{"id":39199,"date":"2024-01-23T12:23:58","date_gmt":"2024-01-23T18:23:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/?p=39199"},"modified":"2024-09-24T07:00:31","modified_gmt":"2024-09-24T12:00:31","slug":"cub-qa-what-is-the-clean-and-affordable-buildings-ordinance-cabo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/blog\/2024\/01\/23\/cub-qa-what-is-the-clean-and-affordable-buildings-ordinance-cabo\/","title":{"rendered":"CUB Q&#038;A: What is the Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance (CABO)?\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"attachment_39203\" style=\"width: 235px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-39203\" class=\"wp-image-39203 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_6408-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_6408-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_6408-300x400.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_6408-rotated.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-39203\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A wide coalition supports cleaner and more affordable ways to heat our homes.<\/p><\/div>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/chicityclerkelms.chicago.gov\/Matter\/?matterId=ADFABB50-29BA-EE11-A568-001DD8069864\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance (CABO)<\/strong><\/a> is a proposed Chicago ordinance that is supported by a coalition of more than 50 consumer, community, environmental, environmental justice, and faith organizations, including CUB, because it will lower utility costs, improve public health, create jobs and reduce pollution.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">(<a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/blog\/2024\/01\/23\/mayor-johnson-ald-hadden-business-leaders-and-environmental-justice-advocates-announce-introduction-of-clean-and-affordable-buildings-ordinance-cabo\/\"><strong>Read the news release from the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition<\/strong><\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ILCleanJobs\/videos\/750564743589363\"><strong>watch the news conference announcing CABO<\/strong><\/a>.)<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>What does CABO do?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The ordinance would set an indoor emissions standard in newly built commercial and residential buildings\/homes and major building additions.* That accounts for about 0.5 percent of Chicago buildings. This emission standard would require zero-to-low-emission energy systems in new construction, a key first step in a necessary, long-term transition away from dirty, expensive fossil fuels like gas.<\/p>\n<p>*To be specific, the ordinance would include additions that increase the conditioned floor area of an existing building by the greater of 10,000 square feet or 25 percent of the pre-addition conditioned floor area.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why is CABO beneficial to Chicagoans?<br \/>\n<\/strong><br \/>\nThere are many good reasons to support CABO, but as a consumer advocate, CUB is most concerned about how this measure is the right move for our bottom lines. It\u2019s the first step to gaining some independence from a gas system that is costing us a fortune and making climate change worse.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Multiple studies show that alternatives to gas-heated buildings, such as electric buildings, are cheaper to build and maintain. <a href=\"https:\/\/rmi.org\/insight\/the-economics-of-electrifying-buildings-residential-new-construction\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/rmi.org\/insight\/the-economics-of-electrifying-buildings-residential-new-construction\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1706119548405000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1-oMPCOgESvkMGEial-wOn\"><strong>RMI\u2019s analysis<\/strong><\/a> found that all-electric households saved money in every scenario assessed. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/bio\/valeria-rincon\/new-report-finds-electric-homes-can-save-chicagoans-money\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/bio\/valeria-rincon\/new-report-finds-electric-homes-can-save-chicagoans-money&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1706119548405000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2UHUUzq7XE58EAQV1i4Kl3\"><strong>An NRDC study<\/strong> <\/a>estimated that Chicagoans can save between $15,000 &#8211; $20,000 over a 20-year period.