Building Electrification: A Path to Healthier Communities

As we face a changing climate and increased demand for cleaner, more sustainable solutions, building electrification offers an accessible and effective approach to reducing carbon emissions. By switching from fossil fuel-based systems to all-electric building technologies, we can create healthier, more energy-efficient, and affordable spaces for communities as we did when we electrified a home for the Lac Du Flambeau Chippewa Housing Authority, Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation, and most recently, Ms. Tekuila McGee’s  home in North Lawndale . Let’s explore how building electrification works, what it entails, and the benefits of transitioning to a cleaner and healthier future.

What is Building Electrification?

Building electrification is the process of converting a building’s systems—such as heating, cooling, water heating, and cooking—away from fossil fuels like natural gas and propane, to cleaner, electricity-powered solutions. With a focus on sustainability, building electrification technologies include electric heat pumps, electric HVAC systems, induction stoves, and other innovations that help create all-electric buildings that rely on renewable energy sources.

How Building Electrification Works

In a traditional building, systems are often powered by fossil fuels, which emit greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane. Electrifying a building involves installing energy-efficient electrical systems that can run on electricity from cleaner sources like solar or wind power. Some common upgrades include:

1. Electric Heat Pumps: Replacing gas or oil heaters, electric heat pumps are highly efficient systems that move heat into or out of a space, depending on the season. They can provide both heating and cooling, reducing the need for separate systems.

1. Induction Stoves and Electric Cooking Appliances: Induction stoves are safer, faster, and more energy-efficient than traditional gas stoves, helping to improve indoor air quality and reduce emissions.

1. Electric Water Heaters: Electric water heaters eliminate the need for gas, reducing indoor pollution and providing hot water more sustainably.

1. Electric HVAC Systems: By shifting to electric-powered HVAC systems, buildings can eliminate the use of fossil fuels for temperature regulation, supporting greater energy efficiency.

By integrating more sustainable systems and building electrical technologies, building electrification contributes to lower emissions, helping cities and communities reach their climate goals.

Why Building Electrification Matters

Switching to electric buildings benefits everyone, from homeowners to commercial property owners, architects, and developers. Here’s why it’s so impactful:

1. Reduced Carbon Emissions: Buildings account for about 40% of global energy consumption and a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions. By electrifying buildings, we can cut these emissions significantly and support climate action.

1. Improved Health and Indoor Air Quality: Traditional gas-powered systems emit pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, which impact respiratory health. Electrification reduces these harmful emissions, leading to healthier living and working spaces.

1. Energy Efficiency and Savings: Electric technologies, such as heat pumps and electric HVAC systems, are designed to be highly energy-efficient. By reducing energy consumption, building electrification can help lower utility costs for both residential and commercial property owners.

1. Increased Resilience and Futureproofing: As more buildings switch to electric systems, they become compatible with renewable energy sources, such as solar power and smart grids, supporting sustainable energy practices. This future-proofing approach positions buildings to handle the evolving energy landscape.

Replacements and Upgrades for an All-Electric Building

Building electrification involves making key replacements to fossil fuel-powered systems. Here’s an overview of the primary upgrades that support the shift to all-electric buildings:

• Electric Heat Pumps: Replacing traditional heating and cooling systems, these pumps efficiently move heat rather than generating it directly, offering  comfort and energy savings.

• Induction Cooktops: Safer and more efficient than gas stoves, induction cooktops also reduce indoor pollutants, improving the air quality of your home.

• Electric Water Heaters: These units eliminate the need for gas lines, reducing emissions and ensuring a reliable hot water supply without indoor pollution risks.

• Electric Vehicles (EV) Charging Stations: Electric car adoption is rising with many building owners now considering adding EV charging stations to support residents and tenants with EVs.

By embracing these technologies, building electrification becomes feasible for property owners looking to reduce their environmental impact while benefiting from energy savings.

The Benefits of Building Electrification for Property Owners

For property owners, building electrification offers significant advantages. Not only does it reduce emissions, but it also adds value to properties, appealing to environmentally conscious tenants and buyers. Additionally, electric buildings reduce reliance on fossil fuel infrastructure, meaning less maintenance and lower energy costs.

For low-income housing and multifamily properties, building electrification can lead to lower utility bills and healthier indoor environments. In these cases, electrification can play a major role in advancing environmental justice by making energy-efficient, sustainable housing accessible to more people.

Overcoming Challenges in Building Electrification

Electrifying a building isn’t always simple. It requires planning, investment, and a strategy for managing the costs of converting existing systems. Here are a few common challenges:

1. Upfront Costs: Replacing gas systems with electric alternatives can be costly initially. However, many programs offer rebates and incentives to help offset these expenses.

1. Infrastructure Needs: Some buildings may need upgrades to their electrical systems to support new electric appliances, especially in older buildings.

1. Availability of Incentives and Rebates: While incentives are available, they vary by region and building type, requiring property owners to navigate these programs carefully.

By partnering with organizations and utilities, property owners can find solutions that help make electrification a viable option.

Incentives and Rebates for Building Electrification

Many cities and states offer building electrification incentives and rebates to encourage property owners to transition to electric systems. These programs cover various aspects, such as installation costs for heat pumps, electric water heaters, and other systems. Property owners can consult local resources to find the most beneficial programs in their area, such as tax incentives, grants, or rebates on installation costs.

For architects and developers, building electrification provides the opportunity to design sustainable, cost-effective structures that align with modern green building standards, helping to future-proof properties and attract eco-conscious clients.

Building Electrification and Climate Action

The future of building construction is electric. Moving to an all-electric model aligns with climate action goals, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting renewable energy adoption. Electrification of buildings also enables the integration of solar power, energy-efficient building designs, and other green technologies that support a net-zero home or building. In a net-zero building, energy consumption is balanced by the amount of renewable energy produced on-site, creating a self-sustaining, emission-free structure.

In addition to contributing to climate goals, building electrification creates resilient communities, especially in areas prone to extreme weather events. By connecting to a smart grid, electrified buildings can help manage power demands, supporting energy stability and reducing strain on the electric grid.

Looking Ahead: The Future of All-Electric Buildings

With the rising demand for green building trends in 2024 and beyond, the move toward all-electric buildings is more than a trend—it’s a necessity for sustainable urban development. Residential electrification is on the rise, and architects, developers, and property owners are actively exploring how to transition to electric systems that align with modern standards for health, safety, and environmental impact.

As more people become aware of the health benefits of building electrification and the positive environmental impact, the transition to electric buildings will only accelerate. By reducing emissions and promoting renewable energy sources, we can create a more sustainable, equitable future that benefits communities, property owners, and the planet.

Final Thoughts

Building electrification offers a viable solution for a cleaner and healthier future. With advances in building electrification technologies and solutions, architects, developers, and property owners now have access to affordable options that make a real difference. From energy savings to improved air quality and climate action, the benefits of all-electric buildings extend to everyone.

As we continue to support this transition, organizations like Elevate work to provide resources, guidance, and support for communities and property owners eager to make a positive change. Let’s build a sustainable future, one electric building at a time.

Work With Us

Learn more about our building electrification program and how to work on a project with us! Get started by emailing BEPTeam@elevatenp.org .