A Growth Year for Building Electrification and Equity Considerations
Cities from Denver to Ithaca get applause for decarbonization progress and innovative approaches. Voices encourage a focus on equity in order to decrease emissions without worsening housing affordability.
Though attention has historically been focused on new buildings, the past year has seen policy changes focus on addressing the carbon footprint of existing buildings. More cities are going beyond building code reform to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Our small but plucky Ithaca was once again held up as an electrification leader for their commitment to electrifying all 6,000 of the city’s buildings by 2030.
Chicago has established a working group to apply an equity lens to building decarbonization as they work towards a 2035 target for powering all buildings with renewable energy.
New legislation was passed in Denver that tightens building policy while aiming to enhance the welfare of the city’s most vulnerable populations.
Why does this matter in our region?
Experts highlight that the local demand for greener buildings is a major driver of citywide goals. That means your voice matters!
Collaboration and fresh ideas are needed to retrofit existing buildings without worsening the housing affordability crisis that many cities are facing - including ours.
Cities across the country are experimenting with different approaches - there is a lot to learn.
Want to learn more about beneficial electrification? Connect with the AMPED project and learn what’s involved in electrifying your new or existing building. Our next webinar: Getting to Know Building Electrification Technologies is on January 20th - register today!
