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New Buildings

New buildings constructed today can be expected to remain in use until well beyond 2050. As a result, thoughtful decisions now can have a significant impact on reducing the carbon footprint of buildings for decades to come rather than locking in carbon emissions that will make it difficult to achieve the DDPP goals for carbon reduction. Buildings use about 40% of energy produced in the United States and are responsible for about 30% of the nation’s CO2 emissions, making carbon emissions from buildings a priority for carbon reduction. Fortunately, substantial progress has been made in making new buildings more energy efficient, and the technology that would allow for major additional reductions is available. While this progress is important, much more needs to be done in the new building sector to reach the DDPP goals for carbon reduction. The chapter discusses the changes that need to occur and sets out recommendations to help accomplish the carbon reduction goals.

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Top Ten Resources on New Buildings: To help users take a brief survey of some of our favorite materials from this pathway, the MCLI team has drafted a "Top 10" resources list for state and local governments trying to address New Buildings. Check it out here.

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195 resources

Example Local Governments

Sarasota County FL’s Energy Economic Zone Program

Sarasota County has established an Energy Economic Zone Program that allows developers of commercial property to receive different tax rebates and other financial incentives when they comply with ener...
Example States and State Governments

Rhode Island’s IECC 2024 Adoption

In August 2023, Rhode Island enacted legislation requiring the adoption of the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) for new residential and commercial buildings once the codes are finali...
Example Local Governments

Proposed NYC Law Capping Portland Cement Content in Concrete

NYC Council Member Constantinides proposed a Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York and the New York city building code, setting a maximum for Portland cement content in co...
Example Local Governments

Boulder’s Energy Conservation Code

Under Boulder’s Energy Conservation Code, commercial buildings must achieve energy performance significantly exceeding national code baselines, using predictive computer modeling to demonstrate energy...
Example Local Governments

Eugene OR Gas Ban

In February, 2023, Eugene Oregon voted to become the first city in Oregon to ban the use of natural gas in new construction.
Example States and State Governments

Minnesota Sustainable Buildings 2030 Training Programs

As part of Minnesota’s Sustainable Buildings 2030 standards, the legislature authorized $500,000 annually to the Center for Sustainable Building Research for, among other tasks, the “development and d...
Example Local Governments

Salt Lake City Energy Benchmarking & Transparency Ordinance

Salt Lake City’s Energy Benchmarking and Transparency Ordinance requires all commercial buildings above 25,000 sf to benchmark and report their energy consumption. Beginning in 2020, Salt Lake City wi...
Resource Local Governments

Building Electrification Initiative

The Building Electrification Initiative is a project of The Innovation Network for Communities, a nonprofit organizing communities to respond to climate change. The BEI supports pilot strategies to sc...
Example Local Governments

Lancaster CA’s building code

Lancaster’s building code (2017) requires that new buildings be outfitted with a solar energy system. New single-family homes must have solar energy systems that can produce two watts of power for eve...
Example States and State Governments

Zero-Emission Residential Buildings Memorandum of Understanding

In January, 2024, nine states signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) establishing the goal that 65 percent of all new residential HVAC and hot water heating systems use electric heat pumps by 2030...
Resource States and State Governments

2018 International Energy Efficiency Code

The 2018 International Energy Efficiency Code from the International Code Council is a comprehensive energy conservation code that establishes minimum regulations for energy-efficient buildings using ...
Example Local Governments

Boston’s LEED Requirements

Boston’s Zoning Code Article 37 (2007) requires that any project that is subject to Large Project Review (generally 50,000 sf+, or smaller projects located near Boston Harbor) must be LEED certifiable...
Resource Local Governments

ACEEE Report, Programs to Promote Zero-Energy New Homes and Buildings

ACEEE’s September 2020 brief, Programs to Promote Zero-Energy New Homes and Buildings, surveys 20 different zero-energy programs across the country, and discusses these programs and the push to constr...
Example Local Governments

Brookline’s new gas hookup ban

In November 2019, Brookline MA approved a bylaw that prohibits the installation of oil and gas heating systems in new construction beginning in 2021. It makes an exception for gas stoves. In July 2020...
Resource Local Governments

Model Ordinance Language and Decision Framework for Improving the Performance of Existing Buildings

This 2018 model law presents sample language that can be used by jurisdictions interested in drafting a comprehensive existing building performance policy that encompasses provisions for benchmarking,...
Example Local Governments

Atlanta’s Benchmarking and Auditing Requirements

Atlanta’s Code of Ordinances (2016) requires both energy benchmarking and auditing. Benchmarking is required for city-owned buildings over 10,000 sf or certain classes of buildings over 25,000 sf. The...
Example States and State Governments

Rhode Island Zero Energy Ready Stretch Code

Rhode Island adopted a stretch code to encourage the construction of Zero-Energy Ready Homes (ZERH). ZERH certified homes are intended to be designed and constructed to a standard that allows them to ...
Example States and State Governments

Virginia EV-Ready Public Building Code

Virginia adopted EV-Ready building standards for new county, city, town, or school buildings larger than 5,000 square feet.
Example Local Governments

Executive Order on Comprehensive Energy Management of Salt Lake City Facilities

In addition to benchmarking requirements, the Comprehensive Energy Management of Salt Lake City Facilities Executive Order (2015) requires further energy audits, retrocommissioning, building operator ...
Resource Congress

The Inflation Reduction Act

New: The Sabin Center for Climate Change Law and Environmental Defense Fund are announcing the launch of an additional resource on the Inflation Reduction Act Tracker website: the IRA litigation case ...
Resource States and State Governments

