Everyone deserves to live in safe, affordable, healthy homes that run on clean electricity and are free of indoor air pollution from methane gas.
Our newest report, “How to Move All-Electric Buildings Forward Post-Berkeley Ruling,” explores key pathways and strategies to make this a reality by pushing clean energy and electrification forward.
Why Building Electrification?
Gas appliances pose a health risk to our families and communities, especially affecting low-income and communities of color. To avoid worsening climate issues in communities of concern, we need policies and programs that require and incentivize electrification.
Electrification, specifically powered by clean energy,, is a clear, effective, efficient, and equitable strategy to mitigate these impacts, improve public health, and protect our communities and environment.
Want more info on why building electrification is healthier, safer, and better for the economy? Read our blog series, Surging Ahead,” to learn what electrification means.
Key Takeaways:
Our report offers roadmaps to #electrify our buildings and homes, including:
Electrifying ⚡Schools: Since students and faculty spend the majority of their day inside school buildings, to keep the community safe and healthy, school districts should switch to all-electric systems. By transitioning to all-electric appliances and infrastructure, schools can create healthier indoor environments while reducing harmful emissions.
Climate Win 🎉 San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) recently adopted an electrification resolution, committing to phasing out fossil fuels in all district infrastructure, including buildings, buses, and maintenance vehicles.
All-Electric Housing Requirements: State and local governments can boost electrification efforts by requiring that government-funded housing projects be all-electric. For example, in local housing plans, governments can require that all new construction identified in such plans be all-electric. This not only ensures cleaner and healthier homes but also makes the region eligible for significant clean energy funding and grants.
In 2022, the City and County of San Diego pledged to create 10,000 new affordable homes. To stay true to their clean energy promises, it's important they guarantee that these affordable homes run on electricity alone and without gas infrastructure.
Heat Pump Policy to Replace Old Air Conditioning Units: Local governments should require that upon burnout, air conditioning units be replaced with efficient heat pumps. Heat pumps offer a dual benefit by providing both heating and cooling through one all-electric system and offer a healthier alternative to gas furnaces for heating.
Local governments can adopt strategies now to promote community well-being and transition to all-electric buildings. This will help ensure everyone has access to clean and affordable homes powered by safe, renewable energy!