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 | Nov 27, 2017
Denver voters approve green roof mandate
Buildings of 25,000 sf or larger required to install vegetative roof or PVs.
Codes and Standards | Nov 21, 2017
USGBC adopts ‘RELi’ resilient building and design standard
The standard prescribes methods for designing more resilient buildings and communities.
Codes and Standards | Nov 21, 2017
Updated material transparency web site and hazardous building materials list unveiled
Improved versions of tools aimed at use of healthier construction supplies.
Codes and Standards | Nov 16, 2017
White roofing isn’t always the best choice
Adverse effects include heat reflection onto nearby walls.
Codes and Standards | Nov 15, 2017
U.S. finalizes tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber
The duties would add 20% or more to cost if trade negotiators can’t find common ground.
Codes and Standards | Nov 15, 2017
NBI stretch code a tool for accelerating efficiency standards
It provides a strategy to leapfrog minimum code requirements.
Codes and Standards | Nov 14, 2017
California bill would require purchase of low-carbon construction products
Contractors would have to source products based on greenhouse gas impact, not price, on state projects.
Codes and Standards | Nov 13, 2017
New AIA contract document for facility support services released
Updated form intended to be used with owner-architect agreements.
Codes and Standards | Nov 9, 2017
NIBS, NBI issue guidance document to help communities achieve energy goals
Outcome-based codes compliance path looks at building’s actual performance.
Codes and Standards | Nov 7, 2017
Underwriters Laboratories launches wellness certification
First certification program that verifies products’ compliance with the WELL Building Standard.