We’re experiencing an unprecedented climate crisis. In an effort to combat this crisis and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, cities have started transitioning to clean energy and reducing dependency on fossil fuels such as natural gas and petroleum. Among other efforts, 39 cities in California have adopted building codes that aim to cut global carbon emissions.
Gas-burning appliances like furnaces, stoves, and water heaters, create about 10% of California’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to the California Air Resources Board.
Natural gas (methane) is roughly 80 times more potent of a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, and natural gas combustion in the home has shown to cause asthma and have other deleterious effects on human health.
Every city has different codes. For example, Menlo Park requires all new residential and nonresidential construction to be all-electric BUT allows an exemption for cooking appliances in homes.
Even having an exception, cooking appliances must be installed “electric ready, ” meaning they must be equipped with the proper wiring to allow for the transition to all-electric operation in the future. Palo Alto on the other hand has ordered ALL new construction to be all-electric.
These new building codes are intended to improve indoor and outdoor air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and achieve carbon neutrality. A recent study by the University of California, Berkley reports that,
“Switching to clean energy sources would bring $1.7 trillion into the U.S. economy over the next 15 years and prevent up to 85,000 premature deaths by 2050.”
So, what does this look like for the home building industry? Builders and remodelers will now have to think about implementing strategies that will decrease the environmental impact of buildings.
One major change will be phasing out gas-burning home appliances. Now there are appliances that utilize renewable energy—gas stoves, fireplaces, furnaces, etc. will eventually be a thing of the past. Heat pumps, for example, are more environmentally friendly and 300-400% more efficient than traditional gas furnaces.
Depending on regional gas and electricity rates and the energy efficiency of appliances, builders can save up to $6,000 during construction by eliminating natural gas infrastructure from a single-family home.
Learn more about the codes for San Mateo County and more
We understand that building needs are changing constantly, and we have a passion for construction and design that lasts. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
All Rights Reserved | Supple Homes Inc
All Rights Reserved | Supple Homes Inc
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: