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.
For related information:
See the Green Building Examples section to read about what California cities and counties are doing in this area.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
