In 2021, to meet the Mayoral Executive Order, the City Engineer Special Order 04-0721 directed that all new construction and major renovation projects be fully electrified. Building projects must refrain from any use of natural gas burning equipment and use electric equipment. On major renovation projects, any existing natural gas burning equipment must be replaced with electric equivalent.
Building electrification requires that there be no use of fossil fuels on-site, namely no use of natural gas. The four major uses of natural gas in City facilities are for: boilers used for space and swimming pool heating; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment; water heaters; and cooking ranges. Electric alternatives to this equipment are now available in the market. As a project’s equipment selection impacts space planning and electric service requirements, projects must plan appropriately to reflect space planning needs for electric equipment and service. The building portable emergency generator connection port must be strategically located to allow convenient and easy access. Existing building renovation projects will need to be assessed in detail to meet the allelectric requirements.
Since the mandate was enacted, Engineering has met the electrification goal in all projects.
Link: City Engineer Special Order |
