Rebuilding After Natural Disasters: Why All-Electric Solutions Are the Path Forward

Editor’s note: FM Perspectives are industry op-eds. The views expressed are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect those of Facilities Management Advisor.

Last year, wildfires tore through vast areas of Los Angeles, prompting Mayor Karen Bass to introduce a waiver to exempt rebuilt structures and residences from the city’s all-electric building provision, citing the need to “center cost-effectiveness over sustainability.” While this approach can help accelerate immediate recovery, it focuses only on short-term needs rather than long-term resilience.

The long-term benefits predominantly depend on whether structures are rebuilt with electrification as the foundation. In fact, research shows that a thoughtful all-electric recovery strategy offers significant advantages over time, such as reducing overall building costs across a 20-year span while also enhancing the safety, adaptability, and cost savings of these structures.

Taking this approach has also proven to be extremely effective for residents. For example, Chicago introduced its now-famous grid system post-fire—an innovative decision that improved urban planning and paved the way for future growth and prosperity. Today, cities like Los Angeles stand at a similar crossroads with a chance to integrate all-electric solutions and create safer, healthier, and more sustainable communities.

The Impact on Homeowners

While rebuilding after natural disasters is a difficult journey, it also offers the opportunity to reimagine how our homes and neighborhoods are designed and powered. Embracing all-electric solutions can transform communities, making them more resilient to future challenges while enhancing the everyday quality of life for residents.

These solutions deliver a range of benefits for homeowners. For example, smart thermostats and climate control systems enable precise management of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. These devices learn user preferences and adjust settings automatically to optimize comfort and energy usage, adapting seamlessly to changing weather and occupancy patterns.

All-electric solutions place control directly in the hands of residents, enabling them to monitor and adjust their energy use in real time. This increased efficiency can cut energy bills by up to 20% on average, leading to greater savings over time.

This approach not only cuts waste and lowers costs but also supports a more sustainable lifestyle. Homeowners can enjoy greater comfort, improved air quality, and peace of mind knowing their homes are prepared for the future.

Transforming Commercial Spaces

The shift to all-electric solutions isn’t limited to homes; it’s reshaping commercial buildings as well. Today’s all-electric buildings can incorporate integrated systems that communicate seamlessly, from HVAC systems to lighting to advanced sensor technologies. Such automation minimizes energy waste and maximizes efficiency, with smart, scalable solutions offering as much as 40% in energy savings.

Redesigning buildings to comply with key industry standards, such as ASHRAE Guideline 36—which outlines best practices for HVAC control sequences—further amplifies these benefits. By prioritizing these standards, building leaders are empowered to adopt advanced technologies, optimize system performance, and achieve significant reductions in both energy consumption and emissions.

Across commercial spaces throughout the city, these improvements translate into healthier, more sustainable environments. Enhanced indoor air quality and more consistent comfort levels support employee well-being and can even boost productivity.

These innovations are empowering organizations to reduce carbon emissions by 15% and achieve savings of up to $10 million through smarter green energy procurement. This is an especially critical step in the rebuilding process, as it creates more resilient buildings, eases the financial strain on impacted communities, and ensures more long-term climate preparedness.

Ultimately, rebuilding with all-electric solutions is an investment in the future, and a chance to reinvent our communities. By embracing electrification and proven industry standards, cities can turn recovery into long-term progress, ensuring that the buildings we construct today will serve generations to come.

Rebuilding with a Purpose

When disaster strikes, the toll it can take on communities can be immensely difficult. In the midst of this hardship, there’s a pivotal moment for policymakers, builders, and residents to look beyond immediate fixes and consider choices that will redefine their communities.

Looking ahead, the journey to rebuilding with all-electric solutions is not without its challenges. Achieving this future state will require thoughtful planning, investment, and a shared commitment to progress from all stakeholders. However, overcoming such obstacles opens the door to lasting benefits for all community members. By taking steps to embrace all-electric solutions, city leaders can create safer, more sustainable spaces where families, businesses, and future generations can thrive.

Tyler Haak is the vice president of services for digital buildings at Schneider Electric.

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