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BACKGROUND Green building is a whole systems approach to the design, construction, and operation of buildings. Development of green buildings reflects an interest in conservation of energy, water, and other natural resources, while simultaneously creating more healthful environments for the building occupants. In 2002, Pleasanton adopted green building requirements for new commercial buildings of 20,000 square feet or larger, commercial additions of 20,000 square feet or larger', and civic buildings. Such projects are required to meet the LEEDTM' "certified" rating, which is a point- system process verified by U.S. Green Building Council accredited City staff. In 2006, Pleasanton expanded its green building requirements to new single - family residential projects of 2,000 square feet or Iarger additions of any size to homes built within the last five (5) years, and all multi - family residential projects. These projects are required to achieve fifty (50) BIGTM points (awarded for design considerations, energy efficient appliances, drought tolerant landscaping, wiring for photovoltaic, etc.) and minimum points in several required categories. In 2008, the California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) adopted a voluntary green building code. Because Pleasanton already had its own green building standards, the City did not adopt this voluntary code. In 2010, the CBSC unanimously adopted the first -in- the - nation mandatory Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) requiring all new buildings in the State to be more energy efficient and environmentally responsible. The final version of CALGreen was published in July 2010, and will automatically go into effect State -wide on January 1, 2011. Local agencies, if they take no action, will be required to enforce CALGreen's basic mandatory provisions in their jurisdictions. If the City of Pleasanton takes no action, projects will be required to adhere to both sets of regulations (LEEDTM /BIGTM as currently required by the City of Pleasanton, and CALGreen basic) for each covered project. Pleasanton has historically adopted the California building codes with local amendments, and staff recommends a similar approach for CALGreen. Planning Commission This item was presented to the Planning Commission as a workshop item on September 22, 2010. Staff returned to the Planning Commission on September 29, 1 Pleasanton's green building threshold of 20,000 s.f. or larger for only new commercial projects was based on consideration that it would be relatively easier for larger projects achieve green building points due to factors such as economies of scale. 2 Pleasanton's green building thresholc of 2,000 s.f. or larger for residential construction was based on consideration that it would be relatively easier for larger projects achieve green building points due to factors such as economies of scale, and use of large construction firms. 3 This State Commission includes representatives from governmental agencies, the building industry, housing developers, and manufacturers. 4 As of 2008, the California Attorney General's survey found that about 40 cities and counties in the State had adopted the green building ordinance. Page 3 of 10