Caleb Heeringa, Senior Press Secretary, (425) 890-9744, caleb.heeringa@sierraclub.org
SEATTLE - Today the Seattle City Council voted unanimously to update its building code to require more electric appliances, significantly reducing climate pollution from new commercial and large multi-family residential buildings in the coming years.
The Seattle Commercial Energy Code update requires all new commercial and multifamily buildings four stories and taller to meet higher energy efficiency standards, be wired and ready for the addition of on-site clean energy such as rooftop solar, and utilize the city’s 100% clean electricity for space and water heating.
The long-planned move follows recent news that Seattle’s total climate emissions rose in recent years, driven by an 8 percent increase in pollution from the building sector, primarily due to an increase in buildings hooked up to gas appliances. Statewide, the building sector is the fastest growing source of climate pollution - up by more than 50 percent since 1990.
The update drew support from a broad coalition of clean energy, public health, labor and building professionals, who spoke of the health, safety and equity benefits of moving away from fracked gas in the built environment.
Last year, the city committed to invest $20 million a year to support low-income homeowners in Seattle in switching their home heating systems away from fossil fuels such as oil and gas to cleaner, safer electric heating while weatherizing and improving energy efficiency.
Brittney Bush Bollay, chair of the Sierra Club’s Seattle Group, issued the following statement:
“Climate pollution from gas appliances in our homes, schools and businesses is rapidly increasing, threatening our ability to meet our climate goals. By requiring new construction to use clean electricity, Seattle is ensuring that our buildings are part of the climate solution instead of making the climate problem worse.”
Rachel Golden, deputy director of the Sierra Club’s Clean Buildings campaign, issued the following statement:
“As local leaders look to how they can address the climate crisis locally, emissions from the building sector is an essential place to start. By passing one of the strongest commercial building codes in the nation, Seattle is leading the way towards a clean energy future that prioritizes public health and a stable climate.”
Alec Connon, Campaigns co-Director with 350 Seattle, issued the following statement:
"It’s good that the Council has moved forward the new energy codes, but this has to be just the first step. More than twenty cities in California have outright banned the use of fossil gas in all new buildings, including residential homes. If we're truly serious about climate action, Seattle would be committing to never build another home that will be heated by fossil fuels.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.