FAQs
- In 2017, Cupertino joined Silicon Valley Clean Energy to provide a carbon-free electricity source.
- In 2019, the City of Cupertino updated the building code to require all new buildings to have all-electric energy sources, no gas.
- In 2024, a 9th Circuit Court ruling caused the City to suspend enforcement of its all-electric reach code. In response, the City passed an alternative code to require new buildings to have higher energy efficiency.
- The Bay Area Air Management District is restricting the sale of gas furnaces and water heaters starting.
- Participate in the public process and share which policy and programs you think are best for your community.
- Share the information with your friends, family, and neighbors.
- Prepare in advance. Residents and businesses can reduce emissions today by choosing electric appliances. Visit Silicon Valley Clean Energy eHub to learn more.
What is the problem with existing gas appliances?
Gas is a non-renewable resource used for heating our buildings, water, cooking, and more. Gas furnaces, stoves, and water heaters cause harmful emissions and health concerns. Pipes leak, risking fire and releasing more greenhouse gases.
What has been done so far?
What Has Been Done So Far
What can I do to help?
What is building electrification or decarbonization?
Building electrification is the process of replacing fossil fuel-powered appliances and systems in buildings with electric alternatives, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve indoor air quality.
Building decarbonization is very similar. It focuses on minimizing the carbon footprint of buildings, encompassing both the materials used in their construction and the energy consumed during their operation. This concept is broader and does not specify electricity as the solution.
Where can I learn more?
Silicon Valley Clean Energy is our local electricity provider. Resources and additional information is available on their website: https://ehub.svcleanenergy.org/
What else is the City planning to address other sectors and climate change?
The City of Cupertino is working to address greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, waste, water, sequester carbon, and adapt to the changing climate. Read our climate action plan 2.0 and recent reports at Cupertino.gov/climateaction.
What is the solution?
Natural gas appliances and equipment used in buildings in Cupertino generate 25% of all the greenhouse gases generated in the city. Residents and businesses need a clear path to switch existing building appliances from using gas to using carbon-free electricity. New policies, programs, and incentives must work to create a safer and healthier city while reducing our climate impact.
The goal is to reduce Cupertino’s commercial and residential use of fossil fuels by 2030. The City is developing a building energy efficiency ordinance that is ambitious and practical for the coming decade.
The path forward should respect the needs of those who live and work in Cupertino. We need your help to make sure there is an inclusive plan to meet the Climate Action Plan goals for reducing building emissions.