More Green Programs

I enjoyed your review of green building programs throughout the U.S. (“State and Local Green Building Programs,”

EBN

Vol. 11, No. 6). However, ours wasn’t on it! Of course, it is difficult to keep up with all the amazing things happening in the field of green building.

Our Marin County, California program (created in the summer of 2001) is called BEST (Building Energy Efficient Structures Today) and Green Building Program. The program, applicable to residential and commercial buildings, offers: fast-track permits and rebated energy fees; energy-efficiency rebates; free technical assistance; a green building resources library and exhibit (including BuildingGreen’s

GreenSpec binder and product samples); and staff and public workshops.

We have revised building codes to encourage green building and developed “The Countrywide Plan Update” with the overarching theme of sustainability. Future plans include green builder certification; a “Big and Tall Ordinance,” limiting energy use of homes over 3,500 ft² (325 m²); and a Construction and Demolition Waste Ordinance. To learn more about our program, visit

www.co.marin.ca.us and search for “green building.”

Thanks for all the incredible work you are doing at

EBN.

Sam Ruark, LEED

Sustainability Assistant Planner

County of Marin, California

Editor’s Note:

We also regret omitting the County of San Mateo’s Green Building program, which requires that county buildings be constructed to LEED™ standards. Details are online at:

www.recycleworks.org/greenbuilding/.