December 21, 2006

Boston to Require LEED Standards

Boston plans to amend its building code to require that all new private construction of at least 50,000 square feet must meet the minimum criteria of the United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards, The New York Times reports.

Other cities and states have taken similar action:

• The Washington City Council passed a bill earlier this month requiring private developers to follow the standards, which Mayor Anthony A. Williams is expected to sign next week.
• Pasadena, Calif., has required much of its private construction to meet the standards since April.
• New Mexico requires new buildings over 15,000 square feet to comply with the standards.
• Eighteen states and 12 federal agencies use them for new public buildings.

Boston projects must meet at least 26 of 69 criteria the Green Building Council established. Developers can choose from the 69 items.

The regulations, expected to be approved today, will take effect upon being publicly posted next week.

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