Mark Rodeffer, mark.rodeffer@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, DC – The DC Council today passed legislation requiring that all new and substantially renovated DC government buildings meet net zero energy standards, meaning the buildings are highly energy efficient, maximize on-site renewable energy generation, and do not use fossil fuels. The legislation helps implement the Climate Commitment Act, which requires the DC government to be carbon neutral in its operations by 2040.
Over the summer, the DC Council passed legislation requiring all newly constructed and substantially renovated buildings in the District to be net zero by 2026. The Greener Government Buildings Act, sponsored by Councilmember Robert White, accelerates that timeline for the DC government, requiring new government owned and financed buildings to be net zero as soon as the law takes effect.
Mark Rodeffer, Co-Chair of the Sierra Club DC Chapter Beyond Gas DC Subcommittee, released the following statement:
“The District of Columbia has some of the strongest climate commitments in the country, and we need bold action to ensure we meet DC’s commitment to phase out fossil fuel combustion by 2045. The DC government must lead by example, helping to familiarize builders, contractors, architects, and engineers working in DC with net zero construction ahead of the 2026 requirement for all new buildings in DC to be net zero. This bill does exactly that. The Sierra Club applauds Councilmember Robert White for introducing the Greener Government Buildings Act and leading the bill to passage. We commend the DC Council for its unanimous vote for the bill, and we look forward to Mayor Bowser signing the legislation. The Sierra Club worked closely with Washington Interfaith Network, Interfaith Power & Light (DC.MD.NoVA), DC Environmental Network, and partners in the Beyond Gas DC coalition to ensure passage of the bill. Our grassroots coalition proved to be no match for fossil fuel interests who fought this bill with false promises like piping hydrogen and gas from animal manure into people’s homes. We have a lot of work ahead to fully transition DC off fracked gas and other fossil fuels. We know we can meet the challenge with the strength of our grassroots campaign to move DC beyond gas.”
Patricia Briggs, parishioner at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church and community leader with Washington Interfaith Network (WIN), released the following statement:
“A year and a half ago, I joined an investigation with Washington Interfaith Network, detecting methane gas leaks in neighborhoods across DC. We found leaks in every ward in the District, nearly 500 in total. We know that DC's reliance on gas poses a climate threat, and it also poses serious health threats to DC residents. That is why I am proud of the DC Council for taking this threat seriously and passing the Greener Government Buildings Act. It is important that our government takes the lead in getting off fossil fuels. Today we can all celebrate the DC Council's decision to take one more step toward a greener and healthier District. I look forward to the day when our city has fully transitioned off of gas to clean energy sources.”
Joelle Novey, Director of Interfaith Power & Light (DC.MD.NoVA), released the following statement:
“We celebrate the passage of the Greener Government Buildings Act because we know the power of setting an example. For years, congregations across the District have been determined to lead the way in greening their buildings, from going solar, to electrifying, to greening their grounds. In fact, at the first congregation in the District to go solar – thirteen years ago – St. Alban’s Parish, the rector described the solar panels on the roof of the rectory as their ‘newest stained-glass windows’ – proclaiming their values to the world, giving a testimony to all who see them about the promise of a clean energy future. Today, the DC government shows moral leadership by holding their own prominent buildings to a high standard of sustainability.”
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About Washington Interfaith Network
Washington Interfaith Network (WIN), founded in 1996, is a broad-based, multi-racial, multi-faith, strictly non-partisan, District-wide citizens’ power organization, rooted in local congregations and associations. WIN is committed to training and developing neighborhood leaders, to addressing community issues, and to holding elected and corporate officials accountable in Washington, DC. WIN’s 50 dues-paying members represent 25,000 families in every section of the District and reflect its theological, racial, geographic, and economic diversity. For more information, visit www.windc-iaf.org.
About Interfaith Power & Light (DC.MD.NoVA)
IPL-DMV works with hundreds of congregations of all faiths across the DC area and Maryland to save energy, go green, and respond to climate change. For more information, visit www.ipldmv.org.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, 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.