A Stronger Energy Code to Cut Carbon

October 16, 2015

A package of hugely important changes to Washington State codes are needed to make buildings more energy efficient and ready for solar and electric vehicle (EV) charging. Testifying before the Washington State Building Codes Council in Olympia on October 15, 2015, Climate Solutions called for these revisions:

Washington State Energy Code Proposals E009, E012, E154, E029, E066, E069, E070, E122, E098, E114, and E121. Achieving carbon neutrality in buildings will require deep energy efficiency, and these proposed changes would codify the adoption of a range of efficient building systems, including ductless mini-split heat pumps, dedicated outdoor air systems, plug controls, and high-efficiency lighting.
The 2015 International Residential Code proposal 15-047 and the 2015 International Building Code proposal 15-048, which are optional appendices that any jurisdiction within Washington State can independently adopt to prepare newly constructed buildings for the future installation of photovoltaic or solar water heating systems. Opportunities to encourage carbon-neutral energy technologies are increasing as the cost of photovoltaic technology is rapidly decreasing, and this suggested language would encourage more jurisdictions to adopt common solar-ready provisions.
The 2015 International Building Code proposal 15-044, which would require new apartments, condominiums, and some commercial buildings to have electric capacity and conduit in place to serve EV charging. Greater EV adoption is essential for the K4C to meet its transportation commitment, and represents an important way to decarbonize our transportation system, which represents more than 40% of Washington State’s carbon emissions.

Since 2014, Climate Solutions’ New Energy Cities team has worked with the King County-Cities Climate Collaboration (K4C) on strategies to cut countywide carbon in half by 2030. The K4C includes King County and 13 cities and represents 1.5 million people and almost 20% of Washington State carbon emissions.

Based on New Energy Cities’ analysis, the elected officials of 12 K4C jurisdictions formally adopted Joint County-City Climate Commitments, which include a commitment to all new buildings being carbon-neutral by 2030, and a commitment to achieving 15% cleaner vehicles by 2030.

Local governments cannot meet these goals alone. Our analysis indicates that for the K4C to make new buildings carbon-neutral, the State of Washington must fully implement RCW 19.27A.160—achieving a 70% reduction in annual net energy consumption in new buildings in 2031 relative to 2006. To meet its transportation goal, the K4C would also need significant partnership with the State of Washington to promote the use of electric vehicles (EVs).

These proposed changes represent critical steps toward achieving the K4C’s commitments to carbon-neutral buildings and cleaner transportation. Without the state’s adoption of these code changes, the K4C will struggle to meet its carbon reduction goals.

Author Bio

Elizabeth Willmott

former New Energy Cities Program Manager, Climate Solutions

Elizabeth served Climate Solutions as program manager for the New Energy Cities program, working with cities to help them meet their carbon reduction goals through innovative programs and policies. She most recently authored The Urban Clean Energy Revolution, a detailed compendium of urban climate solutions worldwide (also published in segments as the Low-Carbon Cities blog series), and Breaking Down Barriers to Deep Energy Efficiency in King County, a briefing paper on how to overcome obstacles to deep home energy efficiency. She also co-authored Powering the New Energy Future from the Ground Up, a July 2012 report on small and medium-sized cities around the U.S. that are demonstrating leadership in local clean energy innovation.

Elizabeth knows and loves local government. As lead author of the World Bank’s 2011 climate change adaptation guide for cities in developing countries, co-author of King County’s 2007 adaptation guidebook with ICLEI and the University of Washington, climate change aide to former King County Executive Ron Sims, and project manager of the first King County Climate Plan in 2007, Elizabeth brings a deep and wide background in community climate planning to the New Energy Cities team.

The program’s focus on "carbon math" also bears Elizabeth’s signature. She first found religion in Excel spreadsheets as the Recovery Act performance and accountability lead for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, overseeing the results of $13.6 billion in grants to cities and communities around the U.S. Today her data-driven approach is most obvious in New Energy Cities’ energy maps and carbon wedge graphics.

Outside of work Elizabeth leaves ample time for gardening, biking, and movie-watching with her husband Andy. She holds a double degree in biology and Chinese language from Williams College and a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard Kennedy School.