Burning fossil fuels in the form of methane (aka "natural gas") in our buildings accounts for 25% of San Rafael's greenhouse gas emissions. “Building electrification” refers to the elimination of natural gas-fueled appliances in households and businesses. It aims for adoption of four electric appliances: heat pump space heaters, heat pump water heaters, induction cooktops/ranges, and electric dryers, all supported by upgraded wiring and service panels as needed. Because the life cycles of appliances are long—often 10 to 20 years or more—decisions made today are critical in reaching our 2030 and 2045 greenhouse gas emission goals.
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The letters below to elected officials include recommendations on how we can accelerate building electrification.
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Support for Zero NOx Emissions Standards for Space
& Water Heaters
March 15, 2023
To: Bay Area Air Quality Management District
From: Sustainable San Rafael
re: Support for Zero NOx Emissions Standards for Space & Water Heaters
Sustainable San Rafael in this letter urges the Bay Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) board to approve the passage of the Zero NOx (Nitrogen oxide) Emissions Standards which is before the board. A more significant action has rarely come before the boardh for assuring the air quality of our built environment and curbing the rapid increase of greenhouse gas pollutants.
Replacing all residential gas appliances in CA with zero emission electric alternatives is projected to prevent 354 early deaths and 496 acute cases of bronchitis annually.
Update:
Bay Area regulators voted the week this letter was submitted to adopt rules to phase out the sale and installation of natural-gas furnaces and water heaters over the next eight years, one of the most ambitious plans in the country to replace gas appliances with electric alternatives.
To: Bay Area Air Quality Management District
From: Sustainable San Rafael
re: Support for Zero NOx Emissions Standards for Space & Water Heaters
Sustainable San Rafael in this letter urges the Bay Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) board to approve the passage of the Zero NOx (Nitrogen oxide) Emissions Standards which is before the board. A more significant action has rarely come before the boardh for assuring the air quality of our built environment and curbing the rapid increase of greenhouse gas pollutants.
Replacing all residential gas appliances in CA with zero emission electric alternatives is projected to prevent 354 early deaths and 496 acute cases of bronchitis annually.
Update:
Bay Area regulators voted the week this letter was submitted to adopt rules to phase out the sale and installation of natural-gas furnaces and water heaters over the next eight years, one of the most ambitious plans in the country to replace gas appliances with electric alternatives.
| baaqmd_3_15_23.pdf |
BUILDING ELECTRIFICATION REACH CODES (STUDY SESSION)
November 7, 2022
To: San Rafael City Council
From: Sustainable San Rafael
re: Building Electrification Reach Codes (Study Session)
Electrification is essential both to reduce risks to public health and safety and to eliminate over a
quarter of the GHG emissions that our city is contributing to increasingly deadly and costly climate change.
The letter urges the SR City Council to adopt the full set of model "reach codes" (i.e., codes above and beyond the minimum for electrification) recently approved by Marin County, which were based on extensive study and public involvement conducted by the County and other jurisdictions, including San Rafael.
The time to act on these reach codes is now. They have been vetted by diverse stakeholders with numerous adjustments and exemptions. They will leverage the generous funding provided to households and developers by the Inflation Reduction Act and other sources.
The letter also urges continued participation with jurisdictions countywide to develop a comprehensive Electrification Plan by January 1, 2024.
To: San Rafael City Council
From: Sustainable San Rafael
re: Building Electrification Reach Codes (Study Session)
Electrification is essential both to reduce risks to public health and safety and to eliminate over a
quarter of the GHG emissions that our city is contributing to increasingly deadly and costly climate change.
The letter urges the SR City Council to adopt the full set of model "reach codes" (i.e., codes above and beyond the minimum for electrification) recently approved by Marin County, which were based on extensive study and public involvement conducted by the County and other jurisdictions, including San Rafael.
The time to act on these reach codes is now. They have been vetted by diverse stakeholders with numerous adjustments and exemptions. They will leverage the generous funding provided to households and developers by the Inflation Reduction Act and other sources.
The letter also urges continued participation with jurisdictions countywide to develop a comprehensive Electrification Plan by January 1, 2024.
| ssr_electrification_letter_11_7_22.pdf |
ELECTRIFYING MARIN'S BUILDINGS
August 15, 2022
To: Marin County Board of Supervisors
From: Sustainable San Rafael
re: Electrifying Marin's Buildings
The letter applauds the County's agreement with most of the findings in the Marin Grand Jury's compelling report on Electrifying Marin's Buildings as well as the intention to adopt a 'reach code' this fall requiring all new buildings to be all-electric and incentivizing residential renovations to use electric appliances and HVAC systems.
In addition, we urge an unequivocal endorsement by County officials of recommendation RE-C3 of the County's current Climate Action Plan which focuses on the equitable transition of existing buildings to electric:
"Consider adopting an ordinance in 2024 that requires homeowners to replace natural gas appliances, such as water heaters, stoves, cooktops, clothes dryers and heating systems with high efficiency electric appliances at time of replacement where feasible. Evaluate the financial impact on households at different income levels and consider offering rebates or subsidies, in partnership with electricity providers if available, for disproportionately impacted households."
Implementing this action on this timeline is necessary to achieve the GHG reductions needed to reach the County's goals of 60% fewer emission by 2030 and zero net emissions by 2045, given the long life-cycles of building appliances and equipment.
To: Marin County Board of Supervisors
From: Sustainable San Rafael
re: Electrifying Marin's Buildings
The letter applauds the County's agreement with most of the findings in the Marin Grand Jury's compelling report on Electrifying Marin's Buildings as well as the intention to adopt a 'reach code' this fall requiring all new buildings to be all-electric and incentivizing residential renovations to use electric appliances and HVAC systems.
In addition, we urge an unequivocal endorsement by County officials of recommendation RE-C3 of the County's current Climate Action Plan which focuses on the equitable transition of existing buildings to electric:
"Consider adopting an ordinance in 2024 that requires homeowners to replace natural gas appliances, such as water heaters, stoves, cooktops, clothes dryers and heating systems with high efficiency electric appliances at time of replacement where feasible. Evaluate the financial impact on households at different income levels and consider offering rebates or subsidies, in partnership with electricity providers if available, for disproportionately impacted households."
Implementing this action on this timeline is necessary to achieve the GHG reductions needed to reach the County's goals of 60% fewer emission by 2030 and zero net emissions by 2045, given the long life-cycles of building appliances and equipment.
| ssr_bos_electrification_letter.pdf |