U.S. Green Building Council Names Top 10 Green Building Policies in California
State and local policies recognized for shaping California communities, serving as national models
Sacramento, CA – April 26, 2012 – (RealEstateRama) — The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), in conjunction with USGBC California, an organization representing eight California USGBC chapters, today released its inaugural Top 10 list of State and Local Green Building Policies in California. These policies were recognized for the way each has advanced green building practices in the state.
“California’s remarkable history of leadership in public policy initiatives that protect the environment, promote energy independence, save money, and create healthier places to live, work, and learn has inspired countless initiatives in communities across the U.S.,” said Jason Hartke, Vice President, National Policy, USGBC. “We commend and celebrate California’s historic accomplishments and applaud its future policy goals.”
Policies were recognized in a variety of categories, including “Most Visionary,” “Most Market Transforming” and “Best Leadership by Example.”
The Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (Assembly Bill 32, Pavley) was called out for setting the bar for policy efforts nationwide that curtail harmful greenhouse gas emissions and setting scoping plan targets for CO2 reduction levels. Sacramento’s Greenwise Regional Action Plan was honored as the “Most Engaging” local policy in California. Since Mayor Kevin Johnson announced the initiative in 2010, hundreds of volunteers have devoted thousands of hours to transforming the Sacramento area into the greenest region of the country and a hub for clean technology. These two policies are examples of the shape, scope, and variety of green buildings policies that have made California the national leader in building green.
The unveiling of the Top 10 list occurred in concert with USGBC California’s annual Advocacy Day, which brings volunteer advocates from across California to the state capital for a day of visits and briefings with legislators to talk about the benefits of green building. Legislators and recipients will be recognized at a reception in the LEED Platinum Cal/EPA Headquarters.
“USGBC is proud to recognize California’s outstanding sustainability policy leadership. These Top 10 policies exemplify California’s culture of invention, innovation, and early adoption that has so powerfully shaped our world,” said Dan Geiger, Executive Director of USGBC – Northern California Chapter. “USGBC was conceived in California, and we look forward to welcoming the global green building movement to its birthplace for Greenbuild 2012 this fall.”
USGBC’s Greenbuild International Conference & Expo is the world’s largest conference and expo dedicated to green building. Thousands of building professionals from all over the world come together at Greenbuild for three days of outstanding educational sessions, renowned speakers, green building tours, special seminars, and networking events. Greenbuild will take place Nov. 14 – 16 in San Francisco.
The Top 10 list includes:
STATE
