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II. 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 was at the forefront of the green building movement when it 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 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)TM "certified" rating, which is a point- system process verified by U.S. Green Building Council- accredited City staff. In 2004, Gov. Schwarzenegger signed Executive Order S- 20 -04, known as the "Green Building Initiative." This order requires State buildings to be 20% more energy efficient by 2015, and encouraged the private sector to do the same. In 2006, Pleasanton expanded its green building requirements to new single - family residential projects of 2,000 square feet or larger'', 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) Build It Green TM (BIG) points (awarded for design considerations, energy efficient appliances, drought tolerant landscaping, wiring for photovoltaic, etc.). 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- 2 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. 5 As of 2008, the California Attorney General's survey found that about 40 cities and counties in the State had adopted green building ordinance. A Pleasanton's green building threshold 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. 5 This State Commission includes representatives from governmental agencies, the building industry, housing developers, and manufacturers. PRZ -55 Planning Commission Work Session Page - 2 -