22. Green building ord. process & frameworkCOMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
CITY HALL
10300 TORRE AVENUE • CUPERTINO, CA 95014-3255
(408) 777-3308 • FAX (408 ~ 777-3333
CUPERTIND
SUMN[ARY
Agenda Item No. ~ a.
Meeting Date: Tanuar~9,~„ 2010
APPLICATION SUMMARY:
Review and adopt the Green Building Ordin~3nce process framework and budget.
- RECOMMENDATION:
The Planning Commission recommends that the City Council adopt the Green Building
Ordinance process framework based on Planning Commission recommendations on
November 24, 2009 {See Attachment A}.
Staff is additionally recommending amending the process to include separate focus
group meetings for commercial and residential stakeholders instead of the task force
recommended by the Planning Commission. A discussion on this issue is provided
later in this report.
BACKGROUND:
In June 2009, the Santa Clara County Cities Association's Board of Directors adopted
Phase II policy recommendations pxepared by the Green Building Collaborative that
provide Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED} and Build It Green
(BIG} thresholds for development projects. The recommendations were formed to
encourage each city to adopt these green building policy recommendations to aid in
meeting the regioxi s climate change goals.
On October 13, 2009, the Planning Commission discussed goals and objectives for a
Green Building Ordinance, and provided direction to staff to propose a defined process
framework for the preparation of a Green Budding Ordinance.
On November 5, 2009, staff provided the Pl~.nning Commission with a defined Green
Building Ordinance process framework. The Commission requested staff to refine and
clarify particular sections of the draft process framework involving the
22-1
Green Building Ordinance Process January 19, 2009
objectives/goals, green building policy scope, regulatory context, public outreach plan,
timeline/schedule and funding.
On November 24, 2009, the Planning Commission reviewed the revised draft process
framework as a consent calendar report item. The report incorporated the
Commission's comments from the November 5th meeting by updating the various
sections of the framework. No discussion took place other than the motion to approve
the item and forward the Commission's recommendation to the City Council on a 4-0
vote (Commissioner Kaneda was absent).
DISCUSSION:
The Planning Commission emphasized the following key points that were incorporated
into sections of the revised process framework:
• Include policies/goals that explore incentives to encourage green building
measures
• Provide for measurability to meet AB 32 requirements
• Explore the economic costs and environmental benefits of alternatives to meet
green building ordinance requirements
• Identify green building measures/ordinance alternatives that are the "low-
hanging fruit" providing the greatest gain from investment
• Include adding public outreach methods such as Facebook, Twitter, and outreach
at churches, PTA meetings, and weekly school homework packets
• Include a description of AB 1103 {energy benchmarking and energy disclosure
requirements for non-residential buildings) in the regulatory context description
• Update the timeline/schedule for the Green Building Ordinance
• Present alternative concepts to the public early in the process
• Provide funding for a consultant experienced in the technical aspects of green
building and public outreach
• Form a task force to aid in the process of preparing the Green Building
Ordinance
Please refer to Attachment A for Planning Commission's recommendation on the
process framework.
Focus Groups
The Planning Cammission recommended that a task force be formed to participate in
the process of preparing the Green Building Ordinance to promote greater attendance
and consistent feedback in meetings. The Commission also indicated limiting the size to
about 20 members and that a method would have to be determined to choose task force
members.
22a z
Green Building Ordinance Process January 19, 2009
Staff comments:
Staff recommends using two focus groups -residential and commercial -rather than a
task force. The residential focus group would include residents and residential
developers. The commercial focus group tiTould include commercial developers and
business owners. Staff believes that the focus group approach would work better for the
following reasons:
1. The requirements for commercial (L,EED) and residential buildings (Build It
Green} are different.
2. Given the likely difference in level~~ of expertise in green building between
commercial and residential stakeholders, focus group discussions will allow the
process to be tailored better toward each group and their needs.
3. Targeting the commercial and residential groups separately will allow a more
efficient allocation of time and resources.
