In a commendable move, a landmark legislation was passed in the tech city making it mandatory for all new buildings under 10 storeys to be fitted with rooftop solar panels. San Francisco leads the way as the largest US city to make a major commitment towards accomplishing its green goals.
From January 2017, all new buildings (10 floors or lesser) must install either solar Photo Voltaic or solar thermal panels. Existing Californian state law (Title 24 Energy Standards) requires all new buildings to have at least 15 per cent of their roof space exposed to sunshine, to make them “solar ready”. This legislation is a welcome addition that will help achieve San Fran’s goal run on 100 per cent renewable energy by 2020.
The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously in favour of the decision that also promotes the use of ‘living’ or ‘green’ roofs. Living roofs, like the one on the roof of the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, offer insulation, reduce stormwater from entering the sewer, enhance biodiversity and habitat, sequester carbon, and capture pollution.
California Academy of Sciences has a living roof. Photo: Leonard G. via Wikimedia Commons
Like major urban cities, San Francisco is facing its share of problems that arise with excessive C02 emissions (example, rising sea levels). In a press release, Supervisor Scott Wiener, who put forth the legislation, said, “By increasing our use of solar power, San Francisco is once again leading the nation in the fight against climate change and the reduction of our reliance on fossil fuels. Activating underutilized roof space is a smart and efficient way to promote the use of solar energy and improve our environment.”
Other California towns (eg Lancaster, Sebastopol) have instituted similar laws but SF is the first major city to lead the way. Tech entrepreneurs have funded green technologies and we hope the combined impact inspires other major US cities to take the next step towards renewable energy.