San Jose Promotes Green Building Practices

On April 4, 2000 the San Jose, California City Council approved a series of recommendations aimed at

promoting green building practices in the city. With an estimated $1.4 billion in total value of building permits issued during fiscal year 1997/98, this new program could affect a lot of construction. The recommendations approved by the Council include the establishment of green building guidelines, an awards program, incentives such as streamlined permitting for green projects, educational resources, pilot projects, and construction and demolition debris recycling. The City’s Environmental Services Department is working closely with Local 332 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) to make their new Union Hall the first showcase project. A 1,400 ft² (130 m²) space in the new Hall will house the City’s Green Building Resource Center. Details of how the remaining recommendations will be implemented are to be worked out over the next year. For details, contact Mary Tucker at 408/277-5533, mary.tucker@ci.sj.ca.us.