City Council Adopts Updates to City Sustainable Facilities Policy

Charlotte City Council Approves New Sustainable Facilities Policy Updates

Charlotte, N.C. (April 23, 2024) – In a groundbreaking decision aimed at advancing the city’s commitment to sustainability, the Charlotte City Council has unanimously approved updates to the Sustainable Facilities Policy (SFP). The revisions to the policy, originally established in 2021, demonstrate the city’s dedication to leading the way in environmental stewardship and aligning with the goals of the Strategic Energy Action Plan (SEAP) set for 2030.

Key Changes to the Sustainable Facilities Policy

The updated Sustainable Facilities Policy introduces a series of significant changes to promote sustainability in municipal buildings. One of the key revisions mandates that all new city buildings will run on electricity, eliminating the use of natural gas as a power source. This shift underscores the city’s commitment to decarbonization and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Focus on Electrification and Green Technologies

Studies have shown that electrification is a crucial strategy in reducing carbon emissions from buildings. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s decarbonization study highlighted that transitioning to all-electric buildings could result in a 41% reduction in fossil fuel combustion emissions. By prioritizing electrification and embracing green technologies, the City of Charlotte is taking proactive steps to minimize its environmental impact.

New Requirements for Construction and Renovation

The updated policy sets forth several requirements for new construction and major renovations, including:

• All-new facilities must be all-electric, with no new direct fossil fuels used for building power except for backup generation.
• Inclusion of HVAC geothermal systems and building automation systems.
• Implementation of smart surfaces to reduce energy consumption and heat, such as cool pavement and roofs.
• Feasibility analyses to determine the possibility of constructing net-zero buildings.

Embracing Sustainable Practices

Furthermore, the revised Sustainable Facilities Policy encourages the use of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credits, strengthens on-site solar renewable energy initiatives, and promotes the adoption of energy storage systems to maximize solar power utilization. The policy also prioritizes the installation of bicycle facilities and periodic HVAC system analyses to explore opportunities for electrification.

Supporting a Greener Future

The City of Charlotte’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its municipal operations to empower residents to participate in building a more sustainable future. By aligning with federal rebates through the Inflation Reduction Act’s direct pay program for clean energy projects, the city aims to amplify the benefits of financial incentives for clean energy initiatives.

The adoption of the updated Sustainable Facilities Policy reinforces Charlotte’s position as a leader in environmental sustainability and sets a strong foundation for achieving its ambitious SEAP goals. As the city continues to evolve and innovate, these new policies will play a crucial role in shaping a greener and more resilient community for all.