Sustainable Development Code

The Sustainable Development Code project is the work of interdisciplinary research team including law schools and practitioners from across the country. The SDC provides concrete ways for local govern...
Example States and State Governments

Washington’s State Energy Benchmark Law

In addition to benchmarking requirements for private buildings, Washington’s State Energy Benchmark Law (2009) put in place strict requirements for public buildings, including mandatory investment-gra...
Example Foreign

Vancouver Zero Emissions Buildings plan

Vancouver has published a Zero Emissions Buildings plan (2016) aiming to achieve zero emissions on all new construction by 2030. It empowers the city to require green buildings in any rezoning project...
Resource States and State Governments

California Building Electrification and Gas Market Reports

E3’s 2019 study, Residential Building Electrification in California, evaluates the consumer economics, greenhouse gas savings and grid impacts of electrification in residential low-rise buildings acro...
Example States and State Governments

Massachusetts Gas Transition Order

In December 2023, the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities issued an order to move utilities away from natural gas. The regulatory strategy prohibits gas utilities from charging customers for ...
Example States and State Governments

New Mexico Bill on Solar Offers for New Construction

This 2023 New Mexico bill would require home builders to offer buyers installed solar in new construction.
Example Public Utilities

California’s Wildfire and Natural Disaster Resiliency Rebuild Program

In November 2021, California’s Public Utility Commission adopted a statewide Wildfire and Natural Disaster Resiliency Rebuild Program, known as the “WNDRR Program,” to provide incentives to help homeo...
Example Local Governments

Bonita Springs’ Green Building Program

Bonita Springs’ Green Building Program (2012) incorporates the LEED Program for Homes standards, the current Green Home Designation, and the current Energy Start Certified New Home requirements, as we...
Example Public Utilities

California’s Solar Roof Mandate

In 2018, California gave final approval to updated building codes that require all new homes to come with solar attached. Multifamily units below three stories must also adhere to the mandate. The Cal...
MCLI Resource

LPDD Top Tens: New Buildings

We invite you to check out our latest posting, LPDD Top 10 - New Buildings. modelclimatelaws.org is an extraordinarily vast database, spanning more than 2,000 model laws, best practices, and policy do...
Resource Local Governments

Report, Green Roof and Wall Policy in North America

This 2019 report from GreenRoofs.org outlines regulations, incentives, and best practices for encouraging green roofs in localities.
Resource States and State Governments

California Embodied Carbon Building Code

In August 2023, the California Building Standards Commission approved amendments to the state’s green building code, requiring developers to limit the amount of carbon “embodied” in new or remodeled l...
Resource Executive Branch

ACEEE Study on Federal Home Efficiency Requirements

In May 2022, ACEEE released a report analyzing the impacts of updating federally efficiency requirements for new homes receiving federally-backed mortgages or qualifying for federal programs. Congress...
Example Local Governments

Oakland Natural Gas Ban

In December 2020, Oakland approved measures to prohibit natural gas infrastructure in newly constructed buildings. The unanimously-passed measure will apply to all residential and commercial construct...
Resource States and State Governments

Model Language for Outcome-Based Energy Codes

New Building Institute provides draft regulatory language for jurisdictions to incorporate outcome-based compliance metrics into current energy codes.
Resource Private Entities

Energy Efficiency Model Clauses for Design and Build Contracts

The Chancery Lane Project, a collaborative effort of UK lawyers to develop new contracts and model laws to help fight climate change, has published model clauses for Design and Build Contracts to make...
Example Local Governments

Santa Monica’s 2020 Energy Reach Code

On September 10, 2019, Santa Monica City Council adopted the newly proposed Santa Monica Reach Code. The amendments or “Reach Codes” are designed to encourage low-cost all-electric new construction of...
Resource States and State Governments

ACEEE Report, Analyzing State Energy Code Update Benefits

As a result of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the Department of Energy is has announced or should soon announce substantial funding opportunities for st...
Example Local Governments

Boulder Building Performance Ordinance

The Boulder Building Performance Ordinance (2015) requires owners of commercial and industrial buildings to: annually rate and report the energy use of their buildings; perform periodic energy assessm...
Example Local Governments

Hayward Natural Gas Ban

Hayward, CA’s new electric reach code requires all new residential buildings to be all-electric, while nonresidential and high-rise residential buildings are electric preferred. Mixed-fuel buildings m...
Example Local Governments

Concord MA Cluster Zoning

Amherst MA’s cluster zoning provisions allows cluster developments reduced minimum lot sizes and requires fifty percent of land be perpetually maintained as open space for agriculture, parks, recreati...
Example Local Governments

2022 Chicago Energy Transformation Code

In September 2022, the Chicago City Councilpassed the 2022 Chicago Energy Transformation Code, which requires that new buildings are constructed in alignment with stronger energy efficiency and electr...
Example Local Governments

DC’s Green Building Act and Construction Codes

The District of Columbia’s Green Building Act (2006) required green building certification in both the public and private sector. The District’s Construction Codes (2013) expanded to cover projects be...
Resource States and State Governments

Washington State Heat Pump Requirement In New Construction

Per a November 2022 ruling from the Washington State Building Code Council, the state will require electric heat pumps in all newly built homes beginning in July 2023. The revised building codes will ...
Resource Local Governments

Seattle Ban on Natural Gas Heating in New Construction

In December 2020, Seattle announced new steps to further electrify buildings using clean energy and ban fossil fuels for most building use. By updating its energy code, the City aims to ban the use of...
Resource Public Utilities

California Subsidy Phaseout for Gas Line Extensions

In September 2022, the California Public Utilities Commission unanimously voted to entirely eliminate ratepayer subsidies for the extension of new gas lines amid a statewide push to decarbonize the bu...
Example Local Governments

