Building Electrification and Reach Codes

Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option
Print

Electrify Icon and Program Name

Building Electrification

All Electric Housing Development with Sunset in Background

Building electrification might sound complicated, but it’s not. Building electrification simply means using electric appliances and equipment, such as induction cooktops, heat pump water heaters, heat pump heating and air ventilation (HVAC) systems in our homes and businesses.  Electric appliances still perform the same job or service - heating and cooling our homes, providing hot water for our showers, cooking our food - but they can be more energy-efficient, are better for indoor air quality, and can even outperform natural gas appliances. In addition, they will reduce our greenhouse gas emissions as electricity from Central Coast Community Energy is available in 100% percent (3CPrime) carbon-free options.

Image: The Winslowe - An all-electric housing development in Goleta

Benefits of Electrification
What incentives are available for building electrification?

Reach Codes

Rooftop view of Goleta from the Hilton with trees and buildings

The City of Goleta is actively collaborating with the County of Santa Barbara, City of Santa Barbara and the City of Carpinteria to develop reach codes that would support all-electric new construction and increased electric vehicle charging access. Reach codes that encourage increased energy efficiency, building and transportation electrification, and renewable energy can save energy and reduce GHG emissions.

Goleta can reduce emissions by powering new and existing buildings and vehicles with GHG-free electricity. Instead of burning natural gas and gasoline to operate buildings and vehicles, they can run on clean electricity provided by Central Coast Community Energy (CCCE). CCCE's base power mix is on track to be 100 percent renewable by 2030, which will mean virtually no GHG emissions (associated with energy use) for all-electric buildings and vehicles. All-electric buildings are not just cleaner to operate, they are also safer and healthier to live in and are cost-effective, especially when designed at the new construction stage.

What is a Reach Code?
Why establish a reach code?
Where has this been done before?
Public Outreach & Timeline

Project Contact - Dana Murray, Sustainability Manager- dmurray@cityofgoleta.org