In Chicago, Alderwoman Maria Hadden announced that Mayor Brandon Johnson will propose an ordinance during the upcoming City Council meeting.

The ordinance aims to establish decarbonization measures for newly constructed or significantly renovated buildings. Mayor Johnson expressed concerns about the financial burden of gas bills on Chicago residents and the health risks associated with burning gas in kitchens. The Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance (CABO) would address these issues by setting an indoor emissions limit, prohibiting the use of fuels that emit more than 25 kg/btu.

This requirement would effectively compel new constructions to adopt clean power sources such as electric systems or high-efficiency alternatives. Certain exceptions would be granted for specific systems like commercial cooking and emergency backups. The introduction of this ordinance is a result of the 2023 Chicago Building Decarbonization Working Group Recommendations Report, which involved technical experts, civic leaders, and community stakeholders. It also reflects the efforts of grassroots advocacy from the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition.

The ordinance is crucial to tackle the significant contribution of the buildings sector to Chicago's greenhouse gas emissions, which account for 68% compared to 22% statewide and 29% nationwide. By taking this initial step, the ordinance ensures that new construction does not exacerbate the climate impact. Concerns have been raised about grid capacity due to the increased use of electric systems.

However, research indicates that Chicago's grid has low long-term reliability risks. Additionally, COMED is actively exploring options to meet rising demand while working toward achieving 100% renewable energy by 2050.

Find out more: Illinois Green Alliance