Commission Backs Green‑building Efficiency Rules, Extends Limits on Natural Gas in New Construction

The Building Inspection Commission reviewed an ordinance amending the green building code intended to reduce operational emissions in new construction and impose higher efficiency requirements on mixed‑fuel (gas + electric) buildings.

Mr. Hooper presented the ordinance as part of the Mayor’s broader decarbonization goals, noting that the city aims for new buildings to have no operational emissions by 2030 and for built environment emissions to reach net‑zero by 2050. He said municipal new construction is expected to exclude natural gas and that the ordinance codifies higher efficiency standards (a compliance margin above baseline Title 24 standards) for buildings that continue to use natural gas.

Commissioners asked about feasibility for low‑rise multifamily and small projects, the role of battery storage as a compliance strategy, and cost‑effectiveness analyses. Deputy City Attorney Rob Capel clarified that energy usage and emissions are distinct metrics: a mixed‑fuel building can be held to a higher efficiency standard while emissions depend on electricity generation sources.

After discussion, the Commission took a roll‑call vote; the item was approved following a procedural recall and recount of the roll call at the meeting. Commissioners also discussed the mayor’s planned building decarbonization task force and requested further outreach, case studies and attention to equity and infrastructure implications (such as distribution upgrades and outage resiliency) for smaller infill projects.

The Commission’s approval advances the Board of Supervisors’ consideration of complementary bills intended to restrict gas in municipal buildings and create standards for other new construction.