Recent legislation introduced this week in Pittsburgh City Council would require all new or renovated city-owned properties be net-zero energy efficient.
The bill defines net-zero energy buildings as those “designed and constructed to be highly efficient and to produce enough energy through renewable resources to offset its energy consumption on an annual basis. A net-zero energy building could also be defined as a net-zero energy ready building that includes on-site or local renewable energy.”
Exceptions would be made for emergency renovations, short-term buildings, and the renovation of buildings that are being decommissioned or sold within five years. The mayor and city council also can request exemptions.
“Pittsburgh is taking real steps to meet its energy goals, and moving to net-zero construction will be one of the most meaningful and impactful actions we’ve ever taken,” Mayor William Peduto said. “It is not only the right move for the planet but for the city’s budget too,”
The bill is part of the city’s Climate Action Plan 3.0. The plan’s goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2030, and by 80 percent by 2050.
Buildings are the world’s largest end-users of energy, and the city’s buildings account for 80 percent of carbon emissions and a large portion of energy use and spending.