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
Legislation | Aug 10, 2016
Calif. bill would speed up environmental lawsuits on certain projects
A nine-month limit has been proposed for some $100 million-plus projects.
Regulations | Aug 5, 2016
Stop-work orders in New York City up sharply this year
The orders come after a rise in the number of deadly accidents that have occurred in the past few years.
Legislation | May 11, 2016
Two bills seek to expand flood insurance policy writing to private carriers
Thanks to new floodplain maps, this market, previously the sole province of a federal program, looks more profitable.
Casinos | Jan 30, 2016
Boston ends its opposition to a casino, Wynn to build $1.7B resort
A judge’s ruling last year paved the way for Wynn Resorts to begin construction on a 33-acre gambling palace in Everett, Mass.
| Jan 5, 2016
RICS 2016 Americas Summit to feature former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers
RICS - the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors - will hold its fourth annual Summit of the Americas in Washington, D.C., April 3-5, 2016.
Legislation | Sep 25, 2015
Pennsylvania’s contractor payment act doesn’t apply to government, court rules
State Supreme Court denies Navy contractor remedies in lawsuit
Legislation | Sep 18, 2015
Bill aims to harmonize policy regarding federal, state marijuana laws
Would provide protection from federal prosecution for property owners
Multifamily Housing | Jul 16, 2015
Minneapolis relaxes parking requirements on new multifamily buildings
The city cut the number of spots required for large developments by half. It also will accept plans with no parking spaces in certain cases.
