Dear Menlo Park council members,
Thank you for considering the amendments to the 2022 California Building
Standards Code that will include heat pump space heating instead of air
conditioners, air conditioners with energy efficiency measures, and
expanded energy efficiencies for single family alterations or additions
(flex path). Electrification and higher energy efficiency requirements for
homes and businesses are an important part of the actions Menlo Park must
take now to address climate issues.
Financial impacts resulting from the requirements of the amended code can
be minimized for Menlo Park residents and businesses. Peninsula Clean
Energy offers financial support (rebates and 0% financing) to help comply
with the amended codes. Per a Rocky Mountain Institute study,
electrification can save San Mateo County residents an average of $360/year
on energy bills, with even greater savings for low-income customers on the
CARE program. Adding the flex path for remodels will minimize costly
expenses in the future.
Adopting the amendments will show our community the council’s leadership in
addressing climate issues and protecting our health and environment. Menlo
Park will join Palo Alto, Sunnyvale and other CA towns in adding amendments
to the building standards code.
Please implement the staff recommendations for these amendments to the
building standards code before the Oct 1 deadline.
Thank you again for your leadership.
Terry Quan
