California Goes All-In on Green Building

Today California approved a building code that is the most aggressive eco-friendly statewide code in the US.

"Calgreen" won by unanimous approval by the state and will take effect in 2011. All homes, hospitals, schools and shopping malls must abide by this code.

Highlights include:

Builders must divert 50% of construction waste from landfills to recycling

Building materials must be eco-friendy such as low-pollutant paints, carpets and floorings.

Water-efficient plumbing and fixtures must be used.

This new building code had support from the Chamber of Commerce, many builders and realtors and the Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Ironically it was opposed by the US Green Building Council who is worried that it will create confusion for builders who want to achieve a standard.

It's inevitable that other states will soon follow suit. Should states mandate green building practices or should it be left up to cities and communities? Or do you favor no green building restrictions at all?

Timothy Dahl | Comments () |

SFI Program

In order to create a national fair green building standard, the USGBC needs to account for more than just FSC certified forests in their LEED rating system. Only 10% of the world’s forests are certified, but more than three-quarters of North American certified forests are certified to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), ATFS or CSA (less than one-quarter are certified to FSC). The standard needs to change.

Take a look at this petition demanding changes to the LEED green building standard which has received broad support from forestry experts and government officials
http://www.ipetitions.com/peti...

Lesley LEED AP

I'm not really sure how I feel about this mandate. It's great that California is continuing to lead the way by being very efficient with its waste. These rules sound fairly strict. However, who will be making sure that these types of activities are being followed through? It sounds good in theory, but are those working under this mandate qualified by an existing, reputable organization? I'd be interested in knowing.

California Goes All-In on Green Building

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