D.C. Code § 6-1453.01: Net-zero-energy building code requirements.

*NOTE: This section includes amendments by emergency legislation that will expire on October 28, 2026. To view the text of this section after the expiration of all emergency and temporary legislation, click this link: Past Permanent Version.*

(a)

For the purposes of this section, the term:

(1)

"Appendix Z" means Appendix Z of the District of Columbia Energy Conservation Code – Commercial Provisions (12-I [CE] DCMR § Z1 et seq.).

(2)

"Covered buildings" means all buildings that are subject to the District of Columbia Energy Conservation Code – Commercial Provisions (12-I [CE] DCMR § 1 et seq.).

(2A)

"Level 3 alteration" shall have the same meaning ascribed to it in the Building Codes.

(3)

"Net-zero-energy standard" means a standard under which:

(A)

A building conserves an amount of energy attributable to building operations that is equal to or greater than the amount that would be required by the most recent version of Appendix Z;

(B)

A building obtains energy from renewable energy sources in the amount that would be required by the most recent version of Appendix Z;

(C)

Renewable energy shall be generated at the building site wherever feasible; and".

(D)

On-site fuel combustion shall not be permitted for the provision of thermal energy to the building except for backup power generation.

(4)

"New construction" shall have the same meaning as provided in § 6-1451.01(33).

(5)

"Substantial improvement" shall have the same meaning as provided in § 6-1451.01(40).

(b)

(1)

By December 31, 2027, the Mayor, pursuant to pursuant to subchapter I of Chapter 5 of Title 2, shall issue final regulations requiring all new construction or Level 3 alterations to covered buildings to be constructed to a net-zero-energy standard.

(2)

By December 31, 2026, the Mayor, pursuant to subchapter I of Chapter 5 of Title 2, shall issue final regulations prohibiting the use of on-site fuel combustion for the provision of thermal energy for all new construction of covered buildings and additions greater than 10,000 square feet to covered buildings.

(3)

No permit application for new construction of covered buildings or an addition greater than 10,000 square feet to covered buildings submitted after December 31, 2026, shall be approved if the building or addition design provides for the use of on-site fuel combustion for the provision of thermal energy for space heating and water heating.

(4)

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no building permit application for new construction of covered buildings, an addition greater than 10,000 square feet to covered buildings, or Level 3 alteration to covered buildings submitted after December 31, 2026, shall be approved unless the building design is such that the building conserves an amount of energy attributable to building operation that is equal to or greater than the amount that would be conserved if such building complied with the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code.

(c)

(1)

Beginning in 2029, and every 3 years thereafter, the Department of Buildings shall arrange for an independent audit that assesses a representative sample of covered buildings that were newly constructed or underwent Level 3 alterations that received certificates of occupancy in the District in the preceding 3 years and quantifies the percentage of those covered buildings that comply with the requirements of subsection (b) of this section. The audit shall detail the replicable method used to select a representative sample of covered buildings for the audit.

(2)

The Department of Buildings shall submit a complete copy of the audit findings to the Council and the Mayor no later than March 31 of the year following the initiation of the audit.