TITLE
Recommendation to request City Manager to work with the Department of Planning and Building and the Department of Community Development to acquire and develop a Green Home Resource Center.
DISCUSSION
The City of Long Beach's Planning and Building Department is currently working on a Green Building Program for private development. The program, which was created by direction of the City Council, would require new developments to incorporate a number of green building elements, with the quantity of elements dependent upon the size of the project. Planning and Building staff is currently working with a Green Ribbon Committee, comprised of stakeholders and community -based organizations, to develop and implement the Green Building Program.
In addition to large developments, the City should work to encourage the utilization of green building elements for homes. Over 20,000 homes in the United States have been built using energy efficient techniques. Beyond building new homes, energy efficiency elements can be incorporated into home modifications and new additions. These elements include, but are not limited to solar paneling, the use of insulated glass, and water-conserving implements. Efforts should be made by the City to offer residents access to information on numerous existing incentive programs, as well as other green home elements.
In order to create access to this information, several cities and counties have utilized a green building/ recycled materials kiosk. In addition to information about environmental benefits, homeowners that are applying for building permits can get information on energy efficiency appliance rebates and incentive programs. Ecology Action is an example of a company that is producing these kiosks, which are made of sustainable materials, are low-cost and can be customized to the City's and Planning Department's needs. Additionally, the Department of Community Development's role in property acquisitions and grants may be valuable...
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