In June, the Vancouver City Council unanimously approved the adoption the the highest green standards for private sector development in North America. Effective immediately, all new re-zonings for development in Vancouver will be required to achieve or exceed the level of LEED Silver, and they will have to achieve LEED Gold on January 1st, 2010.
The City of Vancouver already had a green building requirement for its new City-owned buildings but the EcoDensity Charter is much broader in its scope because it applies to privately-owned developments, which make up virtually the entire building industry.
The new requirements are part of the hotly debated EcoDensity Charter that the city adopted. See more details about the debate in this Vancouver Courier article. The charter is part of the city’s larger goal is a carbon-neutral city by 2030.
Great article on this impressive building.
I too applaud the proactive efforts in Vancouver. However, I question why LEED is seen as the only measure for “green building.” It might be beneficial to create an overlay option unique to your city’s needs and use LEED as one alternate option. LEED has many great features but is not a panacea for all building problems.
I Like that…
I like seeing governments taking the hardline approach.
Do it and do it now… no projections or 10 year time lines before any progress.
Thank You Canada…. Time to listen up USA!
We are installing our 3rd green roof at the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College. The latest on the roof of Kemp Hall residence hall. You can read and view the progress on our blog.
http://blogs.scottarboretum.org/gardenseeds/2008/08/building-layers-green-roof/
http://blogs.scottarboretum.org/gardenseeds/2008/08/a-conversation-with-the-designer/
http://blogs.scottarboretum.org/gardenseeds/2008/08/green-roof-installation-begins/
Yeah, great decision. It’s also what happens when you think about the long-term prosperity of the city
That is awsome! Progress is good…