As a means to kick-off and garner community interest in the Green Building Ordinance,
staff is suggesting a citywide noticed "Green Building Expo' open to the community as
an initial public outreach method. Staff envisions that the expo would have
representations from agencies such as PG&:E, Santa Clara Valley Water District, solar
companies, and Silicon Valley Leadership Group with green building resource
information, contact information, and repre~;entatives available to provide information
and answer questions. Additionally, the expo could have guest speakers, such as
developers who could speak about their Experiences in developing certified green
buildings in the City, and experts in tb.e field who could provide educational
information on various green building topics.
Staff believes this would provide a good opportunity to find interested members for the
two focus groups and other community members who would be interested in attending
meetings and providing input during the process. Tn terms of a timeline, staff believes
that this could occur in early March or April.
Fiscal Impact
Recommended Process
Staff estimates that the cost of preparing the Green Building Ordinance based upon the
recommended process framework, and including a green building consultant with both
technical and public outreach experience, and public outreach mailings and materials,
would cost a total of about $55,000-$65,000. The cost of the consultant is estimated at
$45,000 with the cost of ancillary public mailings {one city-wide mailing), outreach and
workshop materials estimated at $15,000 - $20,000.
To #und the project, staff recommends using the existing mid- to long-term planning
Green Building Certification fund to reimburse applicants for green building
22 33
Green Building Ordinance Process January 19, 2009
certification. The fund which had an original amount of $50,000 has been used to
reimburse applicants for two projects. The current balance in the budget is about
$46,000. The proposed process would require an additional allocation of $19,000 as part
of the Fiscal Yeax 2009-2010 mid-year budget adjustment. The process is expected to be
completed by October 2010.
Alternative Process
-Staff proposed a limited process as an alternative to the Planning Commission during
its discussions. However, the Planning Commission did not recommend it. The
alternative process would include:
• Review Phase II recommendations as a basis for the ordinance
• Limited outreach including two focus group meetings and two public hearings for a
maximum of four meetings
• Providing a list of resources and informational material to help achieve ordinance
requirements
The alternative process would include a consultant to facilitate two focus group
meetings. The limited process could be implemented for about $25,000 {including a
city-wide mailed notice) but would not include an expo. The timeline for this process
would be about five months (potentially begin in February/March 2010 and end in
July/August 2010).
Next Steps
Based on Council direction, staff will move forward on the next steps including Request
for Proposals for consultants.
Prepared by: Aki Honda Snelling, AICP, Senior Planner
Reviewed by: Gary Chao, City Planner
Submitted by:
G/.Gr.~ 1 r
Aarti Shrivastava
Director of Community Development
Approved by:
David W. Knapp
City Manager
Attachments:
Attachment A: November 24, 2009 Planning Commission recommendation on the
Green Building Ordinance framework process consent calendar item
Attachment B: Updated Green Building Ordinance Draft Flow Diagram
H: Groups/Planning/PDREPORT/CC/2009/GreenBldgCC
4
22 - 4
Attachment A
Green Building Ordinance Framework Process
Planning Commission Recommendation of November 24, 2009
1) Policy Objectives/Goals
a) Create a green building policy that: considers the needs of all stakeholders, and
enhances public health and welfare of the City through the design,
construction, maintenance, operati~~n and deconstruction of buildings/sites.
b) Provide cost savings to businesses and residents through reduced operating
costs and create healthy work and living environments for residents, workers
and visitors.
c) Provide measurability related to meeting the requirements of AB 32.
d) Explore incentives to encourage gr~ren building.
e) Provide and analyze the casts and benefits of alternatives in the consideration
of the green building ordinance requirements.
2) Green Building Policy Scope:
The Green Building Policy review scope will include the following:
a} Evaluate the Phase II policy recommendations from the Green Building
Collaborative (GBC).
b) Analyze green building policies and programs from other comparable cities.
c) Consider ordinance alternatives based on community needs and input
including acost/benefit analysis far each alternative.
d) Identify which green building measures/ordinance alternatives are the "low-
hanging fruit" that can provide the greatest gain from investment.
e) Draft a green building ordinance.
f) Consider incentives and related fur;ding needs.
g) Create guidebooks and other educational material for the public regarding the
new ordinance.
