REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution to Update the Green Building Program for Residential Projects, Non-Residential Projects and Public Facilities
Report
REPORT IN BRIEF
On May 6, 2014, the City Council considered an update to the City Green Building program, and directed staff to return in August in order to allow more discussion with the community on the potential changes. After hearing from the community and meeting further with green building professionals, staff has revised the recommendation on the update to the green building program (Attachment 1).
The proposed green building update was prepared after: holding two community workshops to discuss and receive feedback on the changes; meeting with green building experts who provided the most current understanding of the subject; and, conducting other meetings and discussions with individuals and groups. In order to best understand how the recommended program compares with the one presented to Council in May and the program currently in effect, the tables have been revised to provide common terminology and formatting (see Attachment 2).
A key element of discussions with the experts and community was that when the other groups (the State, LEED, Build It Green) raise the minimum green building levels, each existing level (e.g. LEED Gold) becomes more difficult to achieve. If the City also increases the required rating level there is a compounded increase in the requirements. The revised recommendation for the green building program takes into account the compounding issue, and the green building tables have been adjusted accordingly.
The main change is to reduce the Moffett Park allowance for a 10% density increase from LEED Platinum to LEED Gold (i.e. maintain existing standard), plus require approval by the Council of a special development permit to ensure the applicant provides additional green building features and/or community elements to the project in exchange for the...
Click here for full text