Posted on May 10, 2023 in Condominium & Homeowner Association Law

In the 21st century, global climate change is an increasingly important issue that concerns individuals, businesses, and governments. To help address this issue and limit activities that could accelerate climate change, governments at the national, state, and local levels are taking steps to implement new policies that are meant to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency. The City of Chicago has begun to put a variety of measures in place that will help reduce emissions and achieve carbon neutrality in the future. Because Chicago’s decarbonization strategy will affect multiple buildings and properties throughout the city, condominium associations will need to understand the impact of these policies and the steps they can take to maintain compliance with regulations.

Preparing for Decarbonization and Electrification

Decarbonization may include multiple types of efforts meant to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Many of these concerns will be related to the construction of new buildings, and they may address manufacturing building materials, transporting materials to building sites, and equipment used during construction. During a building’s life cycle, decarbonization may be related to the operation of a building, including the use of heating, cooling, and ventilation systems, as well as the materials and equipment used when performing repairs and maintenance.

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