4 Major California cities commit to carbon-free buildings by 2050

L.A., San Francisco, San Jose, and Santa Monica commit to cleaner homes and businesses
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Contact: Rachel Boyer, rachel.boyer@sierraclub.org

SAN FRANCISCO, C.A.-- The cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose and Santa Monica just announced their intent to join 15 other cities around the world and adopt a plan for zero-carbon buildings by 2050. Today, 19 cities around the world committed to all new buildings being carbon-free by 2030, and all existing buildings being carbon-free by 2050. Prioritizing zero-carbon buildings is an essential strategy to achieve California’s climate goals while also lowering the cost of housing.

“Zero-carbon buildings represent the next clean energy frontier for California. These buildings are powered by clean energy, save residents on monthly utility bills, and don’t rely on fossil fuel appliances that produce hazardous indoor air pollution and pose safety risks,” said Sierra Club Senior Campaign Representative Rachel Golden. “The tide is quickly turning against fossil fuels like gas, and the sooner the better given the wildfires, heatwaves, and air pollution making it harder to breathe in California.  All-electric zero-carbon buildings will also support the creation of thousands of new jobs and economic development opportunities. This commitment is a very important first step and a clear signal to where the state needs to go to truly lead on climate.”

“It is critical that we continue to push for policies and programs that promote rapid and steep carbon reductions from California’s building stock, and that we prioritize those that address disadvantaged communities,” said Andrew Brooks, Director of West Coast Operations of the Association of Energy Affordability. “On a day-to-day basis we see firsthand the many benefits that carbon reduction strategies bring to these communities, including lower utility bills, and healthier, safer, more durable, and more comfortable living environments. As residents save money on energy bills and employment grows, there will be more support for the local economy. We applaud these cities for their commitment to Zero Net Carbon!”

"As physicians and health professionals dedicated to protecting our communities and patients from the manifold health impacts of unfolding global warming, we at Physicians for Social Responsibility welcome the announcement that these 4 major cities have decided to commit to zero carbon buildings by 2050,” said Robert M. Gould, MD, President of Physicians for Social Responsibility, San Francisco Bay Area Chapter. “While protecting our most vulnerable populations from harmful air pollutants and providing more reliable protection from deadly heat waves, this commitment is a critical local contribution towards the decarbonization of our planet that is imperative for human survival."

About the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.

About the Association for Energy Affordability (AEA)

AEA is a non-profit technical services organization dedicated to achieving energy efficiency, renewable energy, and green building practices in buildings in order to foster and maintain affordable and healthy housing and communities, especially those of low-income. For more information, visit aea.us.org.

About the San Francisco Physicians for Social Responsibility

San Francisco Bay Area Physicians for Social Responsibility (SF Bay Area PSR) is a non-profit education and advocacy organization with approximately 2,500 members. Our organization combines the power of community activism with the knowledge and credibility of physicians and other health health professionals to promote public policies that support human health. For more information, visit sfbaypsr.org