San Francisco partners launch all-electric major renovations policy for building decarbonization

The San Francisco City Commission convened on July 4, 2025, to discuss significant advancements in building decarbonization and the proposal for all-electric major renovations. The meeting featured presentations from Cindy Comerford, the Climate Program Manager, and key coordinators Nick Kessner and Barry Hooper, who outlined the city’s ongoing efforts to transition to cleaner energy solutions in response to climate change.

Cindy Comerford opened the session by emphasizing the necessity for safer energy solutions in buildings, highlighting the establishment of a dedicated building decarbonization team supported by the city’s general fund. This team aims to engage various stakeholders, including businesses and community organizations, to foster a coalition for sustainable building practices.

Nick Kessner provided an overview of the current emissions landscape, noting that building operations are a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in San Francisco. He pointed out that while commercial buildings previously accounted for a larger share of emissions, the residential sector now represents a majority due to cleaner electricity sources. Kessner reiterated the city’s ambitious goals, including a 61% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2040.

The discussion then shifted to municipal efforts, including a new policy mandating that when municipal natural gas equipment is replaced, it must be substituted with electric alternatives. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure that municipal buildings transition to all-electric systems over time.

Kessner also addressed the expansion of the 2021 new construction ordinance to include major renovations, which he described as opportunities to switch to all-electric systems during significant building overhauls. He highlighted the importance of collaboration with various stakeholders through the Building Operations Task Force, which meets monthly to discuss policy proposals and share best practices.

Barry Hooper followed with insights into the draft policy for all-electric major renovations, emphasizing the need for readiness among residents and contractors as the city prepares for future mandates that will phase out gas appliances. He noted the importance of educating the community about these changes and ensuring that building owners can adapt their properties to meet electrification requirements.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the Climate Equity Hub, which aims to provide resources for BIPOC and low-income communities to benefit from the green transition. This initiative includes a decarbonization planning concierge service and a direct install program for heat pump water heaters, designed to assist low-income residents in transitioning to cleaner energy solutions.

Overall, the meeting underscored San Francisco's commitment to building decarbonization and the collaborative efforts required to achieve a sustainable future. The next steps involve further stakeholder engagement and the development of policies that will facilitate the transition to an all-electric building landscape.