Gas banned in new buildings in New York

On Wednesday, December 15, New York City Council passed legislation that will ban natural gas and other carbon-based fuels from 2024 in new buildings, as well as in apartments after construction. It is expected that such a measure will not only reduce carbon dioxide emissions, but also the consumption of fossil fuels in buildings. The bill was passed by 40 votes of councilors to 7 dissenting and one abstention. Gothamist.

The new legislation aims to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions by about 2,1 million tons by 2040. This equates to the annual pollution caused by 450 vehicles. But it does not prohibit the direct use of natural gas and does not indicate what capacity is allowed to be used.

The power grid is still powered by gas

Instead, it limits emissions from construction works to less than 25 kilograms of carbon dioxide per million British thermal units of energy. This is the limit that makes it nearly impossible to comply with the requirements when using gas. More than 70% Greenhouse gas pollution of the city occurs due to the operation of heat pumps and water heaters.

Expected that Mayor Bill de Blasio will sign the law before leaving office. The law is in line with the city's goals of zero emissions by 2040 and carbon neutrality by 2050.

The real estate industry supports and recognizes the inevitability of electrification of buildings, and believes that the power system and other infrastructure takes time to mature to meet energy and operational needs. By the way, the power grid is still powered mainly by natural gas. They expressed concern about the profitability of their business.

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Most of the buildings are connected to natural gas in addition to electricity from the mains. This energy is used for heating, hot water supply and cooking. But architects and environmentalists said these needs could be met with other technologies already in use and that gas could be dispensed with. These include electric heat pumps and electric cookers that can be used in design and construction.

Opinions diverged

But by eliminating the need for a separate gas line, the building is completely dependent on the electricity grid for all of its electricity needs. Steinberg is concerned that the current grid cannot meet these electricity needs for the entire city. But advocacy group Urban Green Council recently conducted research and disagrees.

However, while the grid may be ready, the changes will be considered zero emissions only if the power plants connected to the grid stop relying on fossil fuels and switch to renewable sources such as solar, wind and hydrothermal. The new law is just one step towards addressing these carbon neutrality issues.

“Designing buildings without fossil fuels is nothing new for architects,” said Adam Roberts, director of policy for the American Institute of Architects (AIA). "The claim that technology does not exist and that architectural expertise does not exist for designing fossil-free buildings in New York is kind of a joke."

Electric buildings are part of an affordable housing project

According to Sarah Beyer, director of sustainable development at Magnusson Architecture and Planning, such modifications have been part of the affordable housing project for many years. In fact, the company has three all-electric buildings under construction and eight more in the design phase. In terms of additional costs, Beyer believes the technology is used in all of her electrical buildings, which are affordable housing.

Other architects have pointed to cost savings from switching from gas to electricity. Mark Ginsberg, partner at Curtis + Ginsberg, noted that switching to electricity adds only 2-5% to the total cost of new construction. Some advocates have insisted that the law also cover older buildings that are undergoing renovation. In response, Ginsberg said that it is much more expensive for an existing building. It should be upgraded with all new electrical services because it will use more electricity instead of gas.

Health statistics

The health benefits will come from, among other things, reducing carbon emissions in a state known for its high death rates from pollution. RMI, an independent energy policy group, estimates that New York State became the nation's leader in 2017 year in the number of premature deaths caused by combustion of fuel in buildings. Meanwhile in New York level hospitalizations due to asthma at best, double that of other regions of the state. A similar picture exists for deaths associated with asthma.

Safety is another reason to stop using carbon fuels in buildings. Roberts said there are no general fears of explosions and fuel fires in all-electric buildings. They pose a real danger during floods or when people forget to turn off the gas stove.

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There are several exceptions to the law. For example, hospitals, because some medical equipment needs to be connected to gas in the event of a power outage. Back-up generators for emergency power will also remain connected to gas as there is no viable alternative yet. The city's building department commissioner, tasked with overseeing compliance with the law, will be eligible to grant benefits due to financial difficulties.

The law will not come into force immediately. For buildings below seven floors, these rules will begin with new applications filed after December 31, 2023 and July 1, 2027 for larger construction.

“Climate change is an existential problem of our time,” Ginsberg said. “As a rule, we all fail. Although not painless, we are doing it now. In order to fulfill any of the agreements of the city and state with Paris and Glasgow, we must do it. "