San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom on Monday signed a law that analysts consider to be the nation’s toughest green-building standards.
The standards set out to improve energy efficiency in new and existing buildings to help achieve the city’s goal of reducing greenhouse-gas emissions. Greentech Media in July wrote that Newsom had expected to sign the standards in the first week of August (see San Francisco to Boost Small Wind).
The new ordinance modifies the city’s building code, requiring applicants for residential and commercial building permits to follow a city-approved checklist and rating system, such as one created by the nonprofit Build It Green or the ratings system created by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (also known as LEED). Companies would also be required to obtain certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
The new ordinance requires applicants to include separate and adequate storage and collection for recyclables, and to reduce the use of potable water for landscaping by 50 percent. The ordinance also governs storm-water management, construction-material recycling and the use of renewable energy.
More at http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/sf-mayor-signs-tough-green-building-bill-1225.html
