CCMIN101502 - Laserfiche WebLink

Ms. Ayala asked if he considered the ordinance a big stick? Mr. Thorne said an ordinance implies that it is punitive in nature. He did not think the City had to take punitive measures with businesses. He would prefer to provide incentives to do better than the LEED certified level. Jennifer Hosterman, 2922 Chardonnay Drive, supported the green build'rog ordinance and wished Council were voting on it at this meeting. Buildings have a tremendous impact on the environment both in construction and throughout their operation. "Green building" is a loosely defined cellecfion of land use, building design and construction strategies that reduces these environmental impacts. Benefits of building green include reduced energy consumption, protection of ecosystems and occupant health. She pointed out the environmental impacts of standard construction including that fact that conventional building accounts for 40% of U.S. energy use, 30% of carbon dioxide production, 35% of municipal solid waste production, 30% of wood and raw material used and 25% of water use. This is a huge impact on the environment not to mention the human population. She felt this is why so many cities have begun requiring green building practices. When builders have ordinances such as this to guide them, there are no surprises. As green building moves from an ideal to a community standard, increased demand for green building materials will force a reduction in price. The free market cannot do this alone. Current subsidies and government policies favor standard energy use and building practices. Government regulation has a role in leveling the playing field and encouraging behavior by industry that is in the common good. She said this has been seen throughout history, from labor laws to civil rights laws to environmental laws. Many have called for a voluntary program with incentives. She believed incentives should be developed to accelerate the adoption of green building practices, but first we need to set the standards and this ordinance does that. The energy advisory group has proposed programs utilizing incentives for a number of energy and resource use issues. These should be fully explored, fund'mg sources identified, and implemented to the fullest extent possible. Incentives should be an adjunct to sound environmental policies, not the basis for it. There are sound economic and environmental benefits for green building practices. She urged Council to adopt the green building ordinance as proposed. There were no other spea ers. Ms. Michelotti asked if staff was making applicants aware of the green building conditions at the beginning of the application process. Mr. Swift said staffdoes when there is a project presented. What frequently happens, however, is the developers will get copies of the City ordinances, zoning regulations, etc. and develop a preliminary plan before they talk to staff. If the green building ordinance is codified, they will see what is expected well before they talk to Planning department staff. Ms. Michelotti asked if it were common knowledge that the City would be imposing green building cenditions. Mr. Swift said it was with local developers. Pleasanton City Council 15 1 O/15/02 Minutes