City's Mandatory Green Building Program Set to Begin

Photo by pnwra via Flickr

Starting November 1st, developers wanting to build in Los Angeles will have some new green rules to play by. Projects of 50,000 square feet or above will now have to meet the intent (that is, do everything but apply and pay for certification) of the US Green Building Council's LEED standards at the Certified Level. Additionally, the mandatory building law includes residential projects of seven or more stories.

"Nationwide, buildings consume 39% of energy, 12% of potable water, and 40% of raw materials, according to the U.S. Green Building Council. The structures are also responsible for 39% of greenhouse gas emissions," explained the LA Times when California also passed a statewide green building law that goes into effect in 2010.

Developers can also voluntarily go beyond city requirements for the LEED Silver level, which will give them priority process, a faster plan check and expedited permitting in various departments. DWP will be offering financial incentives.

Next week, the city's Green Team will hold a kick-off event/public seminar (.pdf) for the new law at DWP's auditorium.