Gold Beach OR Tiny Home Zoning

Gold Beach OR Ordinance No. 660 permits the use of a tiny home as a separate single-family dwelling in an existing residential zone, requiring a total square footage of between 200 and 600, on the sam...
Example Local Governments

Boston’s Ban on Fossil Fuels in New City Buildings

In July 2023, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu signed an executive order eliminating fossil fuel use in new municipal building constructions and renovations. The order bans new municipal buildings from using ...
Example Local Governments

Ann Arbor’s Zoning for Accessory Dwelling Units

Ann Arbor, MI approved zoning amendments that greatly relaxed the requisite standards for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). ADUs can now be designed to match either a single-family residence or a detac...
Resource States and State Governments

Regional Energy Efficiency Organizations

The US DOE supports Regional Energy Efficiency Organizations to operate in six regional chapters to promote energy code adoption, implementation and evaluation.
Resource Local Governments

Low Carbon Concrete Code Template Language (California-Specific)

This template Low Carbon Concrete Code Language was made available through StopWaste.org, which has documented resources and efforts to develop Low Carbon Concrete codes generally, particularly the co...
Example Local Governments

Santa Rosa All-Electric Reach Code

In November 2019, the City of Santa Rosa CA passed a reach code that would require all new residential construction of 3-stories and below to be all electric.
Example States and State Governments

Massachusetts’ Solar Mandate Bill for New Construction

This 2023 Massachusetts bill would require that detached one- and two-family dwellings must have a solar energy system producing at least 80 percent of the estimated average annual electricity use of ...
Example States and State Governments

Washington’s Heat Pump Requirement for New Commercial Buildings

In April, 2022, Washington’s Building Code Council voted 11–3 to restrict the use of gas in new office complexes, apartment towers and other large facilities starting in July 2023. Under the revised c...
Example Local Governments

Berkeley’s Energy Savings Ordinance (No. 7397)

Berkeley’s Energy Savings Ordinance (No. 7397)(2015) requires energy assessments at time of sale for medium, small, and single family buildings, and will phase-in all buildings by building size and ye...
Example Local Governments

Boston’s Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance

Boston’s Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance (2013) requires that buildings report energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and water use to the city using Portfolio Manager (or an equival...
Resource Executive Branch

GSA’s Sustainable Facilities Tool

The General Service Administration’s Sustainable Facilities Tool offers information and resources on transitioning to net zero buildings.
Example Local Governments

New York City’s Climate Mobilization Act (2019)

New York City’s Climate Mobilization Act is an umbrella term for a set of laws, including Local Laws 92 and 94 (established through Int. 0276 and Int. 1032), which require certain existing building ro...
Example Local Governments

Sebastopol’s Solar Energy Requirements

Sebastopol’s City Code (2018) requires new commercial or residential buildings, and specific alterations, to incorporate solar energy of either 2 watts per square foot, or offsetting 75% of the annual...
Example States and State Governments

Colorado’s Green Rebuilding Policy

In May, Colorado enacted a law to provide finance assistance for rebuilding homes and commercial buildings after a natural disaster with energy efficient heat pumps, energy storage, renewable energy g...
Resource States and State Governments

US Green Building Council Standards

The US Green Building Council oversees the promulgation of LEED standards and credentialing. They have prepared a guide for advancing local green building policies that addresses how LEED standards fu...
Resource States and State Governments

California Order Eliminating Subsidies for Electric Extensions to Mixed-Fuel Construction

In December 2023, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) followed up on a previous ruling eliminating subsidies for natural gas line extensions for all newly constructed mixed-fuel building...
Resource Local Governments

Report, The Legal Dynamics of Local Limits on Natural Gas Use in Buildings

This June 2020 report from Harvard’s Environmental and Energy Law Program explores recent actions to electrify buildings, breaking down the legal mechanics of local laws and the role of state laws in ...
Example Local Governments

San Jose’s Energy and Water Building Performance Ordinance

In addition to benchmarking requirements, San Jose’s Energy and Water Building Performance Ordinance (2018) requires auditing for buildings that do not meet performance standards (including an Energy ...
Example Local Governments

San Jose’s building electrification reach code

San Jose’s building electrification reach code encourages all-electric construction by requiring any new building with gas to achieve higher energy-efficiency savings (Cal Green Tier 1 compliance) and...
Example Local Governments

Fresno CA’s Zoning for Tiny Homes and Accessory Dwelling Units

The Fresno, California zoning code permits use and construction of tiny homes as permanent dwellings and provides for second dwelling units, backyard cottages, and accessory living quarters as a speci...
Example Public Utilities

Oregon Phasing Out Natural Gas Extension Subsidies

Starting in November, 2024, Oregon’s largest gas utility, NW Natural, will be required to phase out the subsidy for helping new customers connect to the utility, according to a Public Utility Commissi...
Resource Local Governments

New Buildings Institute Zero Net Energy Building Action Plan

New Buildings Institute has developed action paths for jurisdictions to support a long term commitment to Zero Net Energy (ZNE) Buildings.
Example States and State Governments

Hawaii’s SB 644

Hawaii’s SB 644 (2009) requires solar water-heating (SWH) systems to be installed on all single-family new home construction, with a few exceptions. The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission was asked to...
Example Local Governments

Crested Butte’s Building Codes Update

In August 2022, Crested Butte became the first municipality in Colorado to require that new residential and commercial construction be all electric, not utilizing natural gas for heating, hot water he...
Example States and State Governments

Illinois’ Climate Hubs Legislation

In May 2022, Illinois passed legislation establishing a grant program for Climate Works Hubs. These Hubs shall recruit, prescreen, and provide preapprenticeship training related to opportunities and c...
Example States and State Governments

