New York City has enacted new building codes aimed at promoting energy efficiency, reliability, and long-term cost savings, with mandatory air-leakage testing, enhanced requirements for backup electric heating, and simplified regulatory structures to promote resilience during extreme weather events. The codes, aligned with state codes, will be enforced starting in 2027, with compliance software available in March 2022, expected to provide significant energy savings and improve building envelope performance. The nonprofit Urban Green Council is focused on decarbonizing buildings in NYC through the NYCECC, which includes restrictions on electric resistance heating systems and backup systems, as well as energy efficiency measures beyond the statewide baseline. The NYC Department of Buildings is expected to develop code improvements through performance-based compliance pathways, with building owners already required to meet greenhouse gas emission limits through Local Law 97 and the All-Electric Buildings Law.
Author: Facilitiesdive
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Google sees CO2 batteries as large-scale way to store renewable energy
Google is commissioning the construction of CO2 batteries by Energy Dome in Italy to provide green, reliable backup power for its data centers. These batteries are expected to be 30% cheaper than lithium-ion batteries and have greater capacity and scalability, offering renewable power around the clock. The CO2 batteries can be built quickly and with small footprints, making them a promising solution for large-scale power storage. Energy Dome's expandable dome structure minimizes CO2 release in case of damage, with interest from companies like Alliant Energy in Wisconsin for residential power supply.