TITLE
Recommendation to receive report from the Department of Development Services on the status of the Green Building Program to include private development.
DISCUSSION
On August 8, 2006 the City Council requested the City Manager to direct the Department of Planning and Building to explore ways to expand the existing Green Building Program to include private development.
Since the introduction of this item, several other municipalities, including San Francisco, have introduced green or sustainable development plans. In light of the number of buildings currently built in the US and the forecasted number of new structures to be built by 2010, it is in the best of interest of the City to require that new development strive to achieve resource conservation and efficiency. Also since the introduction of the Council item, new technologies have been improved, adding further opportunities for energy efficiency, renewable energy and water conservation in new buildings.
Department of Planning and Building staff subsequently developed a Green Ribbon Committee made up of developers and stakeholders to discuss a range of options for incorporating green building requirements into future private development. Following meetings of this Green Ribbon Committee, a potential program was presented to the Planning Commission. It is appropriate at this time for the full City Council to be updated on the progress of the Green Ribbon Committee and proposal for a Green Building Program for private development.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
None.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
Councilmember Patrick O'Donnell, Fourth District
Vice Mayor Bonnie Lowenthal, First District