Sustainability Consulting and Electrification

At Improvement Facilitation, we are committed to helping California communities make the transition to building electrification, reducing emissions, and contributing to a sustainable future aligned with the state's ambitious climate goals. Senate Bill (SB) 100, passed in 2018, solidified the state's dedication to a carbon-neutral future by ensuring that all retail electricity sales will be 100% renewable by 2045. This transition will significantly reduce the carbon footprint of residential and commercial buildings, eventually leading to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045.

Improvement Facilitation is at the forefront of addressing California's critical need for building decarbonization to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. While some industrial processes may still require natural gas and other fuels, the evidence is clear that constructing new buildings and transitioning existing buildings to an all-electric approach is not only cost-effective but also environmentally responsible. Our objective is to facilitate equitable electrification in high-priority commercial buildings, taking into account the complexity of building functions, affordability, and environmental impact. Our comprehensive work focuses on identifying priority electrification opportunities, assessing the impacts of natural gas combustion, analyzing costs, benefits, and equity implications of electrification.

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Background:

California's residential and commercial buildings are responsible for a significant portion of natural gas consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Transitioning from gas to energy-efficient electric appliances offers not only energy savings and GHG reductions but also significant health and air quality benefits. While new construction is essential, it's imperative to address existing commercial buildings, given their substantial emissions. Many impacted communities suffer from poor air quality due to natural gas combustion, emphasizing the need for electrification in these areas. However, electrifying existing buildings presents challenges like cost, space constraints, and building owner willingness. Various initiatives and research programs are underway to accelerate building electrification.

Addressing Challenges:

Improvement Facilitation recognizes the diverse range of businesses in commercial buildings and the unique challenges they present. Our work involves analysis of natural gas end use in commercial buildings and the associated emissions. We aim to bridge the information gap by assessing the feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and co-benefits of commercial building electrification.

Our Contribution:

By filling knowledge gaps and providing actionable insights, we empower properties throughout California to make informed decisions in pursuit of their climate goals. We collaborate with owners and organizations to enhance equitable electrification, reduce emissions, and improve air quality and health, ultimately contributing to a sustainable and carbon-neutral future.

At Improvement Facilitation, we’re Saving the World, One BTU at a Time ™

A (very) brief summary of the IRA (Inflation Reduction Act) and how it can help you electrify your building.

The Inflation Reduction Act aims to provide funding for commercial building electrification through a combination of measures designed to address inflation and stimulate economic growth. While the act primarily focuses on inflation reduction, it recognizes the importance of sustainable infrastructure investments in mitigating long-term economic challenges. Here's how the Inflation Reduction Act can facilitate funding for commercial building electrification:

Infrastructure Investment: The act allocates a portion of its funding towards critical infrastructure projects, including those related to energy and environmental sustainability. Commercial building electrification falls within the purview of these projects, as it contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and aligns with the broader goals of environmental responsibility.
Tax Incentives: The act may include tax incentives or credits for businesses and building owners who undertake electrification projects. These incentives can help offset the upfront costs associated with transitioning from fossil fuel-based energy sources to electricity. This, in turn, encourages more businesses to invest in electrification.
Grants and Funding Programs: The Inflation Reduction Act may establish grants and funding programs specifically earmarked for commercial building electrification initiatives. These grants can be distributed to businesses, municipalities, and organizations to support the electrification of existing commercial structures.
Public-Private Partnerships: The act may encourage public-private partnerships aimed at promoting electrification projects in commercial buildings. Such collaborations can leverage private sector resources and expertise to accelerate the adoption of electrification technologies.
Research and Development: Funding may be allocated to research and development efforts focused on advancing electrification technologies for commercial buildings. This can lead to innovations that make electrification more efficient and cost-effective.
Job Creation: By supporting electrification projects in the commercial sector, the act can stimulate job creation in areas related to clean energy and construction. Job growth is a crucial aspect of economic recovery and can be a driving force behind funding initiatives.

In summary, the Inflation Reduction Act can provide funding for commercial building electrification through a combination of infrastructure investments, tax incentives, grants, public-private partnerships, research and development, and job creation efforts. These measures recognize the importance of transitioning to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources in commercial buildings while addressing broader economic challenges related to inflation.