Communities across the North Bay will need to substantially reduce the environmental impact of new development in order to help combat climate change. Green building is a way to mitigate the threat of global warming while helping people save money and improve their health, comfort and productivity in their homes and workplaces. Sensible green building policies not only help protect the environment, but people as well.
That’s why with generous support from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, the Accountable Development Coalition has launched a two-year campaign to advocate for comprehensive green building policies in all Sonoma County cities and encourage advocates around the Bay Area to undertake similar efforts.
What does a strong green building policy look like?
As the first stage of our campaign, the Accountable Development Coalition is developing a model green building policy that local jurisdictions can use to ensure that policy changes yield read reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, in addition to co-benefits such as decreased water use, better waste management, and improved indoor air quality. Please check back in August of 2008 for this brief on green building policy best practices.
In summary, a comprehensive green building policy should include at least three components:
- Meaningful Standards for Residential and Commercial Construction
- Energy Performance Audits and Energy Efficiency Standards for Existing Buildings
- Financing Mechanisms for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Improvements
Take Action NOW for a Greener Santa Rosa
The Accountable Development Coalition is currently focusing on significantly building upon the City of Santa Rosa’s baseline green building standards. A delegation of four Accountable Development Coalition members sit on Santa Rosa’s Council Advisory Committee on Green Building. The Committee’s recommendations will inform the City Council’s decision about whether to take meaningful action, or let policy innovations languish while growing our climate change crisis.
To get involved:
- Speak at a City Council meeting when critical decisions will be made about how your community addresses climate change. To receive updates on upcoming public meetings, email Marlene Dehlinger or join our Accountable Development Coalition email list.
- Write a letter to the Press Democrat. Letters should be no more than 250 words. For ideas, please email Marlene Dehlinger.
- Email the Santa Rosa City Council and tell them why this issue is important to you. Email the City Clerk, Sue Stoneman at sstoneman@ci.santa-rosa.ca.us, and ask that your comments be forwarded to the City Council.
