A public meeting to discuss the proposal and gather community feedback is scheduled for May 8
Santa Monica is preparing to introduce new environmental regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from large existing buildings, according to a blog post by the city’s Office of Sustainability and the Environment.
The proposed ordinance, known as the Clean and Healthy Existing Buildings Ordinance, would mandate that buildings over 50,000 square feet gradually reduce energy use and fossil fuel consumption beginning in 2031. Buildings over 20,000 square feet would be subject to the same requirements starting in 2036.
City officials say the ordinance is part of a broader strategy to cut citywide greenhouse gas emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and achieve full carbon neutrality by 2050. In 2023, emissions from energy and fossil fuel use in existing buildings accounted for 33 percent of the city’s total greenhouse gas output, second only to transportation, the city reported.
CHEBO aligns with the 2019 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, which outlined goals such as adopting a carbon reduction ordinance for buildings larger than 20,000 square feet and eliminating fossil fuel use in those buildings by 2050. The policy also encourages converting gas appliances, water heaters, and HVAC systems to electric alternatives, with the aim of improving both indoor air quality and energy efficiency.
In addition to environmental benefits, city officials point to potential cost savings and increased property value for building owners who adopt higher-efficiency technologies and reduce energy usage.
A public meeting to discuss the proposal and gather community feedback is scheduled for May 8 from 4 to 5 p.m. and will be held online.
The full details of CHEBO will be presented to the Santa Monica City Council this summer.
