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The energy transition is a major issue for many states and New York has just taken a significant step. The Fire Prevention Council and the State Building Code has approved a new standard requiring that most of the new buildings are entirely electric. This decision marks a notable advance in the fight against greenhouse gas emissions and positions New York as a precursor in the transition to without emissions. This text explores the implications of this new regulations and the challenges that accompany it.
A major legislative turning point
On July 25, New York adopted an entirely electric construction standard, a first at the national level. This measure prohibits the use of gas and other fossil fuels in most new buildings, in accordance with the revolutionary law of 2023 on all electric buildings. Climate legislators and defenders have praised this progress, stressing its importance in reducing fossil fuel emissions, which represent 31 % of the state’s climate pollution.
Emily Gallagher, member of the State Assembly and promoter of the 2023 legislation, said it was “enthusiastic that we finally discussed, on a state level, our greatest source of fossil combustible emissions”. While the federal government seems to retreat on support for renewable energies, New York asserts itself at the top of the decarbonization of buildings.
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Details of the new regulations
The rules will apply to the new structures of up to seven floors and, for commercial and industrial buildings, up to 9,290 square meters from December 31, 2025. Larger buildings will have to be built entirely electric from 2029. The new code will encourage the installation of heat pumps and thermodynamic water heaters, ultra-effective electrical devices beneficial for the environment and finances owners.
Exceptions are however planned, in particular for laboratories, crematoriums and restaurants, as well as for large buildings whose owners can prove that the electrical network is not ready to meet their electric heating needs. Michael Hernandez, director of politicians at Rewiring America, remains optimistic about the effectiveness of the code despite these exemptions.
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Economic and environmental impact expected
According to a report commissioned by the New York State Research and Energy Development Authority, the new energy code should increase the cost of residential construction, but considerably reduce energy bills. This would make the measurement profitable with a return on investment in less than ten years. Over thirty years, it is estimated that households will save on average around 4,600 euros thanks to a 17 % reduction in energy consumption.
The transition to fully electric construction also improves air quality by reducing the use of boilers, water heaters and fossil combustible stoves. In 2017, the use of fossil fuels in New York buildings led to health impacts of 21.7 billion euros and nearly 2,000 premature deaths.
Challenges and prospects for the future
Despite the advances, the opposition to the standard persists. A group of industry has asked the Ministry of Justice to block the implementation of the code. Michael Fazio, executive director of the New York State Builders Association, did not comment on the request. However, the recent legal victory of the State, confirming its capacity to apply the law on all electric buildings, constitutes an important precedent.
While heat pumps are becoming more and more popular, their adoption is crucial for the energy transition. Jay Best, CEO of Green Team Long Island, notes that the code sets a minimum legal standard that changes the perception of this technology. Alex Beauchamp, regional director at Food & Water Watch, underlines that the adoption of this law is a victory against powerful adversaries and that the fight continues to eliminate the fossil fuels from existing buildings.
The implementation of the Electric Code in New York raises many questions. How will other states respond to this pioneering initiative? Will this legislation have a training effect on national and international energy policies?
This article is based on verified sources and the assistance of editorial technologies.
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