Green Building is finally becoming mainstream—
We now have access to a range of Green Building Guidelines, educational resources (including websites, workshops, tours, brochures, etc.), incentives and even some green building regulations. For this, we have to thank the innumerable individuals, organizations, companies and government agencies who are co-creating the definitions of and resources for green building. To get a sense of the green building movement’s progress, here’s a review of the most important accomplishments so far: GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES: The U.S. federal government is now committing to LEED Standards for their new federal buildings and laboratories. California is in the process of committing to green building standards as well. Pre Schwarzenegger, Governor Davis signed an executive order that commits the state to providing green building education, incentives and even regulations in the coming years. As part of this initiative, California government has committed to helping 50% of homes in California have solar power. The most significant government contributions to the green building movement have come from local city and county jurisdictions. Currently, over 100 local governments have adopted what are called “Green Building Programs” which provide green building education, incentives and/or requirements to their constituents. Local governments in California are leading the way. In fact, the leaders of Northern & Southern California’s Build It Green programs are currently banding together to collaborate and coordinate their efforts.
Schwarzenegger signed AB-32 , which will become effective in 2012, limiting carbon emissions in CA. The Green Architect intuits that carbon neutral building codes are coming our way in the next few years. We can soon expect that Green Building Programs will be a standard element of every California local government. GENERAL POINTS: • There are now dozens of City or County Jurisdiction Green Building Programs in the USA • The Eco Building Movement is paralleling the Organic Food Movement • The USGBC has established standards for certified green buildings via a matrix (point system) over the last 12 years • Sustainable business (20 trillion dollars has already been invested in markets globally. 2 trillion of that is currently invested in sustainable funds) • Green certifications /standards for consumers are now defined by: F.S.C., LEED, Green Spec, Green Guard, Title 24, Energy Star, & many more. For further information on what is going on in the green building movement visit the other articles listed in this website.