3} Public Outreach Plan:
The adoption of a comprehensive green building ordinance will affect the
community at various levels. Therefore, appropriate public outreach as well as
establishing an open dialogue with community stakeholders is essential to a
successful ordinance amendment process.
The public outreach plan should inclu~~.e the following components:
a) Task Force -Structured to include stakeholders and community experts. Staff
recommends 9 -13 members to make it manageable.
b) Stakeholders -residents, experts, developers, architects, designers, engineers,
Chamber of Commerce, etc. (see A~:tachment 3 for a current list}
c) Community resources -experts acid organizations in the green building field,
22-5
City staff involved with the development review process, staff from adjacent
cities involved with green building ordinances, environmental groups, school
districts, etc. (See Attachment 1 for a complete list}
d) Methods of public outreach will include an initial mailer with the opportunity
to sign up on an email notification list #or the City website updates, newspaper
notices, television and radio advertisements, flyers, notices in the Cupertino
Scene {see Attachment 2 for a list of public outreach methods), facebook,
twitter, and outreach at churches, PTA meetings, and weekly school homework
packets
e} Outreach meetings with stakeholders to gather input
f) Educational workshops/study sessions with the Planning Commission
g) Public hearing/workshop to review draft ordinance
h) Public hearings at the Planning Commission and Council
4) Timeline and Schedule: This timeline and schedule reflects updated
information based upon the November 24, 2009 Planning Commission meeting
and discussions in the staff report.
November 24, 2009 -Planning Commission finalizes Scope of Work
January 19, 2010 -Council review of Proposed Scope and authorization for
funding
January/February 2010 -Send out Request For Proposals (RFPs) to green building
consultants; plan and send out city-wide notices to notify community of a kick-off
Green Building Expo; Prepare initial outreach materials and set up website for the
Green Building Ordinance process and Green Building Expo; Define and include
alternative concepts for presentation in outreach materials and on the website
February/March 2010 -Selection of Consultant (depending on the final scope and
budget) '
End of March/April 2010 -Conduct the Green Building Expo
April/May 2010 . -- Appointment of members to the targeted residential and
commercial focus groups
May/June 2010 -Conduct initial focus group stakeholders meetings
June 2010 -Planning Commission meeting -Overview of LEED and BIG
requirements, Phase II recommendations and how it fits into the City's
development review process
June/july 2010 -Conduct follow-up focus group stakeholders meetings to review
Planning Commission comments; Review of alternative concepts with pros and
cons and possible incentives
July/August 2010 -Preparation of a Draft Green Building Ordinance
August/September 2010 -Planning Commission public hearing to review Draft
Green Building Ordinance
September/October2010 -City Council public hearing on Draft Green Building
Ordinance
See attached Green Building Ordinance Draft Flow Diagram in Attachment B
22-s
5} Funding:
Funding will depend on the final scope of work, which could potentially include
the following components:
a) Consultant -The Planning Commission agreed with staff's recommendation of
hiring a consultant/firm with experience in preparing green building
ordinances. A consultant would have the expertise to conduct educational
workshops, facilitate outreach meetings analyze alternatives and help create an
ordinance customized to the need:; of the City. Staff estimates the cost of the
consultant to be about $45,000-$50,1)00.
The Planning Commission did not recommend the lower cost project with a more
limited process scope which would review Phase II recommendations by the
Green Building Collaborative and limited consultant help for facilitation of two
meetings for about $10,000.
b) Public mailings and outreach and workshop materials -Staff estimates a cost of
about $10,000-15,000.
Based on the scope, staff estimates thE~ cost of the project between $55,000-65,000.
A Lower cost project without a green b~xilding consultant could cost about $25,000.
The Planning Commission supports tl-~e staff recommendation to hire a consultant
with technical expertise in preparin;~ a green building ordinance, as well as
expertise in conductiztg educational workshops and facilitating outreach meetings.
