Washington state to require electric heating in building code update

Published by S&P Global: Washington will require all-electric space and water heating in new commercial and multifamily construction, making it the first state to incorporate building electrification mandates into statewide energy codes.

One proposal would require all-electric systems and appliances and prohibit fossil fuel piping in new homes. The proposal, submitted by New Buildings Institute, would cover not only space and water heating, but cooking and clothes drying. The group also submitted separate code update proposals that would more narrowly require heat pumps for space and water heating.