Los Angeles Considers Citywide Green Building Plan

Los Angeles–Los Angeles is on the verge of adopting one of the toughest U.S. residential green building plans, the Los Angeles Times reports.The under-consideration plan–voted on by two city council committees Friday–would force all major commercial and residential developments to cut energy and water use using low-emission paints, recycled materials, irrigation systems and natural light. The city’s more than 200 annual privately built projects over 50,000 square feet would have to incorporate a checklist of green features based off the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) guidelines. If the measure passes, Los Angeles likely would set up a “Green Team” comprised of city agencies to host monthly public meetings for proposal reviews and to alter local guidelines as needed, said Claire Bowin of the city’s planning office.The Los Angeles Business Council, American Institute of Architects, several of Los Angeles’ largest developers, building trade unions and environmental groups support the program, which the entire council is expected to approve within a month.