A new report and infographic released by the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) provides guidance for local governments on policy options and pathways to electrify new buildings.
The report, “Building Electrification: How Cities and Counties are Implementing Electrification Policies – with Adoptable Code Language,” provides insight to encourage more all-electric buildings. Such structures would eliminate natural gas and propane-fueled appliances and equipment as options.
This strategy is a way to improve energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and climate emissions in the built environment. It is a key to meeting climate and public health goals, according to a SWEEP press release.
“With the electric grid increasingly powered by renewables such as solar and wind, and with advanced technologies like heat pumps and induction stoves now widely available, most experts agree this is the quickest way to zero-carbon buildings,” the release says.
The report offers “the full spectrum of electrification policies they could adopt, along with examples of similar communities that have already gone down this path,” said Jim Meyers, SWEEP buildings program director and author of the report. “Going a step further, we’re providing code language that local governments can adopt directly into their building codes.”
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 5, 2018
New guide helps planners assess innovation districts
The document is designed to aid in targeting resources toward innovative and inclusive economic development based on an area’s unique strengths and challenges.
Codes and Standards | Mar 1, 2018
Net zero commercial building trend shows strong momentum
Almost 50% more zero energy commercial buildings under construction in 2017.
Codes and Standards | Feb 28, 2018
AEC industry reported high levels of fraud, cyber breaches, and security incidents in 2017
83% experienced at least one fraud incident.
Codes and Standards | Feb 27, 2018
Smart surface solutions can improve disaster resilience, health and comfort in cities
Stormwater management, water quality, and heat island effect could all be impacted.
Codes and Standards | Feb 26, 2018
Bolstering energy efficiency would produce significant health benefits, ACEEE study says
Reducing energy consumption by 15% would save six lives a day.
Codes and Standards | Feb 22, 2018
GBCI will certify underwriting standard for energy efficiency projects
Investor Ready Energy Efficiency (IREE) certification aims to boost confidence in predicted energy and financial savings.
Codes and Standards | Feb 21, 2018
FEMA document provides simplified seismic design provisions for low-hazard regions
Forty four states have areas defined as low-hazard.
Codes and Standards | Feb 20, 2018
Federal budget includes disaster mitigation provisions
Bipartisan bill encourages states to adopt latest building codes.
Codes and Standards | Feb 19, 2018
Easy access to indoor environment controls yields improved efficiency and workplace productivity
JLL/Purdue University project is developing algorithms to improve indoor comfort.
Codes and Standards | Feb 14, 2018
After Energy Star stopped certifying medical properties, a REIT developed its own certification
Welltower uses internal system to evaluate total building performance.