Key Environmental Committee Approves Lieu Bill Requiring Green Buildings

Sacramento, CA – The Assembly Committee on Natural Resources today approved
AB 888, a sweeping measure by Assemblymember Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) requiring that all commercial buildings built in California be “green” (environmentally-friendly) buildings by 2012.  If passed, the bill would be the first of its kind in the nation.

“Buildings account for nearly 40% of all greenhouse gas emissions, because of the large amount of energy that they consume,” Lieu said.  “They also use large amounts of water and generate far too much waste.” Lieu added that, “if the amount of energy used by buildings could be reduced, it would save consumers money and reduce the chance of future blackouts.” 

AB 888 would require Cal-EPA to develop a green building standard that would be equal or better than the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Rating, a very high but widely-accepted standard.

The beauty of green building is that it benefits the people using the building.  The changes that could be made include the use of natural light, building near public transportation, and improved indoor air quality.  Other changes, such as a mandate for the use of recycled materials, would be invisible to those using the facility.

“Green buildings help alleviate some of California’s chronic shortages – energy, water, and landfill space,” Lieu added.  “By mandating that buildings meet this standard, we’re going to take a huge step toward implementing the vision of AB 32.”

The California League of Conservation Voters, one of the State’s leading environmental advocacy organizations, spoke to the need for green buildings: "The opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by building more energy-efficient and sustainable commercial buildings is vast; in fact, it dwarfs most other measures under consideration."

For information about AB 888, please see www.leginfo.ca.gov.  The bill will now go to the Assembly Committee on Business and Professions.