All new buildings in San Francisco with 10 floors or less must install rooftop solar panels starting in 2017. The Better Roofs Ordinance is expected to add 50,000 solar panels and avert 26.3 million tons of carbon dioxide annually—equivalent to emissions from 5,000 cars driven for a year. San Francisco’s ultimate goal is to power itself with 100% renewable energy. Larger buildings are exempt from the ordinance for now. The city has also pooled residents’ and business’ electricity demand to purchase bulk renewable energy from solar, wind, bioenergy, geothermal, and hydroelectric sources at competitive rates. The utilities commission estimates the average San Francisco homeowner is paying less than Pacific Gas and Electric’s standard rates for greener power, and only $6 more per month for those who request a 100 percent renewable mix.
San Francisco will require new buildings to install solar panels
More of Today's Solutions
Mental health: Learn the difference between ‘loneliness’ and ‘being alone’
For the past few years, we’ve been told that loneliness is a public health crisis, as damaging as smoking 15 cigarettes each day. The messaging is that ...
Read More3 healthy habits to boost your immunity this cold and flu season
A mild headache that just won't go away, a box of tissues by the bed, and sleeping uncomfortably with your mouth wide open... It's ...
Read MoreThe many benefits of cultivating intergenerational friendships
Humans tend to gravitate towards or become friends with people our age due to our experiences in school and work. As we age together ...
Read MoreCultivating climate resilience at COP28: 7 game-changing food and agriculture...
The convergence of global pressures, such as climate change and the mounting demands of a fast-growing population, has shone a bright light on agriculture's ...
Read More
