Title
Commercial Building Electrification/Decarbonization Code Changes Discussion
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Briefing only, no action requested. If desired the Committee could direct staff to draft an ordinance to implement the concepts discussed and bring to City Council for consideration.
Report
Issue:
Whether to discuss City policies and code changes to advance the electrification of new commercial buildings.
Staff Contact:
Erik Jensen, Olympia Building Official, Community Planning and Development, 360.753.8280
Presenter(s):
Erik Jensen, Olympia Building Official, Community Planning and Development
Background and Analysis:
Climate Goals
In February 2021, Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and Thurston County accepted the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan (TCMP) as the regional framework to substantially reduce local contributions to climate change. The TCMP provides a roadmap to reduce community-wide greenhouse emissions 45% below 2015 levels by 2030 and 85% below 2015 levels by 2050.
In 2021, Olympia joined the Cities Race to Zero, pledging to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040 and set an interim 2030 science-based target, which reflects Olympia's fair share of a 50% reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. In January 2022, Olympia City Council also approved Resolution M-2289, declaring the City's intent to electrify city-owned facilities and Olympia's built environment.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
In 2019, greenhouse gas emissions in the Thurston County region were about 3.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e); and emissions have been increasing over time, with a 15% increase since 2015. The built environment, including the consumption of electricity and natural gas to power, heat, and cool our buildings, makes up nearly 60% of regional greenhouse gas emissions. After electricity, natural gas represents the second largest source of greenhouse gas e...
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