In a decisive move to continue its quest against climate change, Santa Monica's City Council has approved building code amendments, which support the city's pledge to slash greenhouse gas emissions. This update announces the Energy Performance Approach, adopted unanimously on Tuesday, standing as a testament to Santa Monica's environmental commitment.
The Energy Performance Approach provides a new direction, diverging from the city's 2022 Zero Emissions Code that mandated new buildings to be fully electric, with exceptions for various specialized facilities, according to the City of Santa Monica. The latest framework aims to reduce the operational greenhouse gas emissions of new constructions, offering flexibility with both electric and mixed-fuel designs. Despite its less potent impact compared to the Zero Emission Building Code, this strategy was chosen to maintain momentum toward the council’s climate action plan, yet – this approach notably compromises in terms of emissions reductions for the sake of broader applicability.
Santa Monica's sustainability endeavors have gained commendations, with Chief Sustainability Officer Shannon Parry highlighting the city's role as an eco-conscious frontrunner. "As a leadership sustainable city, Santa Monica is on the forefront of reducing negative environmental impacts while benefiting social and economic wellbeing," Parry conveyed in a statement made by the City of Santa Monica. Santa Monica's long-lasting Sustainable City Plan also celebrates its thirtieth year in operation in conjunction with Sustainable September.
The goals laid out in the Climate Action Plan, which resonate with the ambitions of the Sustainable City Plan, remain aggressive. Santa Monica aims for an 80 percent decrease in communitywide carbon emissions by 2030, relative to 1990 figures, and eyes carbon neutrality by 2050 or potentially earlier. The Energy Performance Approach is slated to come into effect following the Sept. 24 second reading and after a 30-day waiting period.
The full details of the Energy Performance Approach amendment ordinance can be found in the staff report, which is publicly accessible on the city's official website.