Delaware’s Solar Ready Buildings Law

Delaware’s HB 402, signed in September 2024, requires new schools and state buildings over 50,000 square feet to meet certain requirements to ensure that the building’s roof is able to support solar e...
Resource Local Governments

Report, City Policy Framework for Dramatically Reducing Embodied Carbon

This 2020 policy framework from the Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance is intended for cities and other government bodies to develop a strategy, action plan and policies they can adopt to dramatically red...
Resource Executive Branch

DOE’s Zero Energy Ready Home Standard

The Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Home Standard lays out tools and benchmarks by which to build homes “so energy efficient, that a renewable energy system can offset all or most of [their] ...
Resource States and State Governments

Institute for Market Transformation

The Institute for Market Transformation is a Washington, DC think tank that works to catalyze widespread and sustained demand for high-performing buildings. They work in partnership with businesses, p...
Resource States and State Governments

Massachusetts’ Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind

In August 2022, Massachusetts enacted an “Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind,” which builds on 2019 legislation and helps clarify how the state will meet its climate targets. Key provisions of...
Resource States and State Governments

Oregon’s Executive Order 17-20

Oregon’s Executive Order 17-20 calls for carbon neutral operations in new state buildings permitted after 2022, compliance with USDOE’s Zero Energy Ready standard on new residential construction by 20...
Resource Local Governments

Minneapolis Floor Area Ratio Premiums for Efficiency

Minneapolis provides floor area ratio premiums in the downtown district for buildings that increase their energy efficiency by a minimum of 35% compared to the Minnesota energy code. Different levels ...
Example Local Governments

Windsor’s all-electric reach code

Windsor CA adopted a reach code in September 2019 that mandates all-electric new construction for all new low-rise residential buildings. This includes single-family homes, multi-family below four sto...
Resource Foreign

International Living Future Institute’s Zero Energy Building Certification

The International Living Future Institute’s Zero Energy Building Certification was created to allow projects to demonstrate zero energy performance, defined as where “One hundred percent of the buildi...
Example Local Governments

Spur TX’s Tiny Homes Ordinance

Spur, Texas adopted an ordinance that generally permits tiny homes in the city by right, however, individuals need a variance to have a tiny home in seven of the city’s subdivisions. Tiny homes on whe...
Example Local Governments

Santa Monica Energy Code

Santa Monica’s Energy Code (2016) requires all new buildings use 10%-15% less energy than allowed by the 2016 California Energy Code, and achieve an energy design rating of zero. It requires solar ene...
Resource Local Governments

Zero Code Project

The Zero Code project combines a model building energy standard with a policy approach to require the adoption of renewable energy to projects to offset designed energy use to achieve zero net energy ...
Resource Local Governments

Model Code for Accessory Dwelling Units

The editors of www.accessorydwellings.org drafted a model zoning code that ensures ADUs are small and discreet, while also providing enough latitude in their creation that they actually get built. Com...
Example Local Governments

Lexington MA Accessory Dwelling Unit Zoning

Lexington MA’s zoning code permits Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) so long as they are located in the principle dwelling, the gross floor area does not exceed 1,000 square feet, and there are no more ...
Example Local Governments

Orlando Benchmarking and Auditing Requirements

In addition to benchmarking requirements, Orlando’s Ordinance 2016-64 requires buildings owners to conduct an energy audit or retrocommissioning every five years, unless their building receives an ENE...
Example Local Governments

Montgomery’s County’s Natural Gas Ban

In November, 2022, Montgomery County, Maryland unanimously passed building decarbonization legislation, making Montgomery County the first county on the East Coast to ban natural gas as a source of he...
Example Local Governments

Baltimore County Cluster Zoning

Baltimore County’s zoning regulations establish several zones designed to preserve rural resources. Cluster development is required in some cases for the subdivision of land in certain “Resource Conse...
Example Local Governments

Miami’s fee reimbursement for LEED buildings

Miami Beach’s Code of Ordinances (2017) requires developers of new construction over 7,000 square feet to pay a fee of up to 5% of the construction cost (which fee is used by the city for climate miti...
Example Local Governments

San Francisco Natural Gas Ban in New Construction

In Nov. 2020, San Francisco passed legislation banning natural gas in new buildings. New residential and commercial building construction will be required to utilize all-electric power, starting with ...
Example Local Governments

San Francisco’s Existing Commercial Buildings Energy Performance Ordinance

In addition to benchmarking requirements, San Francisco’s Existing Commercial Buildings Energy Performance Ordinance requires ASHRAE Level 2 energy audits every five years for commercial buildings ove...
Example States and State Governments

Minnesota SB 2030 Energy Standard

For all new construction and renovation projects that receive general obligation bond funding from the state of Minnesota, the SB 2030 Energy Standard ratchets down the permissible energy use over tim...
Example States and State Governments

New York’s Appliance and Building Efficiency Standards

In May 2022, New York passed S9405, creating new appliance efficiency standards for products that are not federally regulated. It calls for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority...
Example Public Utilities

New Jersey Clean Energy Program

The New Jersey Clean Energy Programs are operated by contractors hired by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. One program is a residential new-construction program. The program has three tiers: ...
Example Local Governments

Marin County’s Low Carbon Concrete Code

The Marin County, California Low Carbon Concrete Code was the first in the nation to address the negative environmental externalities of concrete when it added a mandatory low carbon concrete specific...
Example Local Governments

Amherst MA’s Cluster Development Rules

Amherst MA’s Zoning Bylaw provides a detailed ratio for “developed land” to “common land” in Amherst’s Cluster Developments. For every dwelling unit, the code requires 2,000 square feet of usable comm...
Example States and State Governments