22-7
Green Building Ordinance DRAFT Flow Diagram
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DRAFT
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EXHIBITS
BEGIN
HERE
Kimberly Smith
From: Myron Crawford [Mcrawford@MISSIONWEST.com]
Sent: Saturday, January 16, 201 O 7:10 AAA
To: City Clerk; Cupertino City Manager':> Office; City of Cupertino Planning Dept.; Building; City
Council
Subject: January 19th Agenda Item 22 Mandatory Green Building Standards
Attachments: CBC Green Bld Code eff Jan 2011.i~df
I neglected to add the CBC Green Bld Code description attached as a pdf.
From: Myron Crawford
Sent: Saturday, January 16, 2010 6:59 AM
To: 'cityclerk@cupertino.org'; 'manager@cupertino.org'; 'planning@cupertino.org'; 'building@cupertino.org';
'citycouncil@cuperti no.org'
Subject: January 19th Agenda Item 22 Mandatory Green Building Standards
BERG c4c BERG DE L'ELOPERS, INC.
10050 Surd!<y Orive
C'rrpertis:o, C',q 9 50 7 4-2 188
P/r (408) 72.5-0700 I'nx (408) 725-Ifi26
aura wford(u'mirs Tarn well. c•om
1/16/10
City of Cupertino
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014
Ph 408-777-3308 3251 Fax 408-777-3333
citvclerkG~cuoertino.or~; manaaerCa'cuoertino.ora; planning ~cupertino.org; buildinQC~cupertino.or$;
citycouncilG~cupertino.org
Dear Mayor 8c Council Members,
Reference: January 19Th Agenda Item 22
Mandatory Green Building Standards
Subject: Objection To Imposition Of Mandatory Green Building Standards
We do not need another layer of cost added to construction by the City of Cupertino who has neither the
staff or knowledge base to set building standards. The State of California and ICC have already
developed a new green building code. If the City Coun~eil wants to show its interest in green building,
endorse the new California Building Code, don't add nnore staff and bureaucracy to the already bloated
City Staff. We don't need another layer of fees and corisultants.
We are opposed to mandatory green building standards proposed by the City of Cupertino for the
following reasons:
1) California has adopted a new green building code that will apply to all new construction--the first
code of its land in the country. The code will be voluntary at first, and will become mandatory
within a few years. That being said there is no reason; other than political grandstanding, for the
City of Cupertino to require mandatory standards.
2) Adherence to the California Green Building Standards Code; which takes effect in 180 days, will
be voluntary until 2010, when its provisions are expected to become mandatory. The voluntary
period gives builders, local governments and communities' time to adapt to the new rules. Time to
adapt is critical, American building codes have been in the past developed by industry leaders
with thorough engineering and building or fabrication experience, not by political agencies. The
American codes have been modeled, followed and adopted by industry around the world because
the codes were relatively free of political influence. Unfortunately the California Green Building
Standards Code is now subject to political influence but at least they are phasing in the
requirements over time so that the code committees can consider problem areas, economic
consideration, practicality and produce a beneficial code.
3) The California Green Building Standards Code ;sets targets for energy efficiency, water
consumption, dual plumbing systems for potable and recyclable water, diversion of construction
waste from landfills and use of environmentally ,sensitive materials in construction and design,
including eco-friendly flooring, carpeting, paint, coatings, thermal insulation and acoustical wall
and ceiling panels. Here we have a professional organization that will provide a code that can be
implemented and enforced just the way codes are today, without adding unnecessary
administration and operational costs that Cupertino is proposing.
4) The standards cover commercial and residential construction in the public and private sectors as
well as schools of all levels, hospitals and other public institutions. The green thresholds include a
50 percent increase in landscape water conservation and a 15 percent reduction in energy use
compared to current standards. All the measures if acted upon would at least be comparable to
the requirements of a "silver rating" under the I[.eadership in Energy and Environmental Design
(LEED) standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), commission. With these
requirements why does Cupertino need to impose a mandatory program and the answer is they
don't. If the City of Cupertino wants to impose mandatory standards on municipal buildings
that's their business, if they want to impose additional unnecessary cost burdens on their citizens
that's their business. If you want to impose mandatory standards on private industry, that's our
business and we object.
