KOMO News staff

The Seattle City Council has unanimously approved changes to energy codes that will impose strict limits on the use of natural gas or other fossil fuels for heating in new commercial buildings or apartment complexes taller than three stories.

The ordinance approved Monday bans natural gas for space heating in new construction of these buildings, or for use in replacement heating systems in older buildings.

It also would prohibit the use of natural gas to heat water in new hotels and large apartment buildings, and take other steps to improve energy conservation that include a greater use of more efficient electric heating and cooling systems.

The goal is to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change and pollute the atmosphere.

The proposal is a follow-up to an executive order issued by Mayor Jenny Durkan in 2019 committing Seattle to actions that will support the goal of the city's Green New Deal.

Without the proposed code changes, the city expects that greenhouse gas emissions from buildings would be at least 12% higher by 2050.

The new ordinance will take effect in spring 2021, along with a full suite of Seattle building code changes in line with the statewide building code updates.

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