Widespread power outages in Texas during a severe cold blast have caused some to question whether banning fossil fuels from new buildings makes sense.
Most homes with gas space heating went cold because most gas-powered heating systems require electricity to operate. But, after the lights went out, gas stoves allowed residents to boil water and cook food while electric appliances were useless.
The reductions in carbon emissions resulting from all-electric buildings supplied by clean power sources are still compelling, and there are ways to make the grid and individual buildings more resilient to power outages. For instance, attaching a small battery backup to a gas heating system enables it to run when the grid fails.
Solar panels with battery storage could also keep both electric stoves and electric heating systems running during grid outages. Batteries in electric vehicles could someday be tapped as a source of backup energy.
There are strategies that can make the grid more resilient, as well. Texas could winterize its electrical system, for starters. Also, microgrids at the building-level or community-level can generate and store their own electricity, relieving pressure on the grid, and may be able to continue providing power during regional outages.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2022
Architects at New York firm take steps to unionize
Support for unionization reported at two other New York firms.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2022
Biden’s executive order for a carbon-neutral government includes green materials mandate
As a driver of demand, federal procurement impact could ripple through the economy.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2022
Controversial California solar power incentive proposal would reduce subsidies
Plan intended to encourage customers to install power storage systems.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2022
New York City bans new gas hookups
Applies to gas stoves, boilers, and heaters in new buildings and buildings that undergo gut renovations.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2022
New engineering guide on fire safety for very tall buildings released
Topics include emergency egress, fire resistance, building envelope, suppression, detection, alarms, and smoke control.
Codes and Standards | Dec 22, 2021
Updated ASCE 7-22 standard includes first-ever criteria for tornado-resistant design
New document provides up-to-date, coordinated loading provisions for general structural design.
Codes and Standards | Dec 21, 2021
Outdated and redundant building codes plague St. Louis area development
Region’s combined codes nearly double the length of the IRS Code.
Digital Twin | Dec 20, 2021
Groups ally to advance augmented reality and digital twin technology
AREA and Digital Twin Consortium to work on improving how technology components interoperate.
Codes and Standards | Dec 20, 2021
Tension rises in California over state’s push to build more housing
Attorney general hints at lawsuits against cities that don’t comply with zoning reform.
Codes and Standards | Dec 17, 2021
Tension rises in California over state’s push to build more housing
Attorney general hints at lawsuits against cities that don’t comply with zoning reform.