California regulators voted unanimously recently on a series of measures that include a ban on the sale of natural gas-powered heating and hot water systems beginning in 2030.
If the decision goes forward, it would be the first time a state has banned fossil fuel heaters for existing buildings as well as for new construction. The California Air Resources Board (CARB), the agency that oversees the state’s climate targets and regulates pollution, passed the measure as part of a larger plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions and comply with federal air quality targets.
The ban is not a done deal, however, according to a CARB spokesperson. “The commitment the Board made in approving the State SIP (State Implementation Plan) Strategy was for California Air Resources Board staff to pursue each measure in the document and take it to the Board for consideration,” says Melanie J. Turner, CARB information officer. “CARB will need to hold workshops and look at the issues related to the space and water heater measure. If the concept is not feasible, CARB staff will present the information to the Board who could determine they will not pursue it.”
If the ban on fossil fuel heating does go into effect, homeowners in California would only be able to buy zero-emission furnaces or hot-water heaters. Regulators expect this would prompt a switch to heat pumps and heat pump water heaters.
The use of fossil fuels in homes accounts for about 10% of U.S. carbon emissions. Since 2019, several cities and states have either enacted fossil fuel hookup bans for new buildings or have considered such bans. California is the first jurisdiction to extend such bans to existing buildings.
A switch to heat pumps, a more efficient cooling appliance than commonly used air conditioning units, could cut peak energy demand during heat waves, reducing the risk of brownouts and blackouts. To help residents make the transition to heat pumps, California’s most recent budget includes $1.4 billion to decarbonize buildings. Most of that funding is targeted for low-income families.
Related Stories
Sustainability | Feb 9, 2023
New guide for planning, designing, and operating onsite water reuse systems
The Pacific Institute, a global nonpartisan water think tank, has released guidance for developers to plan, design, and operate onsite water reuse systems. The Guide for Developing Onsite Water Systems to Support Regional Water Resilience advances circular, localized approaches to managing water that reduce a site’s water footprint, improve its resilience to water shortage or other disruptions, and provide benefits for local communities and regional water systems.
Sustainability | Feb 9, 2023
University of Southern California's sustainability guidelines emphasize embodied carbon
A Buro Happold-led team recently completed work on the USC Sustainable Design & Construction Guidelines for the University of Southern California. The document sets out sustainable strategies for the design and construction of new buildings, renovations, and asset renewal projects.
Sustainability | Feb 8, 2023
A wind energy system—without the blades—can be placed on commercial building rooftops
Aeromine Technologies’ bladeless system captures and amplifies a building’s airflow like airfoils on a race car.
Codes and Standards | Feb 8, 2023
GSA releases draft of federal low embodied carbon material standards
The General Services Administration recently released a document that outlines standards for low embodied carbon materials and products to be used on federal construction projects.
Healthcare Facilities | Jan 31, 2023
How to solve humidity issues in hospitals and healthcare facilities
Humidity control is one of the top mechanical issues healthcare clients face. SSR's Lee Nordholm, PE, LEED AP, offers tips for handling humidity issues in hospitals and healthcare facilities.
Mass Timber | Jan 30, 2023
Net-positive, mass timber building will promote research on planetary well-being in Barcelona
ZGF Architects, along with Barcelona-based firms MIRAG and Double Twist, have designed a net-positive, mass timber center for research on planetary well-being. Located in Barcelona, the Mercat del Peix Research Center will bring together global experts in the experimental sciences, social sciences, and humanities to address challenges related to the future of the planet.
Mass Timber | Jan 27, 2023
How to set up your next mass timber construction project for success
XL Construction co-founder Dave Beck shares important preconstruction steps for designing and building mass timber buildings.
Green | Jan 26, 2023
Corporations fall short on climate pledges by failing to embed net-zero actions into operations
Many corporations are failing to implement simple, practical steps needed for them to hit their stated decarbonization goals, according to a survey of more than 300 operations managers across key industrial sectors including construction, energy, and chemicals in the U.S., U.K., and Germany.
Multifamily Housing | Jan 24, 2023
Top 10 cities for downtown living in 2023
Based on cost of living, apartment options, entertainment, safety, and other desirable urban features, StorageCafe finds the top 10 cities for downtown living in 2023.
Green | Jan 17, 2023
Top 10 U.S. states for green building in 2022
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) released its annual ranking of U.S. states leading the way on green building, with Massachusetts topping the list. The USGBC ranking is based on LEED-certified gross square footage per capita over the past year.