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">The current gas system is unaffordable, and getting worse. Consistently, about 1 in 5 customers are behind on their gas bills\u2013and in some neighborhoods 40-50 percent are in chronic debt\u2013and that was before the gas utility <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/blog\/2023\/12\/19\/qa-on-icc-gas-rulings-and-how-they-impact-customers\/\" rel=\"noopener\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/blog\/2023\/12\/19\/qa-on-icc-gas-rulings-and-how-they-impact-customers\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1706119548405000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2PM-Q6tr6PddIhfqKfFJbS\">received a state-record $300 million gas hike<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">CABO is about good planning. Because consumers like to save money, electric heat pumps (an alternative to gas heat), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.utilitydive.com\/news\/heat-pump-sales-topped-gas-furnaces-United-States\/652277\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.utilitydive.com\/news\/heat-pump-sales-topped-gas-furnaces-United-States\/652277\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1706119548405000&amp;usg=AOvVaw29U8sru5obia1oL5Eg5CUi\"><strong>are beginning to outsell gas furnaces<\/strong><\/a>. So while it won&#8217;t happen overnight, the long-term transition away from gas is already happening, and we need to manage it thoughtfully to make sure all consumers can save money on their heating bills. Instead of sinking more of our money into an expensive, unsustainable gas system, we should start planning for how we can help all households have access to cheaper and cleaner ways to heat our homes. CABO would be a first step in that process.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>What are other benefits to CABO?<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><strong>It would protect our health:<\/strong> Burning fossil fuels like methane gas in our homes produces dangerous air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, fine particulate matter and cancer-causing benzene.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><strong>It would protect our climate:<\/strong> Fossil fuel use in commercial and residential buildings accounts for more than two-thirds of Chicago\u2019s climate pollution.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><strong>It would create jobs:<\/strong> \u00a0Moving to cleaner, more efficient homes and buildings will create thousands of union jobs. For example, there is rising demand for heat pump technology, which requires more trained technicians.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Do other communities have ordinances like CABO?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Yes, 50 other municipalities have passed similar policies, including Los Angeles and New York.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Are there any exemptions from CABO?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Yes. The following are exempted from the proposed emissions standard: commercial cooking, emergency backup power, crematoriums, wood fireplaces, industrial production, commercial laundry and labs and hospitals.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>When would CABO go into effect?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">It would go into effect one year after passing City Council.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>How can I get involved?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">If you live in Chicago, please\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/secure.everyaction.com\/c9Q4tDonxkKB5eiuuoj-mQ2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/secure.everyaction.com\/c9Q4tDonxkKB5eiuuoj-mQ2&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1706119548406000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0uesRd_5R_lLQ2498XcOGt\">send a message<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0or call your alderperson to show your support for the Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance (CABO). If you\u2019d like to learn more about electrification in your own home, please read\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/secure.everyaction.com\/g-c5G4IIJU2ieXKsKtqzqA2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/secure.everyaction.com\/g-c5G4IIJU2ieXKsKtqzqA2&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1706119548406000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3xRW2mVZbWFsNbxuWDq8gw\"><strong>CUB\u2019s Better Heat guide<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance (CABO) is a proposed Chicago ordinance that is supported by a coalition of more than 50 consumer, community, environmental, environmental justice, and faith organizations, including CUB, because it will lower utility costs, improve public health, create jobs and reduce pollution. (Read the news release from the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition, and watch the news conference announcing CABO.) What does CABO do? The ordinance would set an indoor emissions standard in newly built commercial and residential buildings\/homes and major building additions.