified when existing systems reach their end of life. This would keep total capital and operating costs within 10% of baseline costs under existing electricity and gas rates.
The plan strives for racial and economic equity in achieving these goals in a “managed transition” to electrification.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Feb 12, 2019
Property technology adoption accelerates in commercial real estate industry
New business models create disintermediation.
Codes and Standards | Feb 11, 2019
Investing in downtowns pays off for cities, regions
Benefits include driving tax revenue, business activity, and smart development.
Codes and Standards | Feb 8, 2019
Oslo, Norway’s downtown goes virtually car-free
Parking spots converted to bike lanes, transit is fast and easy.
Codes and Standards | Feb 7, 2019
New North Carolina energy code has extensive lighting control requirements
Includes automatic shut offs for buildings of all sizes.
Codes and Standards | Feb 6, 2019
Solar carports can help with California’s Title 24 mandates
Can be combined with virtual net-metering software and tax-enabled financing.
Codes and Standards | Feb 5, 2019
Milwaukee board approves rezoning for Western Hemisphere’s tallest mass timber building
Mixed-use tower would rise 21 stories high.
Codes and Standards | Feb 1, 2019
Mass. governor proposes real estate transfer fee hike for climate resiliency projects
Opposed by real estate and trade groups, plan could generate $1 billion in next decade.
Codes and Standards | Jan 31, 2019
New York City will reform construction bid process
Streamlined process intended to improve efficiency, reduce hassle for bidders.
Codes and Standards | Jan 30, 2019
New AGC program aims to diversify construction workforce
More diversity needed to keep pace with demand for workers.
Codes and Standards | Jan 29, 2019
Registration now open for LEED v4.1 for New Construction and Interior Spaces
Emphasizes human health and integrative building design.
