Planning commission adopts Green Building Plan amendments with tougher EUI and renewable energy targets

After extensive public comment and commissioner discussion, the Alexandria Planning Commission voted unanimously on Jan. 6 to forward a Green Building Plan master plan amendment to council with a set of recommended modifications.

Ryan Fried of the Office of Climate Action presented the draft plan, which centers energy performance (energy use intensity, or EUI), a modest on‑site renewable requirement, electrification and resilience provisions. Staff initially proposed a multifamily EUI of 38, a 3% on‑site renewable energy expectation with a Clean Energy Fund alternative, and flexibility for conversions. The plan also included a voluntary contribution approach with a proposed cap of $150,000 if on‑site generation could not be provided.

Public testimony featured a wide range of perspectives. Several architects, consultants and advocates urged stronger performance targets, recommending a 30 EUI for multifamily housing and an aggressive timeline toward lower EUIs and net‑zero goals. “I’m urging you tonight to stand by your earlier recommendation to strengthen the green building plan’s residential EUI requirement from 38 to 30,” said architect David Peabody. Industry representatives and some developers urged flexibility for high‑density buildings and pointed to technical and cost constraints for certain building types.

Commissioners debated the tradeoffs between achievable near‑term targets and the urgency of climate goals. Vice Chair Koenig moved a package of planning commission modifications that (1) set multifamily EUI targets at 30 (rather than 38), (2) raised the on‑site renewable target from 3% to 5%, (3) removed the Clean Energy Fund option and related formulae from the plan (deleting the $150,000 cap provision), (4) added a prohibition on on‑site combustion except where explicitly permitted, (5) exempted small projects (four or fewer units or projects under 10,000 gross sq ft) from certain options, (6) directed the Office of Climate Action to adopt an industry‑recognized net‑zero standard for public projects, (7) restored language directing OCA to develop an administrative development‑review process, and (8) required a biennial review of the plan’s standards. Commissioners also asked that EV‑charging and life‑safety considerations be integrated into the development review process.

The motion passed 7–0. The Planning Commission’s modifications will be included in the packet for city council consideration; council will make the final determination on the master plan amendment and any ordinance or programmatic follow‑ups.