Building decarbonization focuses on transitioning buildings to become healthier and more sustainably reducing use of natural gas within buildings. For example, replacing fossil fuel-reliant appliances – such as gas stoves, furnaces and water heaters – with clean, electric alternatives, and designing building energy systems to be powered with electricity, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and makes the buildings healthier for building occupants. This transition applies to new construction as well as existing residential and commercial buildings. For existing buildings, this transition may involve energy retrofits, new high-efficiency electrical appliances and more.

In line with the City’s Climate Action Plan and state law, San Diego’s electricity is moving toward a cleaner energy future by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and increasing access to renewable electricity. To support this transition, the City has committed to using 100% renewable electricity in all municipal facilities with the Power100 program from San Diego Community Power. Residents and businesses can also enroll in the Power100 program.

Power100 provides electricity entirely from renewable sources like wind and solar, helping eliminate GHG emissions from electricity use. Residents and businesses within the San Diego Community Power service area can opt into Power100 to further reduce their carbon footprint.

Examples of Building Decarbonization:  

Electric Cooking: Replacing gas stoves with induction cooktops and electric ovens, which also allow for more precise temperature control, faster heating, easier cleaning and added safety features – such as surfaces that stay cooler and shut off automatically.

Efficient Water Heating: Upgrading gas water heaters to energy-efficient heat pump water heaters, which can be more reliable, offer better performance and lower utility bills.

Heating & Cooling: Installing electric heat pumps instead of gas furnaces to provide heating and cooling, which can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide leaks and can result in greater dehumidification. 

Energy Savings & Cost Benefits

High-efficiency electric appliances, such as heat pumps, are three to five times more energy efficient than their gas counterparts, reducing energy bills. Multiple studies have shown that newly constructed or retrofitted all-electric homes can significantly lower total utility bills as well. For new construction, the lifetime savings (upfront savings plus operating savings) can be between $130 and $540 per year for a household.  

Utility rates are also a concern, as San Diegans pay some of the highest rates in the country. This is in part due to high fixed costs borne by the utilities paired with electricity consumption well below the national average. For a typical utility, beneficial electrification can grow system energy sales by 0.75% per year and put significant downward pressure on electric rates by spreading these fixed costs over greater sales.

Public Health

Gas appliances release pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, which can cause respiratory issues. Children can be particularly vulnerable to indoor air pollution, and research shows that children growing up in homes with gas stoves have a 42% increased risk of developing asthma. Transitioning to electric appliances can help improve indoor air quality and reduce exposure to harmful pollutants.

Social Equity

Prioritizing lower-income households for those at a higher risk of exposure to gas stove pollution is of high importance. Factors such as smaller living spaces, more people living in the home and inadequate ventilation contribute to reduced indoor air quality.  

Climate Impact

The City’s Climate Action Plan calls for a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions citywide by 2035. Switching to electric appliances supports this transition, as they can be powered immediately by clean energy, such as rooftop solar, on-site renewable energy generation or San Diego Community Power’s 100% renewable electricity rate option. 

In 2018, the state of California adopted an ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality throughout the whole economy by 2045, eliminating emissions from direct fossil fuel combustion. To support this transition, in August 2021, the California Energy Commission unanimously passed amendments to the state building code, which took a significant step toward removing natural gas from new construction. Over 45 cities across California have also updated their local building codes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve public health.  

In line with these efforts, the City of San Diego is evaluating building code amendments tailored to local context and priorities. The City’s Climate Action Plan targets net-zero emissions by 2035, with building emissions reduction as a key component. Achieving this goal requires a commitment from the City and its partners to directly engage residents, understand their needs and provide support for an equitable transition. Learn more about the building decarbonization strategy within the City’s Climate Action Plan. 

This plan will provide a strategic framework for reducing carbon emissions from existing buildings across San Diego, resulting in health benefits realized through improved indoor air quality, increased energy efficiency and long-term affordability through lower utility costs.

Learn more about Building Decarbonization Plan

This effort involves the development of a policy framework to achieve specified building performance standards for existing buildings that will allow more opportunities for people to live and work in buildings that have a lower impact on the electrical grid, improve health outcomes and reduce the City’s overall carbon footprint.

Learn more about Existing Building Performance Standards Policy

Working through the Building Code Update process, the City aims to adopt enhanced green building requirements to provide for healthier homes and buildings, decreased utility costs for residents and businesses and a reduced overall carbon footprint.

Learn more about Enhanced Green Building Standards for New Buildings

The Home Electrification Affordability Rebates and Technical Assistance (HEART) program provides funding to support contractors and applicants in implementing energy-efficient solutions. This program offers up to 100% coverage for permits, appliance disposal, new appliance purchases and labor costs, ensuring equitable access to energy savings.

Learn more about HEART