As part of the proposed Seattle Energy Code update, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan recently announced new steps to further electrify buildings using clean energy. By updating its energy code, the City will eliminate the use of fossil fuels in new commercial and large multi-family construction for space and most water heating in order to cut down on the significant emissions contributed by the building sector. These actions come as new City data show building emissions have been steadily increasing in past years.

The proposed Seattle Energy Code update includes the following key changes for commercial and large multifamily buildings:

• Eliminates all gas and most electric resistance space heating systems
• Eliminates gas water heating in large multifamily buildings and hotels
• Improves building exteriors to improve energy efficiency and comfort
• Creates more opportunities for solar power
• Requires electrical infrastructure necessary for future conversion of any gas appliances in multifamily buildings

Read the full press release here.

Tuesday, October 6, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM EDT

Which cities are leading the United States in clean energy efforts and which are falling behind? Join us to learn and discuss the findings of the 100-city scorecard, the most comprehensive national report tracking city progress toward climate goals.

As cities struggle to safely put people back to work and recover from the COVID-19 recession, our speakers will explore what cities are doing and can do better to advance energy efficiency and renewable power — critical tools for creating jobs, lowering utility bills, building resilience, reducing pollution, protecting health, and mitigating climate change. Speakers will also focus on the ways their programs are based on community input and designed to serve all residents.

Register Now

The City of Seattle Office of Sustainability and Environment has two significant deadlines coming up. The Energy Benchmarking enforcements deadline is October 1st. Post October 1st, all non-compliant building owners that have failed to submit complete 2018 energy benchmarking reports will be issued Notice if Violations with assessed fines.

Additionally, October 1st is also the Building Tune-Up deadline for facilities with 100,000 to 199,999 square feet of nonresidential space. Warning letters will be issued to all non-compliant building owners that fail to submit complete tune-ups by the reporting deadline.

SOLID-STATE CIRCUIT BREAKER PRESENTATION

Thursday, September 19
Check in 11:30, Presentation noon – 1:00 PM
Smart Buildings Center
Pacific Tower, 1200 12th Ave. S., Suite 110, Seattle, WA 98144 · 206-538-0832
Register by Tuesday, September 17

A solid-state circuit breaker opens or breaks a circuit on a solid-state level and is therefore faster (and safer) than what’s available today.  In addition, because it already has the solid-state platform – a solid-state circuit breaker is smart, meaning it senses, learns, and can be programmed to control power like never before, and without additional equipment.  This, in turn, lowers equipment costs, installation, and carbon footprint.

Speaker, Douglas Ehlers, PE 

•  Application Solutions Engineer for Atom Power
•  Licensed Professional Engineer in five states
•  Nearly 15 years experience in electrical power and controls
•  Interdisciplinary experience in mechanical systems

Atom Power was founded in 2014 in Charlotte, NC with a mission to save lives, facilities, and simplify with innovations in solid-state power distribution. Atom Power built the world’s first and only commercially ready solid-state circuit breaker. Using semiconductors to control the current digitally, their breakthrough in circuit protection and power distribution unlocks a future where power is smartly controlled and exponentially safer. Atom Power’s key investors include Next 47, ABB Technology Ventures, and Eaton Corporation.

Registration Details
Join us for the Electric League’s Monthly Luncheon Meeting and Networking Event, Thursday, September 19 at the Smart Buildings Center, 1200 12th Ave S, Seattle WA 98144. Check-in and a lunch buffet begin at 11:30 AM.  The presentation will run from noon – 1:00 PM.

Advance registration and payment is required, and is being accepted now. Please assist our planning by registering early. League Members: $40; Non-League Members: $50. A late fee applies for registrations received after Tuesday, September 17.  Register below or call 425-498-8098.

Parking
Access to the parking garage is via the 110th & 108th street parking entrances. Take an EST Building elevator to the lobby level; the PSE Auditorium is connected to the lobby.