Slater “Green Building” plan expanded
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The Board of Supervisors this past December passed an initiative, sponsored by Supervisor Pam Slater, to encourage sustainable building practices in San Diego County. The Green Building Incentive Program consists of permit-fee reductions for homeowners who incorporate environmentally sound practices into their building designs. This action will broaden the scope of projects that would receive permit fee reductions. “As our region grows, so does our need to conserve energy and water,” said Slater. “The Green Building program is an essential part of the county’s plan to meet the region’s energy and water needs without increasing pollution and waste. I encourage homeowners, businesses, contractors, and developers to participate in this environmentally friendly program.” The Green Building program was begun in 1997 at the recommendation of Supervisor Slater. To comply with the county’s commitment to sustainable building practices, the new Cardiff Library, completed in 2002, incorporated many green building concepts. The project was recognized by SDG&E for its innovative, energy-saving design. The County’s Strategic Plan includes an Environment Initiative to promote natural resource management strategies that ensure environmental preservation, quality of life, and economic development. Sustainable, or “green,” building practices can reduce the impact buildings have on people and nature. Areas of importance include occupant health, energy and transportation efficiency, resource and material conservation (air, water, land, fuel), as well as reuse and recycling during building construction, operation and demolition. The concept applies to all residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Following today’s action, fee reductions will now be available for straw bale construction, graywater systems, and projects that use recycled building materials. For more information on the Green Building program, please contact the Department of Planning and Land Use’s Building Division at 888-336-7553 or visit their Website at sdcounty.ca.gov/dplu/greenbuildings.html. In another matter before the Board, supervisors also approved a measure that allows construction on a new animal shelter in North County to proceed. Since March 21, 2000, Supervisor Slater has led efforts to fund and develop a new North County animal shelter by recommending the initial $1.0 million allocation from the Third District Community Projects Fund. Subsequently, additional contributions were made from the Third District Community Projects budget, the General Fund, private donations, and other county sources for a total budget of $6.5 million. Construction is scheduled to begin early this year. Supervisor Slater represents the Third Supervisorial District. |
