An ordinance that would fight climate change by effectively banning the use of natural gas in most new buildings is headed to the Chicago City Council.

       The Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance will be introduced Wednesday, according to Ald. Maria Hadden, a sponsor of the measure.

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       The ordinance sets an emissions standard that natural gas can’t meet and opens the way for the electric heat and appliances that play a key role in most plans to slash greenhouse gas emissions and avert the worst effects of climate change.

       “This is a matter of real survival and the future of our city — and especially our economic future,” said Hadden. “We’re being forced in this direction by nature, but also by policy and by business and industry. People are making these decisions because it’s economical, it’s healthier, it’s safer.”