On July 25, the State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council approved an all-electric building standard. New York is now the first state to prohibit the use of gas and other fossil fuels in most newly constructed buildings. This action marks a significant advancement in New York State’s renewable energy strategy, with the goal of substantially cutting greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector.
Starting December 31, 2025, all new residential buildings up to seven stories, as well as commercial and industrial buildings up to 100,000 square feet, must be constructed using all-electric systems. Larger commercial and industrial buildings over 100,000 square feet are subject to the same requirements, but with a later compliance deadline of 2028. These regulatory requirements are part of a larger effort to reduce carbon emissions from buildings, which currently account for 32% of New York State’s total greenhouse gas emissions. By transitioning towards electric systems in new construction, New York State hopes to significantly improve air quality and overall public health.
The regulation includes exemptions for specific building types where full electrification is not practical right away. These exemptions apply to:
New York’s move to electrify new buildings establishes an important precedence for other states nationwide. As the first major compliance deadlines approach in 2025, industry leaders must act swiftly to adapt, ensuring both regulatory compliance and a competitive edge in the evolving clean energy landscape.
1 Statement in Response to New York Leading the Nation by Enacting All-Electric Buildings Code (BDC, 2025)
2 New York is Electrifying the Empire State. What Every Consumer Needs to Know (New York State Association of Realtors, 2025).
3 2022 Statewide GHG Emissions Report (New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 2022).
4 New York Finalizes Rule for New Buildings to be Electric (Ecowatch, 2025).