A Washington Post article covered a proposal under which Washinton DC would become the first major city in the U.S. to require developers to build environmentally friendly buildings.

If the proposal passes, as appears likely, all new District-owned projects started in 2008 or later, including schools, would have to meet standards established by the U.S. Green Building Council, including:

• Low-flow showerheads
• Building products made from recycled materials
• Energy efficient heating, cooling, and insulation systems

By 2012, new commercial buildings larger than 50,000 square feet—about the size of a medium-size retail store—would have to meet the same guidelines. The rules would also cover affordable housing.

Green Building Efficiency

Commercial building operations account for 12% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. Reducing energy use is critical for climate protection, and there are many opportunities for commercial building owners to maximize energy efficiency. And it's not just building owners that benefit; tenants can retrofit their space to minimize energy use. For example, WRI, through its Green Office Space program, leases space which relies on natural daylight, energy-efficient appliances, and motion-activated lighting to reduce its energy footprint considerably.

Annual greenhouse gas emissions inventories are a great way to ensure that building owners and tenants really are reducing energy use and emissions. WRI's Hot Climate, Cool Commerce guide provides step-by-step instructions for conducting an inventory, tips for reducing energy use, and the business case for climate protection through building construction and operations.

Switching to Green Power

An important way to limit greenhouse gas emissions and develop "green" building operations is to switch to clean, renewable energy (green power). Several DC organizations have already made the switch:

• American Psychological Association
• National Geographic
• Tower Companies
• World Bank
• World Resources Institute

WRI's Switching to Green guide offers a five-step process for offices and companies to switch to greener energy:

1. Identify Goals. The business case for going green:
• Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
• Better customer employee relationships
• Lower or more stable operating costs
• Helping to secure U.S. energy supply
  
  
2. Explore Delivery Options. The advantages and disadvantages of going green, and the best green power choices.
   
   
3. Investigate Cost-saving Strategies. Green power is often more expensive than traditional power, but several strategies can minimize the additional cost.
   
   
4. Purchase Green Power. Buying renewable energy, understanding data and contracts.
   
   
5. Calculate Carbon Benefit. Avoided greenhouse gas emissions from switching to renewable energy.