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r- Connnissioner Sullivan supported staff's recommendation to not include a cost hardship exemption. Developers had already found ways to make green building compliance cost- effective. He did not believe the free market would make changes like this willingly or soon, and believed that deviation from the business status quo needed goverrnnent encouragement for any real change to be effected. He did not believe that the free market as described by the EVC really exists in present day society. He believed that existing construction and energy industry practices were supported and encouraged by significant subsidies, tax breaks, and goverrnnent policies. He believed that goverrnnent actions such as this helped to level the playing field, and provided a fair market for those industries to compete. Connnissioner Sullivan wholeheartedly supported incentives for business and developers for implementation of the green building practices, but he did not believe they belonged in the Ordinance, which should exist to establish the rules. He noted that the Energy Advisory Group had developed an energy plan that addresses incentives and other programs to encourage energy efficient practices. He urged support for its adoption, so that additional incentives may be provided to businesses and developers. ,- Connnissioner Sullivan recommended approval of the Green Building Ordinance because of the benefits to the community, the environment, and to future generations. He believed that goverrnnent should facilitate positive change such as the Green Building Ordinance. He also recommended that all new City facilities should be built to LEED Gold or Platinum standards, and that they should contain a significant renewable energy component in the project. He believed that the new Civic Center and eventual public buildings on the Bernal property should be included in that category. Chairperson Maas suggested that the City should strive for a Silver level. Connnissioner Sullivan believed that the City should lead by example, and should set the bar in its LEED standards. Chairperson Maas wished to thank Commissioner Sullivan for his considerable efforts in bringing the Green Building Ordinance forward. Connnissioner Arkin agreed with Connnissioner Sullivan's comments regarding the benefits of the Green Building Ordinance, and was in complete support of its adoption. Connnissioner Roberts agreed with Connnissioners Sullivan and Arkin. and supported the Ordinance. Chairperson Maas noted that projects of 20,000 square feet and under should exercise their best efforts in achieving the Certified Level. She agreed with the idea of incentives and streamlining of the checklist process. She noted that Ms. Maier had assured her that ,- PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES September 25, 2002 Page 13