Establishes a program for the energy benchmarking of large buildings in Rhode Island and a standard for their energy performance.
By implementing these measures, S2952 significantly impacts state laws regarding building codes and environmental regulations. It not only facilitates the gathering of critical data necessary to improve building efficiency but also directly influences the operational standards for both new and existing buildings. The law supports the Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council (EC4) in administering and enforcing these regulations, thereby ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently to achieve the intended climate objectives. The bill intends to create accountability among property owners to meet specified interim and final performance metrics, which cumulatively aim to move towards the net-zero mandate.
S2952, known as the Building Decarbonization Act of 2024, establishes a comprehensive framework for energy benchmarking and performance standards for large buildings in Rhode Island. The objective is to understand and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with existing buildings and to prepare new structures for an all-electric future. The law mandates that large existing buildings engage in energy use benchmarking, thereby analyzing their energy consumption against similar properties, while also ensuring that new constructions are designed to be 'electric-ready'. This legislative initiative aims to align with the state's broader net-zero emissions target by 2050.
The sentiment surrounding S2952 appears to be largely positive among environmental advocates and some segments of the legislative body, who perceive it as a proactive step towards combatting climate change through targeted legislation. However, concerns have been raised regarding the feasibility of the transition, particularly for property owners who may face challenges in meeting stringent performance standards. The anticipated benefits of reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved energy efficiency are considered substantial, although the potential economic impacts on property owners and the construction industry have also sparked discussions.
Notable points of contention include the feasibility of transitioning existing buildings to meet the new benchmarks and the pushback from some property owners regarding the costs involved in retrofitting older structures to comply with the new regulations. There are provisions for exemptions or modifications, but only under strict conditions, which some opponents argue could lead to challenges in enforcement and compliance. Moreover, the requirement for all new buildings to be electric-ready has raised questions about the practicality and costs associated with such a mandate, which might disproportionately affect smaller building projects.