Washington recently became the first state to require all electric heat for new buildings.
Under the state’s new energy code, most new commercial and large multifamily buildings will have to install heat pumps. The State Building Code Council, which voted to adopt a revised energy code that includes the all-electric provision, will consider a similar proposal for smaller residential buildings later this year. The revised code also requires the use of heat-pump hot water heaters.
The new Washington code includes exemptions for hospitals, research facilities, and other buildings where fossil fuels are required for “specific needs that cannot practicably be served by heat pumps.” Washington’s action is the latest in a widespread effort to transition buildings to appliances and HVAC equipment that can be powered by clean electricity. Advocates in many areas are backing legislation and code updates that restrict the expansion of natural gas use in new buildings.
There has been significant pushback on these efforts, though. In early April, a proposed gas ban for new buildings in New York State was dropped during contentious budget negotiations. (New York City, however, did impose a gas ban on new buildings in December.) California adopted a building code change last August that strongly discourages gas hookups in new buildings but does not mandate it.
Related Stories
Building Technology | Jan 7, 2020
Tariff whiplash for bifacial solar modules
Bifacial solar systems offer many advantages over traditional systems.
Building Owners | Dec 2, 2019
What building owners and AEC teams need to know about New York’s Climate Mobilization Act
On April 18, 2019, the New York City Council passed the Climate Mobilization Act, a suite of laws aimed to meet the city’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Codes and Standards | Sep 12, 2019
Illinois law sets maximum retainage on private projects
The change is expected to give contractors bigger checks earlier in project timeline.
Codes and Standards | Sep 10, 2019
Retreat may be the best option for some coastal communities in face of sea level rise
A new study makes the case for relocating in a "strategic, managed" manner.
Codes and Standards | Sep 9, 2019
Free app calculates maximum allowable heights and areas for buildings
A free app that calculates the maximum allowable heights and areas for buildings of various occupancy classifications and types of construction has been released.
Codes and Standards | Aug 29, 2019
The high cost of gridlock: $166 billion per year
Growing economy means more jobs, more cars, more hours stuck in traffic.
Codes and Standards | Aug 29, 2019
Industry leaders ask for government help as trades shortage worsens
AGC asks for more funding for education and increased immigration to fill gaps.
Codes and Standards | Aug 29, 2019
Code-conforming wood design guide available
The guide summarizes provisions for the use of wood and wood products in the 2018 IBC.
Codes and Standards | Aug 29, 2019
LEED residential market up 19% since 2017
The U.S. Green Building Council says that the LEED residential market has grown 19% since 2017. Nearly 500,000 single family, multifamily, and affordable housing units have been certified globally.
Codes and Standards | Aug 27, 2019
Slower speed limits in urban areas offer multiple benefits
Improved safety, better adoption of electric scooters and autonomous vehicles are possible if drivers ease off the accelerator.
