With mounting evidence that the use of methane (the main component of natural gas) may equal or exceed coal in its climate-damaging impacts, Boulder, Colorado has helped launch a multicity initiative to rapidly transition buildings off their dependence on natural gas for space and water heating. A primary strategy is the electrification of existing natural gas uses with high-efficiency heat pumps. A consortium of over 20 cities including Boulder; New York City; San Francisco; Seattle; Salt Lake City; Palo Alto, California; Burlington, Vermont; Washington, DC; and others has initiated a broad public-private collaboration working with most of the world’s major heat pump manufacturers, as well as suppliers and installers in the HVAC industry, to develop policy, market infrastructure, and financial mechanisms to facilitate this rapid transition. Boulder has set an ambitious goal to transition over 80% of its residential building stock to high-efficiency heat pumps by 2050.
Boulder Launches Multi-City, Public-Private Partnership to Curb Building Emissions
"Local action on climate is more important than ever and we will continue to work with cities throughout Colorado and the nation to lead on climate. Boulder’s Climate Commitment goals set greenhouse gas reduction targets that exceed those outlined in the Paris Climate Agreement. We will continue on our path to significantly reduce our city and community emissions.”
Suzanne Jones,
Mayor of Boulder, Colorado