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LA To Adopt Strict Green Building Ordinances

February 29, 2008  |  from Construction Jobs Blog

Earlier this month, two Los Angeles City Council committees passed green building ordinances that could eventually change the face of the city.  The LA Times reports that “under the ordinance, privately built projects over 50,000 square feet…must meet a ’standard of sustainability’ by incorporating a checklist of green practices into their building plans.”

Both commercial and residential developers are affected by the change, and a large number of developers and building trade groups endorse it.  The U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) checklist has been put forward as the standard.  But not everyone is on board; some have suggested that the city should develop its own checklist.

The LA Times reports that the ordinance would take effect six months after the City Council passes it, and that developers who choose to go for higher LEED ratings will get expedited permits.

“The new standard will go a long way toward meeting the city’s pledge to reduce its carbon footprint to 35% below 1990 levels by 2030. By mid-century, two-thirds of the buildings in the city will have been built between now and then.”  And since buildings are responsible for by far the greatest portion of electricity use and nearly half of greenhouse gas emissions, this ordinance really could help change the face of what is rumored to be one of the smoggiest cities in America.

Read the LA Times article here.

Filed: Green-Construction