5) The decision to build green should be up to the I~roperty owners, developers and tenants. It is an
economic decision in which consumers and suppliers achieve balance by each party making
decisions based on their interest. The Russians used to stand in line hours or days for a pound of
meat or a loaf of bread because the government made all the decisions and the market system was
not allowed to work. Government factories turned out consumer and industrial products that no
one wanted and in numbers that were either below or above demand, while Caterpiller and other
similar manufacturers successfully grew by producing what met industries needs and demands.
Code development is not the business of local political councils it is the business of code
professionals and industry.
6) The price of energy will automatically drive ma~iufacturers and builders and consumers the
proper balance point.
7) One of our architectural consultants recanted their experience on a Silver Leeds project:
a. Leeds consultant fees equaled or exceeded the architectural fees
b. Material costs were 5 to 10% higher
c. Field costs were up 15% due to the material compliance and documentation costs.
8) Another architect said "Much of what we already build with is in compliance with the Leeds
standards so it is not beneficial to have a mandatory City program.
a. Many of the materials we already use are in the point system. e.g. Concrete mix with 20% or more
recycled crushed concrete for aggregate or usin~~ fly ash in the concrete. As I understand it -this is
easily done by asking the concrete co. to mix with some recycled content. Ditto paving materials.
b. Other examples are engineered wood joists - e.g. TrusJoist &c PSL's
c. Steel studs -most of which are made from recycled automobile steel.
d. Energy star rated equipment
e. Many points appear to be given to materials and systems which we already use to
balance/achieve first costs and reductions in cost of long term maintenance.
9) Steel is one of the most recycled materials and yct Leeds requires certificates that metals suppliers
provide materials with recycled content. Some miom and pop operations will not want to provide
documentation and as a result you may have to travel and ship further distances just to obtain the
same material with documentation thus wasting energy to quench the thirst of a paper hungry
bureaucrat. Leeds promotes buying locally. Given that buildings are still predominately
constructed with domestic materials when you buy a product that is cheaper it is usually the result
of a particular manufacturer running a more competitive business in all respect, management,
logistics and energy that make their product moire economical. The process is an economic
survival of the fittest and it all happens automatiically until it is interfered with and interrupted by
programs such as the City of Cupertino is about to embark on.
10) The Planning Department tries to sell the mand~itory program by saying that "well you are
already doing some of these things so you just document it". If that's the case then why do you
need to document it in the first place, it's a waste of time and money and an unnecessary burden
to industry and the ultimate consumer that has to pay for it.
Please leave code development and building requireme~its in the hands of professionals and concentrate
on what Cities should do and that is provide for municipal service, infrastructure, police protection and
land planning.
Thank you,
Myron Crawford
' :
.~..~~
2010 California Green Building '.standards Code: Nation's First
Mandatos-y Statewide Standards Code to Gs-een Consts-uction and Fight
Climate Change
Continuing to lead the way in the fight against climate change and protecting the environment, California
adopted mandatory building regulations for all new construction in the state that will achieve major reductions
in greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and water use. The CALGREEN Code is the nation's first
statewide green building standards code and will take effect January 1, 2011.
In 2007, Governor SchwarZenegger directed the CaliforniG~ Building Standards Commission to work with
specified state agencies on the adoption of green building ~~tandards for residential, commercial, and public
building construction for the 2010 code adoption process.
The 2010 Green Building Standards Code will require:
- 20 percent mandatory reduction in indoor water use., with voluntary goal standards for 30, 35 and 40
percent reductions;
- Separate water meters for nonresidential buildings' indoor and outdoor water use, with a requirement for
moisture-sensing irrigation systems for larger landscape projects;
- Requiring diversion of 50 percent of construction waste from landfills, increasing voluntarily to 65 and
75 percent for new homes and 80 percent for commercial projects;
- Mandatory inspections of energy systems (i.e. heat furnace, air conditioner, mechanical equipment) for
nonresidential buildings over 10,000 square feet to ensure that all are working at their maximum
capacity according to their design efficiencies;
- Requiring low-pollutant emitting interior finish mat=erials such as paints, carpet, vinyl flooring and
particle board.
