State and local policies nationwide that strive to eliminate fossil fuels in newly constructed buildings will spur widespread adoption of heat pumps for water heating.
Heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) have been sold in the U.S. for over 40 years, but have struggled to penetrate the market. This has left the construction industry with few case studies, best practices, and expert practitioners.
But as technology continues to improve, gas rates increase, and renewable grid penetration boosts the sustainability of electrification, HPWHs appear poised to take a significant uptick in market growth. Over 30 municipalities in California and Massachusetts have already passed policies prohibiting or strongly disincentivizing gas water heaters in new buildings.
Municipalities without the authority or funding to pursue these measures could adjust building permit processes to incentivize HPWH design options. These methods could include expedited processes, and height or density bonuses for eligible buildings.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Dec 16, 2021
Property owners need systematic approach to GHG emissions reduction
Energy hog buildings at risk for becoming stranded assets.
Codes and Standards | Dec 15, 2021
Design problems now the primary cause of construction claims and disputes
More likely to occur due to more tight timescales imposed upon third parties engaged in design.
Codes and Standards | Dec 13, 2021
ABC releases guide to technology for improving safety performance
Provides details on how to identify, choose, and implement technology.
Codes and Standards | Dec 8, 2021
Construction industry is the top target for cyberattacks
Smart building tech is a new avenue for criminals.
Codes and Standards | Dec 8, 2021
Proposals to add more multifamily to Atlanta prompt drive for Buckhead to secede
City aims to increase housing as projections point to sharp population increase.
Codes and Standards | Dec 7, 2021
Design problems now the primary cause of construction claims and disputes
More likely to occur due to more tight timescales imposed upon third parties engaged in design.
Codes and Standards | Dec 5, 2021
New standard for Phase I environmental reports requires more research work on many sites
Update affects around 250,000 commercial real estate transactions a year.
Codes and Standards | Nov 30, 2021
Dept. of Energy publishes RFP for technical assistance on supporting better building codes
Addresses advanced standards to reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions.
Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2021
Ithaca, N.Y., votes to electrify, decarbonize all its buildings
First initiative of its kind in U.S.
Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2021
FAA seeking design of air traffic control towers of the future
Call for design submissions for safe, efficient structures.
