Green Building

Green Building

Green buildings reduce energy consumption, use water more efficiently and utilize materials with recycled content, thus saving money and natural resources and related greenhouse gas emissions. Local agencies have taken a variety of approaches to embrace green building policies and programs, consistent with the unique characteristics of their individual communities.

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In this section you will find:

Green Building Goals

  • Establish minimum levels of energy efficiency and green building standards for agency buildings and facilities.
  • Establish and implement minimum levels of energy efficiency and green building standards for commercial and residential buildings.
  • Implement sustainable landscaping.
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Key Resources for Green Building

Green Building includes a wide range of strategies and actions. Here are some key resources that can help you explore the range of opportunities and determine what fits well for your city or county.Read more »

Working with Energy Utilities to Finance Energy-Efficiency Improvements

Local agencies throughout California are striving to reduce costs, even as the demand for services grows. In this environment, improving efficiency helps agencies do more with their existing resources and can offer a high return on investment.Read more »

A Municipal Action Guide for Developing Green Affordable Housing

The National League of Cities has published a Municipal Action Guide, “Creating Green Affordable Housing,” to assist cities in developing workable policies and practices and identify funding resources linked to sustainability programs.

Greener Buildings Help Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Each year, buildings throughout California are the second largest contributor to the state's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, using enough energy to account for nearly 125 million metric tons -- roughly 25 percent -- of the state's annual GHG emissions. Taking action to make buildings more energy efficient and environmentally friendly helps conserve resources and lower a community's share of the emissions that lead to climate change.Read more »

Building Green with Carrots and Sticks

Building Green with Carrots and Sticks addresses legal issues that arise when local agencies undertake green building programs. This paper was prepared by Christi Hogin, city attorney for the cities of Lomita and Malibu, for the League of California Cities Annual Conference in September 2007.

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