Oregon’s Path to Net Zero Program

Energy Trust of Oregon’s Path to Net Zero is a program to support the adoption of net zero energy commercial buildings. Currently, the program includes early design assistance (a project kickoff meeti...
Example Local Governments

Nashville Retrofit Requirements for Government Buildings

Nashville’s Ordinance BL2019-1599 establishes: An energy retrofit program across at least 9% of metro government-owned buildings by square footage between 2021 and 2024, with a goal of achieving at le...
Example Local Governments

Chicago’s Sustainable Development Policy

Chicago’s Sustainable Development Policy requires that applicable development projects earn at least 100 points by implementing select sustainable strategies. Points can be earned in the following cat...
Example Local Governments

San Francisco’s Better Roofs Ordinance

San Francisco’s Better Roofs Ordinance requires new buildings to have 15% of the roof space as solar panels or 30% of the roof space as a Living (green) Roof. The ordinance applies to buildings that a...
Example States and State Governments

Rhode Island’s Proposed Solar Mandate on New Buildings

This proposed Rhode Island legislation would require all new single-family dwellings in the state to have a solar energy system large enough to meet at least 80% of the dwelling’s estimated annual ave...
Example States and State Governments

Massachusetts’ Act Creating a Next-Generation Roadmap for Climate Policy (2021)

In January 2021, the Massachusetts State Legislature passed S.2995, which sets sweeping climate policy for the state, including greenhouse gas reduction targets of 50 percent by 2030, 75 percent by 20...
Example States and State Governments

Massachusetts’ Pathways to Zero Net Energy Program

The Pathways to Zero Net Energy Program is a $3.5 million Department of Energy Resources (DOER) initiative to spur the development of Zero Net Energy Buildings in Massachusetts. $3.0M is being used to...
Resource Local Governments

Report, Building Electrification: How Cities and Counties Are Implementing Electrification Policies

The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project’s July 2020 report analyzes 12 case studies and surveys the different policy options before local communities before offering model code language on building el...
Example States and State Governments

Washington State’s Zero Energy Code Roadmap

Washington State’s Zero Energy Code Roadmap (2015), prepared by the New Buildings Institute, intends to guide the process of revising the Washington State Energy Code through its revision cycles leadi...
Example Local Governments

Seattle’s Executive Order 2020-01

Seattle’s Executive Order 2020-01, among other things, bans the use of natural gas and other fossil fuels in all new city-owned buildings, and calls for a plan to transition existing buildings away fr...
Resource States and State Governments

California New Gas Heater Ban

In September 2022, the California Air Resources Board voted to ban the sale of new natural gas furnaces and heaters by 2030. Homes will be required to install zero-emissions alternatives, like electri...
Resource Local Governments

Menlo Park electrification reach code

Menlo Park’s electrification reach code requires all-electric new construction for all residential buildings (single-family and multifamily, including high-rise) as well as new commercial buildings. F...
Example Local Governments

Berkeley’s gas ban in new homes

Berkeley has banned the use of natural gas in low-rise residential buildings. As the California Energy Commission develops all-electric building standards for mid-rise, high-rise, and commercial build...
Resource States and State Governments

Architecture 2030

Architecture 2030 coordinates architects, engineers, and planners working to advance model codes and partner with city planners to achieve zero net carbon cities by 2030.
Example States and State Governments

NY Stretch Code and Energy Conservation Construction Code

The New York Stretch Code (2020) is a statewide model code for New York jurisdictions to use to meet their energy and climate goals by accelerating the savings obtained through their local building en...
Example Local Governments

Reno’s Energy and Water Efficiency Program

In addition to benchmarking requirements, Reno’s Energy and Water Efficiency Program requires that all buildings not receiving an Energy Star score of at least 50 must conduct an energy audit and retr...
Resource Local Governments

Davis CA Reach Code

Davis passed its reach code in September of 2019, which requires higher energy efficiency standards and electrification readiness in mixed fuel buildings.
Example Local Governments

Seattle 2030 District

The Seattle 2030 District is an interdisciplinary public-private collaborative working to create a groundbreaking high-performance building district in downtown Seattle. The district’s goals include c...
Resource States and State Governments

ASHRAE 90.1-2019

ASHRAE 90.1-2019 for Commercial Buildings provides the minimum requirements for energy-efficient design of most buildings, except low-rise residential buildings. It offers, in detail, the minimum ener...
Example Local Governments

Los Angeles’ zoning ordinances

Los Angeles’ zoning ordinances (2017) recently changed to disincentivize the spread of large single residences, or “McMansions.” The 2017 revisions gave a floor area ratio disincentive for ceilings hi...
Example States and State Governments

New York’s S542A (2021)

In June 2021, New York’s Assembly and Senate passed S542A, which instructs the state’s Office of General Services to set guidelines for procuring low-carbon concrete for state construction projects. T...
Example States and State Governments

Vermont’s Required Energy Training for Builders

Vermont’s S0220 (2020) requires architects, landscape architects, pollution abatement facility operators, professional engineers, property inspectors, real estate appraisers, and real estate brokers a...
Example Local Governments

Denver’s Green Building Ordinance

Denver’s Green Building Ordinance requires new buildings, new additions to buildings and existing buildings with a certificate of occupancy that are 25,000 sf to have a cool roof and comply with one o...
Example Local Governments

Ann Arbor’s A2Zero Plan

Approved in June 2020, Ann Arbor’s A2Zero plan lays out an ambitious strategy to shift away from using fossil fuels and power the community with 100% renewable energy within 10 years, while significan...
Example States and State Governments

