Obama’s economic bailout is aimed to “green up” the country, both economically and environmentally. The new administration hopes that federal green infrastructure funding will lift the country out of the financial duldrums. But the city of Portland has been governing green for years. And you can help. The City is currently seeking comments on a proposed new sustainable building policy. With a sister in interior design, I can tell you that green building is the trend that’s distinguishing the most progressive construction and design companies. See the full message below to learn more and add your own comments.
“Commissioner Dan Saltzman and the Office of Sustainable Development (OSD) recently opened the public comment period for the proposed High Performance Green Building Policy. This innovative policy seeks to cut greenhouse gas emissions, reduce energy costs and accelerate the growth of green jobs in Portland.
The proposed green building policy was developed by OSD staff with input from stakeholders in the design, development, construction and real estate sectors. It includes the following components to encourage energy efficiency, sustainable site development and material use, waste reduction, water conservation and improved indoor environmental quality:
New commercial buildings larger than 20,000 square feet would receive a reward payment if they achieve a high performance green building certification, such as LEED Gold or Platinum, or would qualify for a fee waiver by meeting LEED Silver certification. Projects that build to the minimum Oregon code would pay a one-time fee to offset emissions from future operations.
Existing commercial buildings larger than 20,000 square feet would be required to participate in a reporting program to assess water use, indoor environmental quality and building characteristics. Owners also would need to identify whether the building qualifies for Portland’s Clean River Rewards incentive for stormwater management.
For new residential projects, a performance target would be set for the percentage of homes to be built to green building standards. If the target is met, no new regulations would be enacted. If the target is not met, an incentive program similar to that for new commercial buildings would be established.
Existing residential buildings would have no new requirements. City staff are currently developing options to make it easier to finance home upgrades.
More information about the proposed policy, including a link to the online comment form, can be found at www.portlandonline.com/osd/gbpolicy. Comments received by January 20, 2009 will be provided to City Council before consideration in early 2009.
In addition to providing your comments, please share this information with your colleagues and neighbors and invite them to comment on the policy at the Web site listed above.
Questions about the policy can be e-mailed to gbpolicy@ci.portland.or.us or call 503-823-3246.”
Via Foster-Powell Neighborhood Association mailing list.
Top photo, showing LEED-certified REI in the Pearl, by Payton Chung.
