Zero Emission Buildings

Zero Emission Buildings

Zero-emission buildings is our campaign to pass a law banning the use of on-site fossil fuels in new construction. To achieve zero-emission buildings, we are urging the state government to enact a law banning the use of on-site fossil fuels in new construction. Fortunately, advances in technology–like high-efficiency electric heat pumps–mean we have the tools to decarbonize buildings without adding significant costs to construction.

In late 2022, the New York State Climate Action Council laid out its climate action plan, including that by 2050, 85 percent of all homes and commercial buildings should be electrified and zero-emission building codes adopted statewide, among other important changes. These are all excellent goals. However, for the state to meet its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, we believe these goals need to be fast-tracked and, therefore, we are urging Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state legislature to make it a top legislative priority in 2023.

New York State now has an historic opportunity to significantly reduce emissions from our highest greenhouse gas producing sector, while simultaneously developing a 21st century workforce that sustains and grows middle-class union jobs.