Environmentally sensitive construction practices are now Dallas law, as the Dallas City Council unanimously voted to implement numerous "green building" regulations. Among the first phase's requirements, effective Oct. 1, 2009: Builders of projects less than 50,000 sf must use 15 percent less energy and 20 percent less water than current Dallas energy conservation code standards mandate. Under the new code, builders must select conservation techniques among six options provided, such as installing faucets and shower heads with a two-gallon-per-minute-or-less water flow. Roofs must also be more energy efficient on buildings smaller than 50,000 sf. Projects larger than 50,000 sf will face similar but less stringent requirements when compared with smaller buildings. "We're at the lead of the major cities in this country," said Mayor Leppert. By October 1, 2011, the ordinance proposal states that all new Dallas construction must be certifiable under "leadership in energy and environmental design" standards established by the U.S. Green Building Council, or under similar standards, such as Green Built North Texas standards. Dallas' building inspectors will implement the green building program while the city's office of environmental quality will oversee educational and public relations components.
Date: 2008-04-11 10:42:40