California’s Building Decarbonization Pilot Plans

Senate Bill 1477, which requires the Commission to develop programs designed to test two specific programmatic approaches to building decarbonization: a Building Initiative for Low-Emissions Developme...
Example States and State Governments

Massachusetts Specialized Stretch Energy Code

In 2022, Massachusetts DOER approved a statewide Specialized Stretch Energy Code that cities and towns could adopt to boost the energy efficiency of new buildings and help lay the groundwork for elect...
Example Local Governments

Columbus Benchmarking Ordinance (2020)

Columbus OH’s Energy and Water Benchmarking and Transparency Ordinance (2020) requires new energy benchmarking, including requiring building owners to report data on building size, energy usage and ut...
Resource Executive Branch

EPA’s Energy Star Portfolio Manager tool

EPA’s Energy Star Portfolio Manager tool is designed to measure and track energy and water consumption, as well as greenhouse gas emissions, for either one or a whole portfolio of buildings. This leve...
Example Local Governments

Charleston’s Zoning Ordinance

Charleston’s Zoning Ordinance (2015) grants developers height and density bonuses for achieving a certain number of incentive points for efficiency measures, including green roofs and achieving LEED c...
Resource Local Governments

WegoWise database

WegoWise maintains a database of US city benchmarking ordinances.
Resource Local Governments

RAP Report, Principle of Smart Heat Electrification

RAP’s 2020 report surveys policies that impact smart heat electrification, including electricity pricing, energy efficiency obligations, carbon intensity standards, financial support schemes, building...
Example Local Governments

Los Angeles’ Existing Buildings Energy and Water Efficiency Program

In addition to benchmarking requirements, Los Angeles’ Existing Buildings Energy and Water Efficiency Program requires public, non-residential, and multifamily buildings to conduct energy and water au...
Example Local Governments

Seattle’s Building Energy Benchmarking and Reporting Program

In addition to benchmarking requirements, Seattle’s Building Energy Benchmarking and Reporting Program (2010) requires “tune-ups” of nonresidential buildings greater than or equal to 50,000 gross squa...
Example Local Governments

San Mateo’s electric reach code

San Mateo’s electric reach code does not require all-electric new construction, but incentivizes it through increased energy efficiency requirements for new buildings that use gas. Office buildings wi...
Resource States and State Governments

ACEEE State Energy Efficiency Scorecard

ACEEE publishes an annual State Energy Efficiency Scorecard that ranks states on their policy and program efforts, not only assessing performance but also documenting best practices and recognizing le...
Example Local Governments

D.C.’s Net Zero New Building Codes for 2026

By 2026, all new buildings and substantial renovations in D.C. will have to be net-zero construction under legislation passed unanimously by the D.C. Council in July 2022. The legislation does not its...
Example Local Governments

Minneapolis floor area ratio bonuses for efficiency

The Minneapolis Code of Ordinances (2016) provides floor area ratio premiums in the downtown district for buildings that increase their energy efficiency by a minimum of 35% compared to the Minnesota ...
Resource Executive Branch

Federal Building Performance Standards and Proposed New Building Rules

In December 2020, the CEQ and DOE announced complementary policies applying to new and existing federal buildings. For new or newly renovated federal buildings, DOE announced a new proposed rule to he...
Example States and State Governments

Honolulu’s Bill 25

In 2020, Honolulu City Council passed Bill 25, which includes building code amendments requiring new buildings to be solar ready and that a portion of parking be EV-ready.
Resource Local Governments

Report, Strategies for Massachusetts Municipalities to Implement Net Zero Building Mandates

This 2019 paper from the Emmett Environmental Law & Policy Clinic at Harvard examines legal complexities that Massachusetts towns and cities must navigate when mandating reductions of greenhouse gas e...
Example Local Governments

Walsenburg CO’s Tiny House Variances

Walsenburg CO Ordinance No. 1045 grants authority to approve variances to minimum size requirements so that houses less than 500 square feet and permanently attached to the ground can be constructed i...
Example Local Governments

Portland’s Low Carbon Concrete Initiative

The City of Portland’s 2016 Sustainable Supply Chain Analysis identified construction services as the top spend category contributing to the City’s supply chain greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Within ...
Example Local Governments

Des Moines WA’s Accessory Living Quarters Zoning

Des Moines WA’s zoning code permits one accessory living quarter (ALQ), at least 350 square feet of living space, per residential lot. ALQs help increase neighborhood densities, which diminishes deman...
Example Local Governments

Brisbane electric reach code

In 2019, Brisbane passed a mandatory all electric reach code for new construction. There are exemptions for cooking appliances, but the code requires pre-wiring throughout the building so a transition...
Example States and State Governments

New Jersey’s Low-Carbon Concrete Tax Incentive

In January 2023, New Jersey enacted S287, creating a first-in-the-nation tax credit for the utilization of low-carbon concrete. The new law gives businesses a credit of up to 5% of a project’s total c...
Resource Local Governments

Park City Net Zero Energy Performance Requirements

In 2017, the City Council of Park City voted unanimously to approve a net-zero energy performance requirement for all new and renovated municipal buildings and facilities, using the US DOE’s net zero ...
Example Executive Branch

EO 14057

In December 2021, President Biden signed EO 14057, which orders the U.S. government to be “net-zero” by 2050. EO 14057 directs the federal government to leverage its 300,000 buildings, 600,000 cars an...
Model Law Local Governments

LPDD Model Law: EV-Ready Commercial Building Code

This model law would require new or significantly altered commercial, industrial, or multi-family residential buildings to be equipped with the installation of Level 2 electric vehicle supply equipmen...
Example Local Governments

