The Transition of Going Green: GreenBuilding Programs
Various Cities within San MateoCounty are currently considering Green Building Programs. The transition to green building measures is new territory for residents, which often leads to confusion and uncertainty.
Ideally, green building measures are best implemented through a voluntary program that offers meaningful incentives and consumer education. The following City’s illustrate a good example of how a community can be introduced to green building measures.
City of Burlingame
Beginning January 1, 2009, the City of Burlingame will require all permit applicants to fill out the Build it Green ‘GreenPoint Checklist’ and check off a minimum of one greenpoint that they plan to include in their project. There are 251 potential greenpoints to choose from and most projects can easily attain at least 35 points.
The ‘GreenPoint Checklist’ is like a report card that tracks the green features that are incorporated into a home. The verification of the checklist will be authorized in-house by the Planning Division; therefore an applicant will not be required to hire a GreenPoint rater. Completion of the checklist is required before a building permit can be issued.
As well, residents will have access to free green building resources, workshops, green product directories and guidelines on the Sustainable Burlingame website, Planning Division website, Building Division website, and Community Development Department website.
The City’s program encourages residents to learn more about building measures, such as installing energy efficient lighting, increased insulation, planting shade trees, using recycled content materials, etc. This type of program ensures easy attainment of the one point requirement while promoting green building alternatives and resources to residents and building professionals.
The City of Burlingame has provided a stellar example of how best to prepare residents towards the implementation of green building measures.
Go Solar: City of Burlingame Provides Residents Incentives!
In October 2008, the City reduced its residential solar permit fee to ZERO dollars from the previous range of $318-$416. The zero permit fee acts as a valuable incentives and encourages
Burlingame residents and building professionals to install solar panels.
Also in October, the U.S. Government passed solar legislation as part of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (H.R. 1424). Though previously limited to $2000 and not available to those paying the alternative minimum tax (AMT), the new legislation approved a Federal Income Tax Credit of 30% of the cost of your solar system with no cap or AMT restrictions.
The Town of Hillsborough encourages all residents and building professionals to incorporate green building measures in their projects.
The Town requires that applicants for new construction and major remodel permits complete a GreenPoints Checklist. There are no minimum green building requirements at this time, but the completion of the GreenPoint Checklist will assist staff in monitoring green building activity in Hillsborough.
The ‘GreenPoint Checklist’ is like a report card that tracks the green features that are incorporated into a home. The verification of the checklist will be authorized in-house by the Planning Division; therefore an applicant will not be required to hire a GreenPoint rater.
As well, the Town has created a number of programs which encourages residents to live green, such as Community Solar Program, Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling Program, Battery and Electronic Recycling Program, Compost Giveaway Program, etc.
Go Solar: Town of Hillsborough Provides Residents with Incentives The Town has launched a Community Solar Discount Program! The Town wants more residents to consider solar for their homes and the City Council has approved a program to reduce the cost of solar installations now through April 10, 2009.
The Town reduced its residential solar permit fee to ZERO dollars from the previous cost of $505. The zero permit fee acts as a valuable incentives and encourages Burlingame residents and building professionals to install solar panels.
Also in October, the U.S. Government passed solar legislation as part of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (H.R. 1424). Though previously limited to $2000 and not available to those paying the alternative minimum tax (AMT), the new legislation approved a Federal Income Tax Credit of 30% of the cost of your solar system with no cap or AMT restrictions.
If you want to learn more about the Town of Hillsborough Green Programs, than visit
At Home With Green (from The California Association of REALTORS®)
The California Association of REALTORS® recently launched a Green Web site ~ At Home With Green. The goal is to provide information to homeowners, REALTORS® and the general public on how to green their living spaces.
If you want to learn more about the basics of going green, than visit At Home With Green at:http://green.car.org/.
NAR Green Designation The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Green Designation is the definition of green professionalism, excellence, and leadership for today’s real estate practitioners. Specifically designed to address the educational needs of practitioners in residential, commercial, and property management markets, this training program is a true cross-over designation and the only green designation recognized by NAR.
