Jul 17, 2008 10:28 pm US/Pacific
Calif. Adopts Statewide Green Building Code
SACRAMENTO (AP) ―
California will become the first state in the nation to require new homes and businesses to be energy efficient.
The California Building Standards Commission unanimously voted to adopt the green building code Thursday.
Commission chairwoman Rosario Marin said the energy and water efficiency standards will help the state cut its greenhouse gas emissions.
The rules are voluntary for now, but become mandatory in 2010.
They also apply to new hospitals and schools.
Craig Noble, a spokesman for the Natural Resources Defense Council, said the standards are a good step but could be tougher. He said about 75 California cities and counties already have more stringent green standards.
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