San Francisco Adopts Strict Green Building Codes

San Francisco has adopted Green Building Codes that will be phased into effect by 2012.  These codes will be inforce for all new construction and for renovation projects in the city and will focus on water and energy conservation, recycling (reusing old materials) and on reducing carbon emissions.  Large buildings (commercial and residential) will be evaluated under LEED standards, standards that have been used with increased frequency in recent years.  Residential buildings will use standards that are less strict. 

Some oppose this change because it will add to costs.  It is my experience with energy conservation work I did with Citizen's Energy in the early 80s is that the expenditure of conservation measures paid for themselves very quickly and resulted in energy savings for the homeowners within a few years. 

One of the biggest challenges that San Francisco is likely to face is that many people in the city still renovate without using permits.  Will these people understand the benefits to all of us? They save money and all of our resources are used more wisely.

see GreenBuildings for more information.