pages: PlanningBoard/2007-03-12.pdf, 5
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PlanningBoard | 2007-03-12 | 5 | 8. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS: 8-A. Green Building and Bay-Friendly Landscape Presentation (AT). A presentation by StopWaste.org regarding Green Building and Bay-Friendly Landscaping Ordinance. Representatives from StopWaste.org will present information on the benefits of adopting an ordinance, the areas addressed by the ordinance, who has adopted and implemented similar ordinances, and technical resources available from StopWaste.org to help with adoption and implementation. The public hearing was opened. Ms. Karen Kho, StopWaste.org, introduced herself and noted that their presentation would address an integrated approach to design, construction and maintenance of buildings and landscapes. She noted that benefits of green building included more efficient use of natural resources, greenhouse gas reductions, and social benefits to residents of buildings, including increased productivity in schools and businesses. These practices were intended to reduce the level of exposure of both construction and maintenance workers in terms of toxic materials. The financial benefits of these practices would include lower energy and water bills, as well as the reduced need for replacement of materials over the long term because they were more durable and designed better. She displayed the green building standards on the overhead screen, and provided an overview of the green building-rating program. She displayed building and commercial and residential landscaping practices within the green building program. She provided an overview of the practices involved in the three sets of sustainable programs, including the site and community, and how well the landscaping connected with its community. Practices during construction included protecting topsoil and recycling construction waste to minimize impacts on the community, particularly protecting healthy topsoil, avoiding the introduction of invasive plant species and maintaining a diverse plant palette. This would lead to greater plant health and resiliency. Water energy efficiency would be encouraged by reducing the amounts of wood being used in a building with more efficient design. Bioswales help increase water efficiency on-site, and help the project achieve a LEED Gold rating. Plants that tolerate the summer dry climate are encouraged, and high efficiency irrigation systems are encouraged. More efficient appliances are available on the market. Ms. Kho noted that the operations and maintenance aspect of the program would ensure that the green building practices incorporated into a building or landscape would continue over the life of the building and landscape. Over-watering and over-fertilizing of plants would be unhealthy for the plants, and would waste resources. Toxic fertilizers and pest control would be discouraged in favor of healthier materials. She noted that the following policies would be included: 1. Lead by example. A model green building ordinance would apply to public projects and public/private partnerships. 2. Adopt an environmentally preferable purchasing policy for all City operations Planning Board Minutes Page 5 March 12, 2007 | PlanningBoard/2007-03-12.pdf |