San Francisco just became the first major US metropolitan hub to require all new buildings to install solar panels on their rooftops.

The mandate is named The Better Roofs Ordinance-the name alone proves its potential in making things better for California and for the world!

Reducing the world’s reliance on fossil fuels has become one of the most pressing tasks in the fight against climate change. Finding new ways to incorporate renewable energy is challenging. It takes a little discovery and a whole lot of determination to find the best ways. It‘s up to believers and change-makers to let everyone know it is possible to lead nations in the climate change fight. Protecting the earth promotes the people living on it, and if humans promote protecting the earth, change is possible (say that 5 times fast).

San Francisco has demonstrated its belief in this simple truth many times and is once again standing up against climate change by reducing fossil fuels. The Better Roofs Ordinance builds on San Francisco’s previous environmental efforts and gives a glimpse at what the possible future of clean energy infrastructure for the nation and for the world could look like.

California already passed a law that required all new buildings with 10 floors or less to dedicate at least 15% of their rooftop area for installing solar panels in the near future. The Better Roofs Ordinance will build on this and now require those buildings to actually follow through and install solar panels in the dedicated areas. In addition, the mandate will require solar panels to be included in construction plans for new buildings.

San Francisco 1st city in U.S. to require solar panels be installed on new construction. https://t.co/e2TPpSxouu — NBC Bay Area (@nbcbayarea) April 20, 2016

The mandate followed a unanimous vote by the city’s Board of Supervisors. The new mandate is a main part of the city’s renewable energy program, known as CleanPowerSF. San Francisco’s ultimate goal is to power itself with 100% renewable energy.

Although other California towns like Lancaster and Sebastopol have instituted similar laws, San Francisco’s mandate will be the first time a major city pushed clean energy in such a powerful way.

City Supervisor Scott Wiener was one of the main leaders who pushed the legislation forward. “Activating underutilized roof space is a smart and efficient way to promote the use of solar energy and improve our environment," he said.

The supervisor knows that not all building owners and employers are going to approach this energy shift with open arms, so he is also introducing legislation that will allow people to add a living roof, like a garden, on top of the building instead of the solar installation.

Duuuuuude. Cali gets points for enhancing the green energy experience!

Cali surfer dude talk overload? At least San Francisco knows dudes and dudettes (global citizens) have to start playing their part and reduce the amount of fossil fuels!

The new rule will go into effect January 1, 2017, after which any construction that meets the previous requirements will have to actually install solar energy or water panels, creating a clean energy culture in the city.

Once this becomes the norm for a major city like San Francisco, hopefully other cities, and even countries, will jump on the clean energy infrastructure bandwagon.