New York becomes first state to commit to all-electric new buildings
This is a common sense way to future proof our housing stock. Wellington should follow suit.
Alison F. Takemura, writing for Canary Media:
The state’s rules will apply to new structures up to seven stories tall and, for commercial and industrial buildings, up to 100,000 square feet beginning Dec. 31, 2025. Buildings bigger than that will need to be built all-electric starting in 2029. The new code will spur installations of heat pumps and heat-pump water heaters — ultra-efficient electric appliances that are good for the planet and, typically, pocketbooks.
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Gas stoves, typically the largest sources of exposure to indoor air pollutants, are linked to nearly one in five asthma cases in children in New York, according to a 2022 study. “Places like the Bronx have the highest rates of childhood asthma in the country,” said Jumaane Williams, public advocate of New York City, in a call with reporters on Friday. “We know this is a life-and-death situation.”
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“When New Yorkers come together … we can win even in the face of opponents with an almost-limitless budget,” he said. “That is how we won this bill. It’s also how we are going to continue the fight to get fossil fuels out of all the existing buildings in the state.”
This is a common sense way to future proof our housing stock. Wellington should follow suit.
It is astounding to me that new homes, right now, are being built with fossil fuel connections. It's a sunk cost that will need to be fixed sooner or later. Electric appliances don't cause asthma in kids and are far cheaper to run. Why not save renters and buyers the hassle by building it right the first time?
I have a lot to say about electrifying our homes soon, stay tuned. For now, read this wonderful coverage.