Santa Monica electrification reach code

Santa Monica’s electrification reach code applies to all new construction (residential and commercial). The ordinance does not require all-electric new construction, but encourages it by requiring add...
Resource Local Governments

Marin County Green Building ordinance

Marin’s updated county code was voted on in September, 2019. It offers 3 updated compliance pathways: one for all electric construction, one for limited mixed fuel (gas stoves) construction, and mixed...
Example States and State Governments

Colorado’s Ban on Gas Extension Subsidies

Senate Bill 23-291 eliminates incentives for installation of gas line extensions in new buildings and developments.
Example Local Governments

Morgan Hill gas prohibition ordinance

Morgan Hill adopted a gas prohibition ordinance in 2019. Its gas-free commitment is similar to Berkeley’s in that it’s based on health and safety grounds, but it goes a step further by immediately imp...
Example Public Utilities

Eversource Zero Energy Home Incentive

In Connecticut, the utility company Eversource offers a residential new-construction program with several tiers based on Home Energy Rating System (HERS) score. The program pays the highest incentives...
Example Local Governments

Hastings-on-Hudson’s Low Carbon Concrete Resolution

On May 18, 2020 the Board of Trustees of the Village of Hastings-on-Hudson passed a resolution committing the local government to promoting the use of low embodied carbon concrete products in building...
Example States and State Governments

New York State Gas Ban in New Buildings

In the budget passed in May 2023, New York State adopted a first-in-nation law to ban gas stoves and fossil fuels in new buildings starting in 2026. The gas ban requires all-electric heating and cooki...
Example Local Governments

Washington DC’s Green Area Ratio Rule

Washington DC’s Green Area Ratio Rule requires all new buildings that require a Certificate of Occupancy must meet the appropriate Green Area Ratio (GAR) based on the zoning district. The GAR is the r...
Example Local Governments

Carlsbad CA’s electrification reach code

Carlsbad’s electrification reach code requires heat pump water heaters or solar thermal water heating in new low-rise (below four stories) residential construction.
Resource Congress

Proposed CLEAN Future Act (2020)

The proposed Climate Leadership and Environmental Action for our Nation’s (CLEAN) Future Act (2020) is a large, economy-wide climate bill released by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Among ...
Example States and State Governments

CALGreen and Building Energy Efficiency Standards

California’s CALGreen and Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24) function harmoniously. CALGreen includes provisions to ensure the reduction of water use by 20%, improve indoor air quality, d...
Resource Local Governments

Form-Based Codes Institute

The Form-Based Codes Institute (FBCI) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the understanding and use of form-based codes. Form-based codes focus on matching scale of development, allo...
Resource States and State Governments

Oregon Buy Clean Legislation

In March 2022, Oregon passed House Bill 4139, which will require state regulators to conduct life cycle assessments for select construction and maintenance materials used for public infrastructure pro...
Example Local Governments

New York’s Executive Order 88

New York’s Executive Order 88 requires that public buildings of more than 20,000 sf benchmark their energy consumption annually. Buildings that receive low scores are required to undergo ASHRAE Level ...
Example States and State Governments

Hawaii’s Benchmarking and Retrocommissioning Requirements

In addition to benchmarking requirements, Hawaii’s HB 1464 requires retrocommissioning on public buildings at least every five years.
Example States and State Governments

Hawaii Law Maximizing Energy Efficiency of Public Buildings

In July 2022, Hawaii adopted HB 1801, which requires and establishes deadlines for state facilities to implement cost-effective energy efficiency measures. The Hawaii State Energy Office must collect ...
Resource Private Entities

American Institute of Architects 2030 Commitment

The American Institute of Architects 2030 Commitment provides a national framework to evaluate design options to support net zero energy. The confidential Design data Exchange system lets architects p...
Example Local Governments

Chiply FL’s Cluster Zoning

Chiply FL’s cluster zoning rules require that cluster developments preserve fifty percent open space in exchange for reducing the minimum lot size from one dwelling unit per ten acres, to two dwelling...
Example Local Governments

Healdsburg electrification reach code

Healdsburg CA’s electrification reach code for new construction requires electrification for most appliances, but grants an exemption from electrification for gas cooking and fireplaces.
Example Local Governments

San Anselmo LEED Requirements

The San Anselmo Code of Ordinances (2010) requires LEED certification for certain new construction and renovations. New construction between 2,000 and 4,999 square feet must meet any LEED standard, pr...
Resource States and State Governments

New Buildings Institute Model Stretch codes

The New Buildings Institute Model Stretch codes present jurisdictions with a set of energy-saving building strategies that cover building components such as envelope, mechanical, water heating, lighti...
Example States and State Governments

Vermont’s Residential and Commercial Building Energy Standards

An update to the Residential and Commercial Building Energy Standards was adopted on December 18, 2019, effective September 1, 2020. Key changes include a solar ready residential stretch code, tighten...
Example Local Governments

Montgomery County’s Green Building Tax Credit

Montgomery County’s Bill 10-20 (2020) dramatically upgrades the Maryland county’s existing green building real property tax credit, prioritizing energy reduction in the name of GHG emission reduction,...
Example Local Governments

San Jose Natural Gas Ban

In December 2020, San Jose became the largest city in the US to ban gas infrastructure from nearly all new construction. San Jose officials expect the gas ban will reduce the city’s carbon pollution b...
Resource States and State Governments

National Energy Codes Collaborative

ACEEE’s National Energy Codes Collaborative launched in May, 2024, with the goal of empowering states and jurisdictions to effectively and sustainably implement updated building energy codes. States a...
Example Local Governments

Jamestown RI Cluster Development

Jamestown RI’s zoning stipulates that, within three of the region’s largest zones, clustered development is required for any subdivision of land over five acres. The planning commission will only appr...
Resource Local Governments

