Santa Monica Ordinance Would Require Net-Zero Energy Standards for New Homes

"The Santa Monica, CA, City Council last week approved an ordinance requiring new single-family homes built in the city to be net-zero energy based on the standards set forth in the 2016 California Green Building Standards Code," reports Hallie Busta for Construction Dive.

"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 in a statement announcing the new ordinance.

According to Busta, the California Energy Commission will still have to approve the ordinance. "Previously, the California Public Utilities Commission put forth a roadmap for all residential buildings in the state to be net-zero energy by 2020 and all commercial buildings to be so by 2030."