The CALGREEN Code is a comprehensive and uniform regulatory code for all residential, commercial,
hospital and school buildings, ensuring that evec•y new building in California is built using
environmentally advanced construction practices. California's property owners can simply build according
to the state's CALGREEN Code, at no cost for certification.
Having a mandatory code will allow California's buildt~rs to build to a certifiable green standard without
having to pay costly fees for third-party programs. In addition to the mandatory regulations the CALGREEN
Code also includes more stringent additional provisions that will help every builder, owner or local government
to go even further. While the mandatory regulations will now be the law, local communities can take additional
action to green their buildings that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency and
conserve our natural resources.
The CALGREEN Code will be incorporated into the lo~zg-standing, established infrastructure to enforce its
health, safety, fire, energy, and structural building coders, making verification of the green code for local
building inspectors a simple transition. Like Californi~i's existing building code provisions that regulate
construction projects throughout the state, the mandatory CALGREEN code provisions will be inspected and
verified by local and state building departments.
Differences Between the California Green Building Standards Code and Point-Based Systems
The CALGREEN Code is a moniker to distinguish the California Green Building Standards Code from
California's many other Building Codes. Unlike point-based certification systems that can be purchased, the
CALGREEN Code mandates required field inspections using a public, transparent infrastructure that is
stringent, successful, and cost-effective. The California Building Standards Commission is providing the
industry a comprehensive blueprint on how to significant)}~ reduce carbon output, maximize resources, and save
property owners thousands of dollars in green certification fees.
Issues California Green Building Point-Based Systems
Standards Code
Development process/Transparency Public, regulatory; tl-ie state code Guidelines have been developed by
regulations have been developed private entities through with
with a high degree oi° transparency membership driven commentary.
and included California building Does not have ANSI consensus
industry and environmental group process approval.
in ut
Participation in development Open public process that included Private committee members
government officials, building
industry, environmental leaders and
the ublic.
Collaboration State agencies; local governments: Private committee members
cities, counties ands ecial districts
Enforcement/Verification of Field inspections required and will Field inspections not required;
Compliance be enforced by government paper audit used to award points.
agencies to ensure that construction
bein com leted to code.
Post construction certification Certificate of occupancy; no Yes:
required and cost of certification~l~ additional costs • LEED certification costs:
as much as $30,000 to
$50,000.
Local adoption Mandatory, uniform statewide Regulated by private entities, local
code, local jurisdictions may adoption varies widely
amend by law for specified reasons
Membership required No Yes
Units of Measure Standards-the code contains Points-based guidelines on
re ulations for buildin reen raduated im lementation of reen
practices
Authority Statutory Non-government, private
organizations provide guidelines
for fees
Rationale To promote local jurisdictions' To promote green construction
adoptions of the cods: to assist the practices and local adoption
state in meeting its greenhouse gas through the purchase of a points-
reduction goals; Ovate:r and energy based guidelines system
conservation and rel~ited resource
efficiencies.
Codes/programs needed for One code for all occupancy types - Various point-rated systems; there
housing, commercial, schools, residential, commercials, hospitals, is a different set of guidelines for
hospitals schools each occupancy covered
Additional books necessary for None Multiple and costs for each varies
compliance
Integrated with other California Yes No
building codes and regulations
Format of Instructional Materials The code language a~~d format Guideline language that may
follow existing state building code; require builders and businesses to
industry and local jw-isdictions purchase further LEED
familiar with this existing consultation and materials during
infrastructure construction
[1] Timothy M. Smith, et al., "Green Building Rating Systems: A Comparison of the LEED and Green Globes
Systems in the U.S.," September 2006
G~.-~l-t9-1G
it ~ ~
Kimberly Smith
From: Myron Crawford [Mcrawford@MISSIONWEST.com]
Sent: Saturday, January 16, 201 O 7:10 <~M
To: City Clerk; Cupertino City Manager's OfFce; City of Cupertino Planning Dept.; Building; City
Council
Subject: January 19th Agenda Item 22 Mandatory Green Building Standards
Attachments: CBC Green Bld Code eff Jan 2011.pdf
1 neglected to add the CBC Green Bid Code description attached as a pdf.
