Santa Monica Approves Zero Net Energy Building Requirement
The ordinance now goes to the California Energy Commission for approval
SANTA MONICA, Calif. — The Santa Monica City Council voted to approve an ordinance requiring all new single-family construction in the city of Santa Monica to be zero net energy (ZNE), believed to be the first ordinance of its kind. Zero net energy homes generate enough of their own energy from renewable sources to equal what they take from the power utility over the course of a year.
“Santa Monica is proud to take a global lead in zero net energy building standards that put the state’s environmental policy to action. Council’s adoption of this new ordinance reflects our city’s continued commitment to the environment,” said Mayor Tony Vazquez. “ZNE construction, considered the gold standard for green buildings, is a major component that will help us reach our ambitious goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.”