The Denver City Council in November unanimously approved an ordinance to curb GHG emissions by requiring such buildings to gradually switch from natural gas to electric heating and cooling systems “when cost effective.”

Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency (CASR) contends that commercial and multifamily buildings account for 49% of the city’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

“This is truly a monumental step in the direction of rapidly reducing our greenhouse gas emissions,” said CASR’s Katrina Managan, buildings team lead. “When we talk about bold yet practical policies and actions that will have immediate and long-lasting benefits for residents, this is what we mean.”

CASR expects the ordinance to reduce emissions from buildings...