International Residential Code Model Tiny House Provisions

The 2018 International Residential Code’s Appendix Q is an optional provision for state and local governments that officially defines a tiny house and creates a construction code specific to the needs...
Model Law Local Governments

LPDD Model Law: Model Ordinance on Green Building Construction

This model ordinance would require that new non-residential and certain multifamily buildings with a gross floor area above 10,000 sf (or other size chosen by the municipality) be constructed to a sta...
Resource Local Governments

San Jose’s reach code and gas ban in new homes

In September 2019, San Jose City Council approved a building reach code ordinance that encourages building electrification and energy efficiency, requires solar-readiness on nonresidential buildings, ...
Example States and State Governments

California 2025 Building Energy Code

In September 2024, California regulators approved the latest edition of its building energy codes. The 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards encourage installing heat pumps in new homes and certai...
Example Local Governments

NYC’s Green Roofs Policy

Local laws 92 and 94 of 2019 established NYC’s green roofs requires. New buildings and existing buildings undergoing major renovations in specific occupancy groups defined in the New York City Buildin...
Example Local Governments

Pima County’s Net-Zero Energy Building Standard

Pima County’s Net-Zero Energy Building Standard, while not imposing legal requirements, provides tools and calculators to property owners and developers to assess energy needs and design net-zero ener...
Resource States and State Governments

ASHRAE and IECC Standards

In July 2021, The U.S. Department of Energy issued pre-publication Federal Register notice determining that the updated model building energy codes, the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IE...
Example States and State Governments

Delaware’s Code for Energy Conservation

Delaware’s Code for Energy Conservation requires the state’s Energy Officer to establish programs to promote the construction of zero net energy homes. By 2026, all new residential building constructi...
Resource States and State Governments

DOE Building Energy Codes program

DOE supports the Building Energy Codes program, supporting building energy code development, adoption, implementation and enforcement processes to achieve the maximum practicable, cost-effective impro...
Example Local Governments

San Francisco’s Green Building Code

San Francisco’s Green Building Code (2017) requires new residential buildings to be installed with solar energy systems that meet a minimum requirement for per foot energy production. The San Francisc...
Example Local Governments

Santa Cruz Natural Gas Ban

Effective July 1, 2020, all construction permit applications for new buildings in the city must submit a declaration that their design is “Natural Gas-Free.”
Example States and State Governments

Buy Clean Colorado Act

The Buy Clean Colorado (BCCO) Act (C.R.S. 24-92-117) applies to State public projects for which the cost exceeds five hundred thousand dollars and for which an agency of government issues a solicitati...
Example Local Governments

Portland’s EcoRoof Requirements

Portland’s Ecoroof policy stipulates that new buildings with a net building area of 20,000 square feet or more must have an ecoroof that covers 100% of the building area (with exceptions). At least 50...
Example Local Governments

NYC’s Benchmarking, Auditing, and Retrocommissioning Requirements

NYC Local Laws 133 (2016), 33 (2018), and 87 (2009) establish benchmarking, auditing, and retrocommissioning requirements for buildings in the city. NYC’s Local Law 133 (2016) requires owners of large...
Model Law Local Governments

LPDD Model Law: EV Ready Building Code for One- and Two-Family Homes

To meet the EV penetration goals identified in the LPDD text, every garage or parking structure, be it residential, commercial, or industrial, being built or significantly altered should be designed a...
Example States and State Governments

New Jersey Solar Ready Requirement for New Warehouses

In November 2021, New Jersey enacted A3352, requiring all new warehouses containing 100,000 square feet or more to reserve at least 40% of its roof space for the future installation of a solar facilit...
Example Local Governments

Bellingham WA Building Electrification Ordinance

In February 2022, Bellingham City Council approved an ordinance to require new commercial buildings and new apartment buildings more than four stories high to use electricity for heating and water hea...
Example States and State Governments

Washington State Energy Code

The Washington State Energy Code (2016) adopts 2015 International Energy Conservation Code for residential and commercial buildings, with state-specific amendments. The WSEC establishes a goal of 70 p...
Resource Local Governments

San Luis Obispo’s Clean Energy Choice Program

an Luis Obispo’s Clean Energy Choice Program uses disincentives, including fees, to discourage natural gas use in new residential construction.
Example Local Governments

New York City Gas Ban

In December 2021, NYC passed a mandate phasing out the combustion of fossil fuels in new buildings and accelerating the construction of all-electric buildings. The law, Intro. 2317, sets restrictions ...
Example Local Governments

Fife WA’s Green Factor Policy

Fife’s Green Factor policy holds that in order to receive a project permit, new developments, redevelopments and construction sites must have a landscaping plan that achieves the green factor. Plans m...
Example Local Governments

Thurston County’s Planned Rural Residential Developments

Thurston County, WA’s Code of Ordinances allows landowners to apply to create a “Planned Rural Residential Development” (PRRD). PRRDs require the creation of a “resource parcel.” The size and use of t...
Example Local Governments

Mountain View’s reach code

Mountain View CA’s reach code requires electrification for new residential and commercial buildings. Mountain View’s ordinance is robust; there are no exemptions for gas stoves, fireplaces, or fire pi...
Example States and State Governments

California’s Long Term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan

The California Public Utility Commission’s Long Term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan calls for 50% existing commercial buildings to be zero energy by 2030, new state buildings and major renovations z...
Resource States and State Governments

ASHRAE’s Procedures for Commercial Building Energy Audits

ASHRAE publishes Procedures for Commercial Building Energy Audits. These standards describe three levels of energy audits, which are frequently cited in defining the scope of a required energy audit.