Sixteen years out from a 2007 law that aimed to end the use of fossil fuels in federal buildings, gas heat is still being installed within the federal sphere.
The intent of the law was to phase out fossil fuel-generated energy consumption by 2030. The slow implementation of this carbon-free policy demonstrates how difficult it can be to achieve environmental targets set forth in well-intended, ambitious legislation.
Pushback from the fossil fuel industry has contributed to a slower conversion to fossil fuel-free buildings than was envisioned when the law was signed, says an NPR report. It is a warning to the Biden administration that sweeping laws such as the Inflation Reduction Act and subsequent dispersion of money do not guarantee that climate goals will be achieved, the report asserts.
The Energy Department was charged with developing a rule to implement the fossil-free policy within a year of the law’s enactment. But that never happened, at least partially the result of gas industry pushback, and federal properties continue to opt for natural gas as a heat source. The lesson is that crafting and passing complex climate legislation is one thing, but achieving results in the field is quite another.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 1, 2024
NIBS report focuses on how commercial buildings access and use water resources
The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) issued a new report, Clean Water, Sanitation, and the Built Environment, focusing on how commercial buildings and residential buildings access and use water resources.
Windows and Doors | Feb 28, 2024
DOE launches $2 million prize to advance cost-effective, energy-efficient commercial windows
The U.S. Department of Energy launched the American-Made Building Envelope Innovation Prize—Secondary Glazing Systems. The program will offer up to $2 million to encourage production of high-performance, cost-effective commercial windows.
MFPRO+ Special Reports | Feb 22, 2024
Crystal Lagoons: A deep dive into real estate's most extreme guest amenity
These year-round, manmade, crystal clear blue lagoons offer a groundbreaking technology with immense potential to redefine the concept of water amenities. However, navigating regulatory challenges and ensuring long-term sustainability are crucial to success with Crystal Lagoons.
Building Tech | Feb 20, 2024
Construction method featuring LEGO-like bricks wins global innovation award
A new construction method featuring LEGO-like bricks made from a renewable composite material took first place for building innovations at the 2024 JEC Composites Innovation Awards in Paris, France.
AEC Tech | Feb 20, 2024
ABC releases technology guide for AI in construction
Associated Builders and Contractors has released an artificial intelligence (AI) technology guide for the U.S. construction industry. AI in Construction — What Does It Mean for Our Contractors? outlines definitions, construction use cases, and considerations for the implementation of AI in construction.
Codes and Standards | Feb 20, 2024
AISC, AIA release second part of design assist guidelines for the structural steel industry
The American Institute of Steel Construction and AIA Contract Documents have released the second part of a document intended to provide guidance for three common collaboration strategies.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Feb 19, 2024
Sports stadium developers sweeten projects with affordable housing to gain support
In recent years, sports stadium developers have been including affordable housing in their projects to win support from local governments and community activists.
MFPRO+ News | Feb 15, 2024
UL Solutions launches indoor environmental quality verification designation for building construction projects
UL Solutions recently launched UL Verified Healthy Building Mark for New Construction, an indoor environmental quality verification designation for building construction projects.
MFPRO+ News | Feb 15, 2024
Nine states pledge to transition to heat pumps for residential HVAC and water heating
Nine states have signed a joint agreement to accelerate the transition to residential building electrification by significantly expanding heat pump sales to meet heating, cooling, and water heating demand. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by directors of environmental agencies from California, Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Rhode Island.
MFPRO+ News | Feb 15, 2024
Oregon, California, Maine among states enacting policies to spur construction of missing middle housing
Although the number of new apartment building units recently reached the highest point in nearly 50 years, construction of duplexes, triplexes, and other buildings of from two to nine units made up just 1% of new housing units built in 2022. A few states have recently enacted new laws to spur more construction of these missing middle housing options.