* That accounts for about 0.5 percent of Chicago buildings. This emission standard would require zero-to-low-emission energy systems in new construction, a key first step in a necessary, long-term transition away from dirty, expensive fossil fuels like gas. *To be specific, the ordinance would include additions that increase the conditioned floor area of an existing building by the greater of 10,000 square feet or 25 percent of the pre-addition conditioned floor area. Why is CABO beneficial to Chicagoans? There are many good reasons to support CABO, but as a consumer advocate, CUB is most concerned about how this measure is the right move for our bottom lines. It\u2019s the first step to gaining some independence from a gas system that is costing us a fortune and making climate change worse. Multiple studies show that alternatives to gas-heated buildings, such as electric buildings, are cheaper to build and maintain. RMI\u2019s analysis found that all-electric households saved money in every scenario assessed. An NRDC study estimated that Chicagoans can save between $15,000 &#8211; $20,000 over a 20-year period. The current gas system is unaffordable, and getting worse. Consistently, about 1 in 5 customers are behind on their gas bills\u2013and in some neighborhoods 40-50 percent are in chronic debt\u2013and that was before the gas utility received a state-record $300 million gas hike. CABO is about good planning. Because consumers like to save money, electric heat pumps (an alternative to gas heat), are beginning to outsell gas furnaces. So while it won&#8217;t happen overnight, the long-term transition away from gas is already happening, and we need to manage it thoughtfully to make sure all consumers can save money on their heating bills. Instead of sinking more of our money into an expensive, unsustainable gas system, we should start planning for how we can help all households have access to cheaper and cleaner ways to heat our homes. CABO would be a first step in that process. What are other benefits to CABO? It would protect our health: Burning fossil fuels like methane gas in our homes produces dangerous air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, fine particulate matter and cancer-causing benzene. It would protect our climate: Fossil fuel use in commercial and residential buildings accounts for more than two-thirds of Chicago\u2019s climate pollution. It would create jobs: \u00a0Moving to cleaner, more efficient homes and buildings will create thousands of union jobs. For example, there is rising demand for heat pump technology, which requires more trained technicians. Do other communities have ordinances like CABO?\u00a0 Yes, 50 other municipalities have passed similar policies, including Los Angeles and New York. Are [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":"","_wpscppro_dont_share_socialmedia":null,"_wpscppro_custom_social_share_image":0,"_facebook_share_type":"default","_twitter_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type":"default","_pinterest_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type_page":"","_instagram_share_type":"default","_medium_share_type":"","_threads_share_type":"","_google_business_share_type":"","_selected_social_profile":[],"_wpsp_enable_custom_social_template":false,"_wpsp_social_scheduling":{"enabled":false,"datetime":null,"platforms":[],"status":"template_only","dateOption":"today","timeOption":"now","customDays":"","customHours":"","customDate":"","customTime":"","schedulingType":"absolute"},"_wpsp_active_default_template":true},"categories":[759],"tags":[1682,1681,436,862],"class_list":["post-39199","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-policy-legislation","tag-cabo","tag-clean-and-affordable-buildings-ordinance","tag-gas-bills","tag-heating-affordability-crisis"],"cp_meta_data":{"classic-editor-remember":["classic-editor"],"_edit_lock":["1727179118:5"],"_edit_last":["5"],"borntogive_page_header_show_hide":["2"],"borntogive_pages_title_show":["1"],"borntogive_pages_Choose_slider_display":["2"],"borntogive_pages_slider_pagination":["yes"],"borntogive_pages_slider_auto_slide":["yes"],"borntogive_pages_slider_direction_arrows":["yes"],"borntogive_pages_slider_effects":["fade"],"borntogive_pages_body_bg_wide":["0"],"borntogive_pages_body_bg_repeat":["repeat"],"borntogive_pages_content_bg_wide":["0"],"borntogive_pages_content_bg_repeat":["repeat"],"borntogive_pages_social_show":["1"],"borntogive_strict_no_sidebar":["0"],"borntogive_sidebar_columns_layout":["3"],"borntogive_gallery_slider_pagination":["yes"],"borntogive_gallery_slider_auto_slide":["yes"],"borntogive_gallery_slider_direction_arrows":["yes"],"borntogive_gallery_slider_effects":["fade"],"_wpb_vc_js_status":["false"],"_wpscppro_custom_social_share_image":[""],"_wpscppro_dont_share_socialmedia":["off"],"_wpsp_is_facebook_share":["off"],"_wpsp_is_twitter_share":["off"],"_wpsp_is_linkedin_share":["off"],"_wpsp_is_pinterest_share":["off"],"_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":["759"],"_yoast_wpseo_content_score":["60"],"_yoast_wpseo_estimated-reading-time-minutes":["3"],"_yoast_wpseo_wordproof_timestamp":[""],"_wpb_post_custom_layout":["default"],"_wp_page_template":["default"],"borntogive_pages_select_revolution_from_list":["3"],"_facebook_share_type":["default"],"_twitter_share_type":["default"],"_linkedin_share_type":["default"],"_pinterest_share_type":["default"],"_instagram_share_type":["default"],"_selected_social_profile":["a:0:{}"]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39199","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39199"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39199\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41365,"href":"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39199\/revisions\/41365"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39199"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39199"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39199"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}