New homes should be safe, clean and fossil fuel-free
The WA State Building Code Council could set standards for new homes this summer to make efficient, electric technology like heat pumps more accessible
Homes and buildings are a huge part of our climate problem — and the solution
In Washington state, homes and buildings account for over one-fourth of all emissions, and are the fastest growing sector of climate pollution. The Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC) is currently considering the adoption of a stronger residential and small multifamily building energy code. This process comes on the heels of a successful vote in April 2022 to amend the commercial and large multifamily code to require electric heat pumps and heat pump hot water heaters. This opportunity to update and improve our building energy codes comes only once every three years, so each revision must increase energy efficiency and decrease our reliance on polluting fossil fuels like methane gas.
Why is the energy code important now?
Our state has a unique opportunity to adopt the most climate-friendly statewide home energy codes in the country. The SBCC is considering proposals that would dramatically reduce emissions and protect public safety by requiring new homes to be powered with efficient, clean electric technologies.
Got questions? We’ve got answers.
What is an energy code? What about our grid’s stability when we transition away from gas onto clean electricity? The process for changing our building codes is rigorous and technical, and there are many benefits communities would see with all-electric construction. We’ve answered some questions we often hear in this FAQ. Not seeing your question? Reach out to us!
Timeline for the State Building Code Council process:
How to get involved
We need a broad range of voices from across the state to show strong support for these energy code proposals that will help Washington move away from fossil fuels in our buildings. In particular, green building industry professionals are needed to tell the SBCC why all-electric new home design and construction is a robust and market-ready solution.
Testify at a public hearing on June 17, 2022
Green building industry professionals: please contact rachel@shiftzero.org to get involved.
Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. For assistance email joelle@climatesolutions.org or dylan.plummer@sierraclub.org
Subscribe to the Shift Zero newsletter for updates
Contact info@shiftzero.org to arrange a presentation to an organization you are involved with