****Mandatory Certification Requirements Begin January 1, 2010****
Green building is “a holistic approach to design, construction, and demolition that minimizes the building’s impact on the environment, the occupants, and the community” (California Building Standards Commission ).
Green building is an important part of the Santa Clara County Climate Change & Sustainability program. The County is committed to energy efficiency, resource conservation, waste reduction, and the health and productivity of building occupants.
In December 2008 the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors adopted a Green Building Ordinance that affects development in the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County.
The ordinance offers two rating systems to choose from – GreenPoint Rated from Build It Green, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Homes from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). Both rating systems use checklists to evaluate green features and certify green buildings. You must work with a GreenPoint Rater to achieve GreenPoint Rated certification. Find a rater http://www.builditgreen.org/greenpoint-rated/find-rater.
For guidance on choosing a green building professional for your project, see Thinning the Herd: How to pick the best eco-builder http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/content/thinning-herd-how-pick-best-eco-builder.
The attachments below provide additional information and assistance to help you navigate the new requirements. The brochure provides an overview of the program; the checklists are provided for your convenience; and the plan check templates demonstrate the preferred format for submittal of checklists with your building permit.
Construction and Demolition Waste Management (GreenPoint Rated)
Debris Recovery Overview
Debris Recovery Strategies
Debris Recovery Plan Form
Santa Clara County C&D Debris Facilities
San Jose Environmental Services C&D Recycling
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