"Green is Good" and the results from a recent survey shows that cities across the nation are increasingly seeing the light. According to an American Institute of Architects (AIA) study of communities with populations of greater than 50,000, since 2003 the number of cities with green building programs has risen from 22 to 92, for an increase of 418 percent. In an effort to examine the eco-friendly initiatives of U.S. cities, the report, Local Leaders in Sustainability, analyzed 661 communities’ best practices, strategies and trends, as well as provides recommendations for cities that are looking to implement green building programs.
"Sustainable design practices have the potential to transform the built environment from an energy intensive past towards a more energy efficient, green future," said Paul Mendelsohn, AIA vice president, Government and Community Relations. "Technological advances now allow for the design of buildings that are efficient, modern, possess great aesthetics and are financially viable. High premiums for green buildings are no longer the case as costs are coming more in line with traditional building practices."
Key findings of Local Leaders in Sustainability include:
- One in seven cities surveyed currently have green building programs; the number improves to one in five by next year with current projections.
- Scottsdale was first city to mandate LEED Gold for municipal buildings. In 2007 1,123 green single-family and 20 multi-family homes having been completed.
- Chicago has more LEED registered projects than any other U.S. city or approximately three million square feet. Their Green Roof Program offers $5,000 grants to help with the planning and installation of green roofs,
- 39 percent of citizens live in cities with green building programs.
- Portland offers income tax credit for green building and projects for energy conservation, recycling, renewable energy and cleaner fuels. The Oregon Dept. of Energy has awarded 13,000 tax credits of 35 percent of eligible project costs.
- San Francisco established Generation Solar program to amend the code and streamline the process for solar permitting in residential applications. Program provides assistance with design and installation and has resulted in nearly 600 solar installations city wide.
- 36 cities are in an advanced stage of developing a green building program.
- Austin established the first green building program in the country. A climate protection plan will have city buildings running on 100 percent renewable energy by 2012 and completely carbon neutral by 2020.
- Atlanta had the most LEED buildings per capita in the country in 2006. Their EarthCraft Communities program is a community guideline that emphasizes walkability, environmental site plan development, and an overall integrated planning approach.
Mendelsohn added, "When we spoke with local officials that have not undertaken a green building program, the prevailing notion was that they considered themselves behind -- even backwards -- in their approach to addressing environmental challenges. To help spur adoption of green building programs across the country, the AIA has partnered with both the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National Association of Counties to offer our resources for their members.
"American cities are going green and local leaders are charging ahead with innovative sustainability policies. Buildings currently accounts for close to one-half of all greenhouse gas emissions, and the design and construction of green buildings offers the opportunity to create a more sustainable future."
At this pace, one day in the near future, the lead of articles on building and development will not have to begin by stating, "Green is Good." That fact, will already be understood by all parties involved.
