Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Renewable Energy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves phased requirement for large commercial buildings to buy 100% renewable electricity
Summary
The Commission recommended approval of a phased ordinance that requires large commercial buildings to procure 100% renewable electricity — beginning with the largest properties in 2022 and phasing down to smaller categories by 2030 — to reduce building‑sector emissions.
The Commission on the Environment voted Sept. 24 to support a phased ordinance requiring large commercial buildings in San Francisco to procure 100% renewable electricity, with a staged compliance schedule intended to allow supply growth and minimize market disruption.
Chief policy officer Charles Sheehan explained the approach: buildings ≥500,000 square feet would be required to procure 100% renewable electricity beginning in 2022; buildings 250,000–500,000 square feet would follow in 2024; and buildings 50,000–250,000 square feet would be phased in by 2030. The requirement applies to electricity meeting California’s Renewable Portfolio Standard, including Clean Power SF, Hetch Hetchy power and PG&E Solar Choice.
Sheehan said the city’s commercial building stock is concentrated: the largest buildings (about 9% of commercial properties) account for roughly 73% of commercial electricity‑related emissions, making large buildings a logical first target. The department signaled that Clean Power SF and SFPUC would assist with procurement and monitoring and that the phased approach helps ensure adequate supply.
Commissioners asked whether nuclear counts (it does not under the ordinance) and whether municipal buildings are included (municipal buildings already receive Hetch Hetchy renewable power for electricity). Staff pointed to reduced electricity emissions trends and framed the ordinance as the next step after benchmarking and efficiency programs.
Motion to approve Resolution file 2019‑06‑COE was moved by Commissioner Wan, seconded by Commissioner Ahn, and passed by voice vote. The Commission recommended continuing outreach to affected building owners and coordination with SFPUC and Clean Power SF to manage procurement and compliance monitoring.
