In the wake of stalled Federal legislative measures to affect climate change, states and local governments have taken up the challenge.
“The District of Columbia has really raised the bar on climate action, not only in the nation’s capital, but for the whole country,” said Mike Tidwell, executive director of Chesapeake Climate Action Network in an article by Jacob Fenston from the dcist.
The Climate Commitment Act which passed unanimously, puts into code D.C.’s regulation regarding greenhouse gas emissions. This bill seeks to reduce carbon emissions by 60% in five years and be carbon neutral by 2045. Accordingly, all District-owned buildings will be carbon neutral by 2040.
The District will also be tasked to replace natural-gas-powered furnaces and water heaters with electric pumps using clean energy by 2025 and eliminate gas-powered vehicles for zero-emission ones by 2026.
The second bill, The Clean Building Legislation, concerns net-zero building codes. Unanimously passed by the D.C. Council, the bill requires all new structures and renovated buildings to use net-zero construction by 2026. It now heads to Mayor Muriel Bowser to be signed into law.
“Buildings account for close to 75% of the District’s emissions,” revealed Council member Mary Chen, who introduced the bill in a legislative forum. “So making our buildings more efficient and ensuring that they use clean energy, is probably one of the most important steps we can take to achieve carbon neutrality.”
In buildings, practically everything that uses power: heating, air conditioning, hot water, cooking, contributes to building emissions. Add to that natural gas leaks.
Net-zero building codes, which must be developed by the mayor, create zoning ordinances that prohibit “on-site fuel combustion” in the form of fossil-burning furnaces and heaters. The only except is for backup generators in buildings essential to public health and safety.
This legislation applies to commercial buildings, condos, apartment buildings, and single family homes with more than three stories. Starting in 2029, audits will be conducted to determine compliance in new and renovated structures.
By reducing energy demands and developing clean energy sources, buildings can achieve net-zero status. Well-insulated structures, that are kept cool in the summer and warm in the winter, can employ more efficient electrical systems to supplement air quality. It’s possible that buildings with solar panels can generate as much or more energy than what they need.
Concerning D.C.’s legislative efforts, Mike Tidwell commented, “The District is now ahead of most states and most cities.”
