Every San Francisco resident deserves windows that aren't leaky, are insulated to reduce heating bills, noise, and condensation, and reduce fossil fuel heating needs – at an affordable price.

But San Francisco’s Window Replacement Standards unnecessarily raise the price by 50%-100% to replace street facing windows in many San Francisco homes. Exorbitant costs mean less window upgrades, meaning homeowners and renters are stuck with old, leaky windows that harm health, comfort, and the climate. All for barely-noticeable aesthetics in the name of “neighborhood character”.

The San Francisco Window Replacement Standards certainly isn’t the biggest problem our city has. But it exemplifies a broader mindset that is obstinate toward change, ignores environmental tradeoffs, and prioritizes barely noticeable aesthetics over conservation, cost, health and equity.

The window standards document mentions “character” 17 times and “appearance” 9 times. “Energy” is mentioned just 8 times. “Cost” is mentioned just 4 times. “Comfort” isn’t mentioned a single time.