All new buildings and substantial renovations in DC. will have to be net-zero construction by 2026, following legislation passed unanimously by DC council on June 12. This means they will need to produce as much energy as they consume.
The legislation also bans most natural gas use in new buildings.
This would make Washington the second city to impose a natural gas ban in construction, following legislation passed by New York City.
The council also separate climate legislation committing to making the entire city carbon neutral by 2045.
“Buildings account for close to 75% of the District’s emissions,” said council member Mary Cheh, who introduced the bills, during discussion of the legislation. “So making our buildings more efficient and ensuring that they use clean energy, is probably one of the most important steps we can take to achieve carbon neutrality.”
“The District of Columbia this week has really raised the bar on climate action, not only in the nation’s capital, but for the whole country,” said Mike Tidwell, executive director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, which has pushed D.C. and other local jurisdictions to adopt tougher climate laws. “The District is now ahead of most states and most cities,” Tidwell said.