The Healthy Buildings Act
The Healthy Buildings Act would promote healthy buildings by requiring new buildings to include zero-emissions heating and cooking systems. All-electric new buildings will be cheaper, safer and healthier.
No Cost – All-electric new construction is less expensive than electric plus gas
No Sacrifice – Only affects new construction – no existing buildings need to change anything
Future-Proof – Eliminates the future cost of converting from gas and reduces the cost of stranded assets
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Why This Matters
The Healthy Buildings Act is the low hanging fruit of environmental and health legislation
Health
Eliminate harmful indoor air pollutants and protect respiratory health
Safety
Remove fire, explosion, and burn risks from homes and buildings
Climate
Reduce methane leaks and greenhouse gas emissions
General Building Electrification
Learn more about building electrification standards, including Montgomery County's comprehensive approach to ensuring healthy, efficient buildings for all residents.
Health Effects
The hidden dangers of natural gas in our homes
Nitrogen Dioxide
Eliminate harmful indoor air pollutants and protect respiratory health
Toxic Pollutants
Remove fire, explosion, and burn risks from homes and buildings
Combustion Hazards
Reduce methane leaks and greenhouse gas emissions
Key Finding: Studies show that cooking with gas can expose your family to pollution levels that would be illegal outdoors, right in your own kitchen.
Cost Savings
Lower costs for construction and operation
Lower Construction Costs
All-electric buildings eliminate the need for dual infrastructure, reducing both initial construction costs and ongoing maintenance expenses.
No gas line installation required
Simplified permitting process
Reduced infrastructure complexity
Lower Operating Costs
Electric appliances are more efficient and cost less to operate over their lifetime.
Heat pumps are 3x more efficient than gas furnaces
Induction stoves convert 85% of energy vs. 40% for gas
Lower maintenance and repair costs
Safety Benefits
Eliminate fire, explosion, and burn risks
No Fire Risk
Electric appliances eliminate open flames and combustion, drastically reducing fire and explosion hazards in homes and buildings.
Induction Safety
Induction stoves are cool to the touch and eliminate burn risks. The cooking surface only heats the cookware, not your hand or a dish towel.
Developer Choice
Local developers are choosing not to install gas in buildings they own due to the significant fire and liability risks.
Safety First: Eliminating gas from buildings means eliminating the risk of gas leaks, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning. It's simply safer for families and communities.
National Trends
Communities across America are choosing electrification
Growing Movement
Jurisdictions across the country are implementing building electrification requirements, recognizing the health, safety, and climate benefits.
Consumer Preference
More Americans now prefer homes with all-electric appliances versus homes with all gas appliances, and this trend is growing.
The newest heat pumps are highly effective in this region and are three times more efficient than gas furnaces. They provide both heating and cooling while using less energy.
Electric induction stoves cook as well as gas without any safety and health risks. Plus, they're easier to clean than gas stoves.
Latest and Best Technology
As the health, safety, and climate issues of gas become more well known, the trend toward all-electric continues to accelerate.
Climate Impact
Meeting our environmental goals requires building electrification
Methane's Impact
Natural gas is approximately 90% methane, plus pollutants like benzene and hydrogen sulfide.
Methane is up to 80 times more potent as a greenhouse gas than CO₂ over a 20-year period.
An estimated 10% of natural gas flowing through our infrastructure leaks directly into the environment.
Combustion Emissions
Burning natural gas in homes and buildings creates high levels of CO₂, a major greenhouse gas contributor.
The combustion process releases pollutants directly into indoor and outdoor air, affecting both personal and environmental health.
Building emissions account for approximately 40% of total greenhouse gas emissions in urban areas.
The Path Forward
Electrifying buildings is one of the most effective strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As our electric grid becomes cleaner with renewable energy, all-electric buildings become increasingly carbon-neutral while gas buildings remain polluting.
Coalition Members
Join organizations working together for healthy buildings
Organizations and advocates across the region are coming together to support the Healthy Buildings Act. Add your voice to the coalition working for healthier, safer, and more sustainable buildings.
Join the Movement
For more information or to add your organization, please contact us.