Introduction
Since the effort to decarbonize existing buildings touches all building types, it requires a thoughtful policy-making process and far-reaching community engagement. Cities and communities across the country have begun brainstorming and piloting an array of strategies to remove fossil fuels from existing buildings. This includes initiating pilot programs, developing longterm regulatory roadmaps and seeking funding to perform building retrofits without passing down costs to property owners and renters.
For existing buildings, programs that support zero emissions technologies such as energy retrofits, new high-efficiency electrical appliance and heating systems should be paired with building efficiency policies and financing solutions for residents. Some of these new high efficiency electric appliances include air-source, water-source, or ground-source heat pumps to provide buildings with space heating, cooling, and water heating, as well as induction cooktops and electric ovens for cooking. These opportunities can be paired with complementary solutions for commercial and industrial uses such as district energy systems, water reuse policies, and emerging technologies in the future. The City is compiling a comprehensive existing building inventory that will incorporate indicators necessary to develop an effective, locally appropriate approach to decarbonization in San Diego.
