This report looks at the negative impacts building decarbonization could have on the City’s renter population. Buildings are the largest source of pollution in Los Angeles and decarbonizing them is critical to tackling climate change. However, decarbonization, which will require property owners to replace polluting natural gas appliances with all-electric appliances and make envelope improvements to their buildings, is expensive. As this report shows, it can cost as much as $28,000 per housing unit, and under existing laws, these costs can be passed down to renters. The findings in this report emphasize the importance of an equitable approach to building decarbonization that centers tenants and prioritizes housing and energy justice principles.
Los Angeles Building Decarbonization: Tenant Impact and Recommendations
This report looks at the negative impacts building decarbonization could have on the City’s renter population. Buildings are the largest source of pollution in Los Angeles and decarbonizing them is critical to tackling climate change. However, decarbonization, which will require property owners to replace polluting natural gas appliances with all-electric appliances and make envelope improvements to their buildings, is expensive. As this report shows, it can cost as much as $28,000 per housing unit, and under existing laws, these costs can be passed down to renters. The findings in this report emphasize the importance of an equitable approach to building decarbonization that centers tenants and prioritizes housing and energy justice principles.