Decarbonizing Buildings
Buildings are a leading source of greenhouse gas emissions and are typically highly regulated at the local level. Newly constructed buildings should be nearly or completely fossil-free, and existing buildings need to be decarbonized in the coming years.
Fossil Free/Net Zero Requirements for New Buildings
Decarbonizing existing buildings is a monumental task. That task only becomes more difficult if new buildings are constructed with natural gas hookups and/or other fossil fuel based systems for heating, cooling, water heating, cooking, or other building needs. That’s why more and more municipalities are requiring that new buildings are built all-electric or powered by renewable sources such as geothermal energy.
Resources
Report on the Economics of Electrifying Buildings (RMI, 2022)
Building Decarbonization Code (New Buildings Institute) (2021)
The Future of Building Decarbonization (BDC, 2023)
Examples
Los Angeles, CA
Denver, CO
Cambridge, MA
Beacon, NY
Oak Park, IL
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
Decarbonization Requirements for Existing Buildings
Decarbonizing existing buildings is a monumental task – and a necessary one. Tens of millions of buildings in the U.S. currently rely on natural gas, oil, or propane for space heating, hot water, and appliances. All of these systems will need to be replaced in order to reduce emissions to zero. This will take a combination of economic incentives and strong policy. The federal government and some states are already offering incentives, and a handful of municipalities have begun to lead the way on policy.
Resources
Report on Equitable Building Performance Standards (BEI, 2022)
Report on the Economics of Electrifying Buildings (RMI, 2018)
The Carbon-Free Regions Handbook: Buildings (RMI)
Accelerating Building Decarbonization: Eight Attainable Policy Pathways to Net Zero Carbon Buildings For All (wri.org)
Introducing Resource Efficient Electrification (REE)
Examples
New York, NY
Boston, MA
Denver, CO
Ithaca, NY
Cambridge, MA
Seattle, WA
District Heating/Cooling
Creating “district” heating and cooling systems — in which several buildings are connected to the same heating and cooling system — allows for major improvements in energy efficiency. This also allows an entire group of buildings to heat and cool using geothermal energy or other non polluting thermal energy sources. To accomplish district heating, strong partnership and collaboration is needed. Cities can play a major role in advancing district heating and cooling for municipal buildings, but also by supporting private buildings looking to reduce their emissions by forming a heating/cooling district.
Resources
Geothermal District Heating in the U.S.
Networked Geothermal Pilot Program
Combined Heat and Power - District Energy
District Cooling
Examples
Boise, ID
Chicago, IL
Framingham, MA
Energy Efficiency Requirements for Existing Buildings
We need to switch the fuel sources for buildings from fossil fuels to renewables. In addition, we need to reduce the amount of energy that buildings consume. The least impactful, most affordable unit of energy is a unit of energy not consumed at all. While the vast majority of new buildings are energy efficient; many existing buildings are very inefficient. In fact, some older, less efficient buildings in cold climates are unable to switch to electric heating in due to the amount of heat they lose through cracks and poor insulation. For these reasons and more, increasing efficiency for existing buildings is necessary, and local-level policy can play a key role in that effort.
Resources
Mandatory Building Performance Standards (ACEEE, 2023)
Database of Municipal Policies on Energy Efficiency in Existing Buildings (ACEEE, 2021)
Guide to Municipal Policy to Improve Energy Efficiency in Rental Housing (RMI, 2018)
Report on Equitable Building Performance Standards (BEI, 2022)
Guide to Financing Municipal Building Retrofits (C40, 2019)
Mandatory Building Performance Standards: A Key Policy for Achieving Climate Goals | ACEEE
Guidelines for creating community-driven building retrofit programs (2024)
Examples
Boulder, CO
Burlington, VT
Berkeley, CA
Rooftop Solar Requirements
Rooftop solar PV systems provide clean, renewable electricity directly to the building they are mounted on, as well as additional electricity into the grid or into batteries for on-site storage. Incorporating rooftop solar into the initial design and construction of a building ensures that the solar is installed in the most cost effective and resource effective manner, avoiding need for expensive retrofits or roof replacements. By mandating the installation of solar panels on new buildings, local governments can significantly contribute to achieving carbon free buildings in the most cost effective manner.
Resources
Introducing Resource Efficient Electrification (REE)
More Cities Now Require Solar Power for New Buildings
Understanding Solar Ready Mandates
Examples
South Burlington, VT
Seattle, WA
New York, NY
Santa Clara, CA
Santa Monica, CA.
Lancaster, CA
Green Roof Mandate
Green roofs are an innovative approach to building design that can significantly contribute to environmental sustainability and climate resilience. A green roof mandate requires new buildings to incorporate green roofs as an integral part of their design. Green roofs are covered with vegetation, providing a range of benefits such as improved air quality, reduced urban heat island effect, stormwater management, and enhanced biodiversity. By implementing a green roof mandate, municipalities can promote energy efficiency, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and create more livable urban spaces.
Resources
Valuing the Public Benefit of Green Roofing in Portland
Green Roof and Wall Policy Guide (2023)
Examples
New York, NY
Portland, OR
Denver, CO
San Francisco, CA