HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/3/2019 Item 18, Nicely
From:Robert Nicely <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:electrification reach code
San Luis Obispo City Council:
I am writing in support of the electrification Reach Code that I believe comes up for a vote at
next Tuesday’s City Council Meeting. I became aware of this through another board member of
Passive House California. My reason for reaching out is that as the owner of a design build firm in
Carmel, I have some experience with high performance construction as well as with electrification,
and I am a strong proponent of the electrification Reach Code. It will give your residents, architects,
and builders the option of choosing electrification, while still allowing all of the current choices for
those who are less interested in pushing the envelope.
Over the last several years we have built multiple Passive House and LEED Certified homes in
our community and have recently standardized on heat pumps for heating and cooling, and on heat
pump water heaters. Our clients appreciate the lower energy bills, reduced fire risk, healthier indoor
air quality, and on taking positive steps toward California’s carbon reduction goals.
Our experience has been that working on the leading edge of what is possible with today’s
building practices and products has helped us grow our business. Clients often do not want to know
the details but do want to know that they are living in a high performance home that is
environmentally responsible.
I would encourage industry professionals who design and build homes, and those who provide
products and systems for those homes, to embrace going beyond code and building to tomorrow’s
standards today. They will find that once you know how to get a better outcome it is hard to justify not
doing so, and it enhances your reputation in the community.
Bottom line, I believe that the electrification Reach Code is a step in the right direction, and I
strongly support your providing the electrification option for those who want to build today with the
future in mind.
Thank you for your consideration,
Rob Nicely
Owner, Carmel Building and Design
Co-President, Passive House California
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