AgdaPkt 2009-10-26 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7A Human Concerns Committee, and interested individuals. The feedback is universally in Page 2 support of adoption of the proposed Green Building Code. There are some who requested more stringent requirements or additional incentives when future adoptions of this code may occur. The consensus is to adopt the proposed code at this time, then develop additional requirements or incentives as the development community becomes familiar with the green building code. The proposed Green Building Code will conserve natural resources, reduce waste in landfills, increase energy efficiency and water conservation, reduce operating and maintenance costs for buildings, achieve healthier indoor environments, and promote the use of recycled material. The code will apply to new buildings and additions of 1,000 square feet or greater. Residential buildings will typically use "Build It Green's GreenPoint" checklist and be required to achieve the minimum level of compliance (currently 50 points, with over 200 points possible). Points may be obtained in all elements of the design and construction; site, foundation, landscaping, frame, building envelope, exterior finish, insulation, plumbing, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, renewable energy, improved building performance, interior finishes, flooring, lighting. appliances. community design, accessibility, and innovations. Nonresidential buildings will typically use the "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design" (LEED) green building rating system and be required to achieve the Certified level (Silver, Gold, and Platinum are higher levels). The LEED rating system operates similar to GreenPoint, but it is designed for nonresidential buildings, and the available points differ. The proposed Green Building Code is modeled after that adopted by the County of San Mateo on October 7, 2008. There are six jurisdictions in the county that have adopted green building codes; five use the county version as a basis. Several other jurisdictions are considering a version of the county code as this would promote regional consistency. One jurisdiction in the county has adopted the California Green Building Standards Code. The California code applies to residential occupancies only, is voluntary state-wide effective August 1, 2009, and is undergoing major revision prior to the intended mandatory effective date of January 2011. The Board of Building Review discussed the alternatives of adopting the California Green Building Standards Code or ICC 700-2008 National Green Building Standard (also covers residential construction only), or waiting for the development of the International Code Council Green Building Code, or delaying until January 2011 for the revised mandatory California Green Building Standards Code. The Board recommends adoption of a green building code at this time and using the county code as a basis in order to foster regional consistency. The development community is embracing "green building". Their customers are increasingly asking for green building elements such as proper building orientation, energy and water conservation, improved indoor air quality, recycled and sustainable products. and solar systems. Initially the industry perceived that green building cost more than conventional construction. It has been demonstrated that green building construction can be less costly. The longer-term benefits (utility cost savings, healthier jobsites for workers, improved indoor quality, and reduced impacts on the environment) demonstrate that green building is the best practice. Should the Council adopt the proposed Green Building Code, city staff will review project submittals and conduct inspections for compliance with, rather than requiring the applicant to hire third-party reviewers and inspectors. Four Building Infrastructure Transportation Department staff members are already certified in the GreenPoint or