B 26-0374 Legislature · 26th Council Period (2025-2026)

Green Housing Coordination Emergency Amendment Act of 2025

This bill requires large residential and mixed-use construction projects (50,000+ square feet) receiving Housing Production Trust Fund assistance to meet net zero energy standards under the Enterprise Green Communities Criteria (specifically elements 5.4 or 5.5b). It mandates the Department to submit biannual reports starting March 2026 detailing progress on developing net zero energy building code regulations and challenges to implementation. The bill also removes conflicting net zero energy compliance requirements from the Green Building Act of 2006 that previously applied to residential/mixed-use projects. It expires after 90 days or upon final regulations from the Clean Energy DC Building Code Amendment Act.

Sub-Topics: Building Codes Renewable Energy Climate Change

Bill status signed all 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Oct 2025

Committee Review

Council Passage

Nov 2025

Signed into Law

Nov 2025

Introduced Oct 2, 2025 Signed Nov 24, 2025

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What changed between versions

Introduction → Enrollment · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill was amended to clarify and strengthen net zero energy requirements for subsidized housing projects. The original draft had specific thresholds and standards that were modified to expand applicability, add renewable energy requirements for roof replacements, and adjust the expiration timeline. These changes aim to ensure more consistent energy efficiency standards across residential and mixed-use construction projects receiving public funding.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to include all new construction receiving Fund support, not just projects of 50,000 square feet or more. Additionally, a new requirement was added for rooftop renewable energy systems when 50% or more of a roof is being replaced on residential projects.

REQUIREMENT

Removed the 50,000 square feet minimum threshold for net zero energy requirements, making them applicable to all new construction receiving Fund support.

Added a new requirement for rooftop renewable energy systems when 50% or more of a roof is being replaced on residential projects, with specific exceptions for solar access, existing infrastructure, and structural constraints.

DEFINITION

Changed the energy standard from EGCC element 5.4 (Achieving Zero Energy) to EGCC Certification Plus, and added a definition for 'all-electric' meaning no combustion equipment except emergency backup power.

TIMELINE

Removed the expiration clause tied to Clean Energy DC Building Code Amendment Act of 2022 regulations, replacing it with a 90-day emergency act expiration period.

SCOPE

Added exclusion for 'substantial rehabilitation' as defined in the Rental Housing Act of 1985 from the net zero energy requirements.

Floor votes · Council Nov 4, 2025

How they voted

13–0

Passed

Total votes 13

Nov 4, 2025

D Democratic11

11 Yea

100% Yea

I Independent2

2 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Nov 4, 2025

Council · Passed

Council Vote: pass (13-0)

council

Oct 2, 2025

Introduced

B26-0374 Introduced by Councilmember R. White at Office of the Secretary

legislature

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors