A shift in American planning concerns, in the 1970s, recognized the need for more sustainable processes in development, construction and design practices. The conventional practice of construction, design and building management has had detrimental impacts on the environment resulting from high standards of living, suburban sprawl, and lack of growth controls, and decentralization of communities. The U.S. Green Building Council has recognized some of the effects of conventional practices.
Conventional buildings
- Produce a third of the carbon dioxide emissions.
- Have increased transportation, sprawl, cultural, and historical impacts.
- Generate waste during construction, operation and demolition processes.
- Account for 60% of all the raw materials used in the U.S., and 40% of non-industrial solid waste.
- Consume approximately 37% of the total global energy consumption, and 40% of raw materials used globally.
- Use building materials that require an extensive infrastructure in order to extract, process, and transport.
Leaving convention behind starts with careful planning at the local level. Everyone from government officials to local residents all play a role in encouraging smart growth and building management. Here are a few recommendations that local governments can use to promote more sustainable building management in their regions.
Update City Plans, Ordinances, and Codes
All city documents should convey the importance of sustainable building in their future. City plans, ordinances, and codes all lay out a vision that the community will follow. Start with the most encompassing documents first. Add sustainability initiatives and policies to all elements of the general plan. Make it well know to the residents and other local governments that the town is moving all of it actions towards sustainability, and not serving as an advocate for a few green building projects. Locate sites for future residential development and generate a specific plan for those sites that specify construction, operation and demolition requirements. Classify these future sites in the land use plan and specify the desired density, building envelope and design elements. Consider updating the land use plan to extend to existing properties.
Target Energy Efficiency
The most effective way to save energy and resource consumption is to limit the size of homes on a one-acre lot. It is best to limit subdivision in preparation for limiting the size of homes, and as a way to preserve the environmental qualities. Limit subdivision by enforcing open space requirements, building envelope specifications, design standards, and maximum and minimum density standards. Phase in a required energy saving ordinance for homes. In the short term, begin with a voluntary program for residents to make their homes more energy efficient. Use the short-term voluntary project as a pilot project to assess the effectiveness of management processes and staff capabilities. In the long-term, move to a required program for all new homes and renovation projects to be more energy efficient.
Add Incentives
It important that people see the benefits of green building clearly outlined. Developers and residents should be rewarded for using sustainable building practices. For one, streamline the permitting process for those who voluntarily make their homes more energy efficient, and for those applying to put a second unit onto their house. Decrease the cost of permits for those adhering to the energy-saving ordinance. Include financial incentives in the list of benefits of green building when generating public discussion. Help residents connect with incentive offers for when they use green design in their new homes. This can be done by referring those who apply for permits to meet with professionals from nonprofit organizations. Most importantly, use effective communication outlets to advertise incentives that are offered. The local newspaper, television and internet are very effective tools to release more information to the public.
Form Partnerships
Tap into the strengths of other organizations for help. Go local and use what is already available. For example, form a partnership with a local green building agency. Require all of those applying for a permit to fill out a checklist with a green building professional to communicate the areas where green design can be incorporated into their homes. Possibly, start a media program using a network of all ready produced materials from local governments, local architects, and other professionals.Remember that there is no need to reinvent the wheel.
Effective management in sustainable building is essential to reap the benefits of "going green." Green building can be seen as an investment that has environmental, economical, and social impact. In other words, the benefits of green building far exceed the costs, and should be a primary consideration in past, present and future growth and development.
Additional Information
United States Green Building Council
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