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
| Dec 7, 2011
ICS Builders and BKSK Architects complete St. Hilda’s House in Manhattan
The facility's design highlights the inherent link between environmental consciousness and religious reverence.
| Dec 5, 2011
New York and San Francisco receive World Green Building Council's Government Leadership Awards
USGBC commends two U.S. cities for their innovation in green building leadership.
| Dec 5, 2011
Fraser Brown MacKenna wins Green Gown Award
Working closely with staff at Queen Mary University of London, MEP Engineers Mott MacDonald, Cost Consultants Burnley Wilson Fish and main contractor Charter Construction, we developed a three-fold solution for the sustainable retrofit of the building.
| Dec 2, 2011
What are you waiting for? BD+C's 2012 40 Under 40 nominations are due Friday, Jan. 20
Nominate a colleague, peer, or even yourself. Applications available here.
| Dec 1, 2011
VLK Architects’ office receives LEED certification
The West 7th development, which houses the firm’s office, was designed to be LEED for Core & Shell, which gave VLK the head start on finishing out the area for LEED Silver Certification CI.
| Nov 29, 2011
Report finds credit crunch accounts for 20% of nation’s stalled projects
Persistent financing crunch continues to plague design and construction sector.
| Nov 28, 2011
Nauset Construction completes addition for Franciscan Hospital for Children
The $6.5 million fast-track, urban design-build projectwas completed in just over 16 months in a highly sensitive, occupied and operational medical environment.
| Nov 22, 2011
Report finds that L.A. lags on solar energy, offers policy solutions
Despite robust training programs, L.A. lacks solar jobs; lost opportunity for workers in high-need communities.
| Nov 22, 2011
New Green Matters Conference examines emerging issues in concrete and sustainability
High-interest topics will be covered in technical seminars, including infrared reflective coatings for heat island mitigation, innovative uses of concrete to provide cooling and stormwater management, environmental benefits of polished concrete, and advancements in functional resilience of architectural concrete.
| Nov 15, 2011
Suffolk Construction breaks ground on the Victor housing development in Boston
Project team to manage construction of $92 million, 377,000 square-foot residential tower.
