New York City has passed a resolution requiring all new buildings to be fully electric. This will gradually phase out fossil fuel use in the city. According to the resolution, buildings up to seven stories and 9,300 square meters will be free of fossil fuels by 2026, and larger structures will be free of fossil fuels after 2029.

The era of electric buildings begins

This initiative is part of New York’s efforts to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions. Studies show that air pollution in New York City causes $21.7 billion in additional annual healthcare costs and contributes to one-fifth of childhood asthma cases.

Thirty percent of the city’s total emissions come from the use of fossil fuels in buildings, such as natural gas and gas furnaces. The new law will replace these systems with electric heat pumps, induction cooktops, and similar technologies.

This transition is expected to increase costs initially. However, experts estimate that the costs will be offset within a decade thanks to lower energy bills, resulting in savings of approximately $5,000 per household by the end of the third decade. State officials say the electrical grid is ready for this new load, and retrofitting is ongoing.

Moreover, modern technologies such as heat pumps, which can operate even at -13°C, are expected to facilitate this transition. This rule, which applies to new buildings, has exceptions for certain structures such as restaurants, healthcare facilities, and factories. Existing buildings are not affected by this law.

This law prevents the construction of new buildings in New York that contribute to the climate crisis. It also encourages the clean energy sector and architectural firms to find more innovative solutions. With the new era, buildings are expected to consume less energy, and geothermal and solar-assisted heat pumps are expected to become more widespread.

Innovative energy networks, such as using waste heat from supermarket refrigeration appliances to heat homes, may also be on the agenda. This transition will increase the capacity of clean energy companies in the long term, reduce costs, and promote cleaner air in the city.