What did we accomplish in 2021?
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GBU hosted “What Federal Leadership on Climate and Housing Means for Philadelphia” in partnership with PACDC to explore the nexus of housing and climate change and how federal priorities could lead to on-the-ground resources in Philadelphia.
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GBU provided testimony and written comments to update Philadelphia’s city-owned LEED ordinance
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GBU provided comments on a draft study exploring how Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW), Philadelphia’s municipally owned natural gas utility, can diversify its business model.
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GBU helped translate regulations into program guidance for the new Building Energy Performance Policy (BEPP), passed by City Council in late 2019, requiring all non-residential buildings of 50,000 square feet and larger to either certify high performance or conduct a “tune-up” to improve efficiency in existing building systems.
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GBU provided ongoing education for Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing programs launched in Fall 2019 in Philadelphia and New Castle County, DE. C-PACE enables low-cost, long-term funding for construction, renovation, or retrofitting of energy efficient technology or clean energy systems.
What are we working on in 2022?
- Ensuring our members are educated and prepared to comply (building owners/managers) and perform tune-ups (CEMs and PEs) with the Building Energy Performance Policy.
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Develop a Building Decarbonization policy platform for Philadelphia City Council including:
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Residential energy disclosure legislation to provide potential homebuyers and tenants in Philadelphia with utility cost information that can help communicate the true cost to own or rent
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Philadelphia’s exemption from PA’s Uniform Construction Code to enable to adoption of the latest building codes
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Engage in the upcoming Philadelphia Mayor election to ensure that the candidates will prioritize climate and environmental justice