California Air Resources Board

Contractor: TRC Engineers, Inc

Sub-contractors: Resource Refocus, Central California Asthma Collaborative, and Redwood Coast Energy Authority

Contract Number: 23STC009

Project Status: Active

Relevant CARB programs: Zero Emission Space & Water Heater Standards, Building Decarbonization

Topic areas: Building Decarbonization, Climate Change, Sustainable Communities, State Implementation Plans (SIPs)

Research Summary:

Buildings are responsible for about 10% of greenhouse gas (GHG) and 8% of nitrogen oxides (NOx) onsite emissions in California. Most of these emissions, around 80%, come from space and water heaters. CARB is working on new rules to limit GHG emissions from new space and water heaters sold in the state. These rules are meant to help slow down climate change and protect public health. The rules also support California’s 2022 Scoping Plan to reduce GHG emissions by 85% below 1990 levels by the year 2045.

Many households, businesses, and communities in California use propane to power space and water heaters. Understanding the needs and characteristics of these communities is important for designing effective building decarbonization policies and programs. This study will inform the development of the zero-emission space and water heater standards and related policies by:

1. Analyzing the use of propane in homes and businesses across California communities.
2. Evaluating strategies to encourage the adoption of zero-emission space and water heaters in communities that use propane and wood-burning.

Keywords: zero-emission space and water heaters, building decarbonization, climate change, Scoping Plan, greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), air quality, State Implementation Plans (SIP), public health