EVANSTON FIRST IN GREEN BUILDING REQUIRMENTS
The City of Evanston City Council moved last night to become one of only a handful of cities nationwide to adopt a citywide green building ordinance that adheres to the “LEED” (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Rating System.
With an 8-1 vote, Evanston City Council adopted an ordinance that will require all new commercial, multifamily and municipal construction over 10,000 square feet achieve “LEED” Silver certification through the US Green Building Council (US GBC). These requirements are effective immediately.
The US Green Building Council's (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (“LEED”) Green Building Rating System™ is a nationally recognized certification for green buildings that have achieved sustainable standards of energy efficiency, sustainable site development, water savings, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.
"For several years, the City of Evanston has been striving to become a ‘Green City,’ dedicated to embracing the best ecological practices and policies,” explained Paige Finnegan, co-chair of the Evanston Environmental Board. “Last night, the Evanston City Council showed their commitment to creating a green and healthy community through the passage of the Green Building Ordinance. The use of LEED criteria for new commercial construction will lead to significant long-term economic, health and environmental benefits for Evanston and its residents."
The ordinance was introduced to Council on June 8th, when Council requested a special committee be formed to rework the ordinance. The newly revised ordinance was again modified last night with the removal of a LEED Silver certification requirement for interior renovations. An additional committee has been appointed to address green building requirements for interior renovations and is scheduled to present their recommendations to Council on December 14th.
While some cities in Illinois, including Chicago and Normal, have started to address this issue, Evanston is moving to become the Midwest’s leader in green building by requiring the LEED Silver certification city-wide. Green buildings offer a wide range of community benefits; they are healthier, cost less to operate, conserve natural resources, reduce environmental impact, support local and regional economies and produce less greenhouse gas emissions than conventionally built buildings.
There are currently two LEED certified buildings in Evanston, with eight additional projects registered (intending to get certified). Evanston’s green building ordinance comes a year after Council approved the Evanston Climate Action Plan (ECAP).
“As the cost of energy continues to rise, promoting green buildings and green development is an important piece of a community’s response to an economic downturn. Fewer dollars allocated to operating expenses mean more dollars in the community. All of these benefits are integral to supporting a livable community,” said Carolyn Collopy, Sustainable Programs Coordinator.
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