BE. Decarbonization of the Built Environment / BE-1.1. Decarbonize Existing Buildings /

BE-1.1SA-1Complete an analysis of the City's building and housing stock.

Image: City Heights Community Development Affordable Housing

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Complete an analysis of the City's building and housing stock to identify policy opportunities for existing building decarbonization

(Full action name in the CAP)

In order to develop a decarbonization roadmap to meet the City’s goal of reducing 90% of natural gas use in existing buildings by 2035, it is necessary to have a solid understanding of our current building stock. The Building Electrification Institute (BEI) completed an analysis in August 2023 that identified common building types in San Diego, and assessed a list of technical, ownership, and social vulnerability indicators. These findings will help us identify needs, challenges, and opportunities across the city.

Some key takeaways from the study:

There are 300,000 buildings across San Diego, 91% of which are residential; the majority of buildings are single-family homes (69%).
Over half of residential units were built before 1978 when state energy codes were formalized.
70% of housing units in San Diego are rental units.
Commercial, industrial, and other buildings represent 9% of buildings, but 23% of built square footage across the city, presenting a potentially significant emissions savings opportunity.

The full report can be found here: Building Housing Stock Analysis report