The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recently strengthened its green building policy, requiring higher standards for residential, retail, office and other construction projects seeking approval for rezoning.
The board’s chairman said that the county’s green building policy is “a major component of our board’s environmental agenda and my own efforts toward making Fairfax County a leader in energy efficiency.” The policy was updated to include changes that have been made in rating systems of green buildings.
LEED certification or equivalent programs have been extended to industrial areas under the plan, and for proposals in high density areas. The new plan also urges data collection of water and energy use within buildings and a requirement for infrastructure supporting electric car charging stations. Some board members cautioned that the new requirements could be too costly for developers.
Fairfax County first adopted a green building policy in 2007. The County government has built 16 green-certified buildings since 2008.
(http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2014/jul/10/fairfax-updates-green-building-policy/)
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 19, 2022
Canada’s Trudeau seeking building codes changes, net-zero emissions building strategy
Prime minister also wants net-zero electricity grid by 2035.
Codes and Standards | Jan 18, 2022
Greater emphasis on building materials needed to achieve net-zero carbon offices
Engineered wood, straw, and bamboo can be keys to achieving goal.
Codes and Standards | Jan 17, 2022
AISC seeks comments on draft earthquake standard for steel buildings
Includes new limits for cross-sectional slenderness of steel columns based on latest research.
Codes and Standards | Jan 12, 2022
California’s wildfire building code significantly reduces structural loss
As other states consider upgrading their codes, Golden State provides useful model.
Codes and Standards | Jan 12, 2022
Regulator holding back climate-friendly, energy-saving equipment deployment, critics say
Heat pumps, solar power could be made more accessible for low-income communities in Massachusetts.
Codes and Standards | Jan 11, 2022
Cost hikes drive nearly one million renters out of homeownership qualification in 2021
Household income needed to pay a mortgage rose to $62,872 from $55,186.
Codes and Standards | Jan 10, 2022
New ratings services focus on climate risk for homeowners
Efficacy of models used in risk assessment varies.
Codes and Standards | Jan 6, 2022
Virginia contractors having a tough time finding diverse subs to meet state goals
Survey of primes may indicate similar issues at federal level.
Codes and Standards | Jan 5, 2022
Boston drops parking requirements for affordable housing
Measure expected to spur new projects.
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2022
Dept. of Energy Better Climate Challenge aims for 50% GHG emission reduction by 2030
Program offers technical assistance and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing.
