The Biden administration announced a new rule that would effectively require new and renovated federal buildings to use electric technologies, part of President Joe Biden‘s initiative to reduce the federal government’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Under the proposed rule announced Wednesday, targeted facilities would be required to reduce on-site emissions associated with the energy consumption of the building by 90% relative to 2003 levels. That requirement would go into effect beginning in 2025.
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In 2030, the first-of-its-kind building standard would then require full decarbonization in new federal buildings and major renovations.
Fossil fuels used in federal buildings account for over 25% of all federal greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Department of Energy.
“Ridding pollution from our buildings and adopting clean electricity are some of the most cost-effective and future-oriented solutions we have to combat climate change,” said Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm. The rulemaking was developed under the department’s regulatory authority.
DOE has proposed and finalized a suite of new regulations in the last two years designed to reduce emissions and energy consumption, including rules more stringently regulating the manufacture of light bulbs, pool heaters, and other appliances.
Biden’s climate change plans target the achievement of net-zero emissions in all federal buildings by 2045.
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Other federal emissions goals, which the White House announced a year ago this Friday, include the acquisition of a 100% zero-emission federal vehicle fleet by 2035.
