Over the next couple of weeks, there are several ways to engage in decision making that affects sustainability in the built environment. Whether you’re interested in citywide energy planning, solar, plumbing or building codes, there’s an opportunity to make your voice heard.
While we’ve shared many of these opportunities before on social media or in our newsletters, please be sure to mind the due dates below, as they are fast-approaching.
Philadelphia’s Citywide Energy Vision
Survey Due: January 31
The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability (OOS) released a draft of this November. The document is a roadmap for reaching the City’s goal to reduce carbon emissions 80 percent by the year 2050.
The framework is organized around five categories:
- Clean Electricity Supply
- Citywide Solar
- Energy-Efficient Homes and Businesses
- Low-Carbon Thermal Energy
- Low-Carbon Economy
To submit your comments, please and complete this brief survey by January 31.
Plumbing Advisory Board
Public Meeting: February 1
The City of Philadelphia is engaging the newly appointed Plumbing Advisory Board to formulate recommendations for a new Philadelphia Plumbing Code. The new Plumbing Code will be based upon the national standards developed by the International Code Council as adopted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
For those that wish to provide comments, a public meeting will be held on February 1 at 9:00 AM in Room B on the 16th floor of the Municipal Services Building. This is an opportunity to demonstrate how a modern plumbing code will better support the City of Philadelphia’s commitment to green stormwater management and the conservation and reuse of our water resources.
For those that cannot make it in person, written comments can be sent to the Board via the Boards Administration Unit, Room 1130, MSB, 1401 JFK Blvd, 19102.
Protect Act 40 to Close PA’s Solar Borders
Comments Due: February 5
Passed by the Pennsylvania State Legislature in October, Act 40 of 2017 included language to require that all Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) purchased in fulfillment of the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards (AEPS) Program originate in Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) may interpret the language of the bill that would undermine the lawmakers’ intent to restore jobs and investment in Pennsylvania’s solar market.
To encourage the PUC to interpret the bill according to its original intent, please complete this brief sign-on form on behalf of your business or organization by February 5.
2015 ICC Code Re-Review Public Comment Period
Comments Due: February 11
Per Act 36 of 2017, the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory Council (RAC) is re-reviewing the 2015 ICC Code in its entirety. As part of this process, the RAC is accepting public comments on specific sections of the code via a public comment form through February 11.
This comment period is an opportunity to highlight the impacts of adopting modern building codes that reflect changing technologies and practices.
To prepare folks to submit technical comments, Green Building United is hosting two events on January 30 focused on key changes between the 2009, 2015, and 2018 commercial energy codes.
