North Charlotte Today

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 23, 2024) – In a significant move toward achieving its Strategic Energy Action Plan (SEAP) goals, the Charlotte City Council voted to adopt multiple updates to the Sustainable Facilities Policy (SFP).

The update to the SFP, previously adopted in 2021, reflects the city's commitment to lead globally and by example, integrating new technologies and leveraging ongoing experiences to align with its sustainability objectives. Mayor Vi Lyles expressed the city's dedication to sustainability, stating, "With the updated Sustainable Facilities Policy, we are taking decisive steps toward realizing our vision of a sustainable and resilient city."

A key focus of the SFP update is on decarbonization in buildings, with a mandate for all new municipal buildings within the city to be powered by electricity. This shift away from natural gas is a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and achieving the city's ambitious 2030 SEAP goal.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory highlighted the importance of electrification in reducing carbon emissions, stating, "Studies demonstrate that electrification is a core strategy of reducing carbon emissions in buildings."

The revised SFP includes requirements for new construction, such as all-electric facilities, HVAC geothermal systems, building automation systems, and smart surfaces to reduce energy consumption. Additionally, the policy encourages the use of renewable energy sources like on-site solar and energy storage systems to maximize sustainability.

By aligning with the updated Sustainable Facilities Policy, the City of Charlotte is not only advancing its sustainability goals but also positioning itself to benefit from federal rebates for clean energy projects. The policy revision aims to engage residents in building a more sustainable future while harnessing financial incentives for clean energy initiatives.

The adoption of these updates demonstrates the city's commitment to environmental stewardship and sets a clear path towards a cleaner, greener future for Charlotte.