From: Myron Crawford
Sent: Saturday, January 16, 2010 6:59 AM
To: 'cityclerk@cupertino.org'; 'manager@cupertino.org'; 'planr~ing@cupertino.org'; 'building@cupertino.org';
'citycouncil@cuperti no.org'
Subject: January 19th Agenda Item 22 Mandatory Green Buil<~ing Standards
BERG &c BERG .DE VELOPERS. INC.
70050 Bazzdley Drive
Cupertino, C A 95014-2188
Ph (408) 725-0700 Pitx (4(/8) 725-1126
mcra wford~ :mis rionwert. com
1/16/1 O
City of Cupertino
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014
Ph 408-777-3308 3251 Fax 408-777-3333
cityclerkC~cuoertino.orQ; manaaer~cuoertino.oru; plannin~;G~cupertino.org; buildinaG~cuoertino.orQ;
citycouncil@cupertino.org
Dear Mayor &c Council Members,
Reference: January 19th Agenda Item 22
Mandatory Green Building Standards
Subject: Objection To Imposition Of Mandatory Green Building Standards
We do not need another layer of cost added to construction by the City of Cupertino who has neither the
staff or knowledge base to set building standards_ The State of California and ICC have already
developed a new green building code. If the City Council wants to show its interest in green building,
endorse the new California Building Code, don't add znore staff and bureaucracy to the already bloated
City Staff. We don't need another layer of fees and co~isultants.
We are opposed to mandatory green building standards proposed by the City of Cupertino for the
following reasons:
1) California has adopted a new green building code that will apply to all new construction--the first
code of its kind in the country. The code will be voluntary at first, and will become mandatory
within a few years. That being said there is no reason; other than political grandstanding, for the
City of Cupertino to require mandatory standards.
2) Adherence to the California Green Building Standards Code; which takes effect in 180 days, will
be voluntary until 2010, when its provisions are expected to become mandatory. The voluntary
period gives builders, local governments and communities' time to adapt to the new rules_ Time to
adapt is critical, American building codes have been in the past developed by industry leaders
with thorough engineering and building or fabrication experience, not by political agencies. The
American codes have been modeled, followed and adopted by industry around the world because
the codes were relatively free of political influence. Unfortunately the California Green Building
Standards Code is now subject to political influence but at least they are phasing in the
requirements over time so that the code committees can consider problem areas, economic
consideration, practicality and produce a beneficial code.
3) The California Green Building Standards Code sets targets for energy efficiency, water
consumption, dual plumbing systems for potable and recyclable water, diversion of construction
waste from landfills and use of environmentally sensitive materials in construction and design,
including eco-friendly flooring, carpeting, paint, coatings, thermal insulation and acoustical wall
and ceiling panels. Here we have a professional organization that will provide a code that can be
implemented and enforced just the way codes are today, without adding unnecessary
administration and operational costs that Cupertino is proposing.
4) The standards cover commercial and residential construction in the public and private sectors as
well as schools of all levels, hospitals and other public institutions. The green thresholds include a
50 percent increase in landscape water conservation and a 15 percent reduction in energy use
compared to current standards. All the measures if acted upon would at least be comparable to
the requirements of a "silver rating" under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
(LEED) standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), commission. With these
requirements why does Cupertino need to impose a mandatory program and the answer is they
don't. If the City of Cupertino wants to impose mandatory standards on municipal buildings
that's their business, if they want to impose additional unnecessary cost burdens on their citizens
that's their business. If you want to impose mandatory standards on private industry, that's our
business and we object.
5) The decision to build green should be up to the property owners, developers and tenants. It is an
economic decision in which consumers and suppliers achieve balance by each party making
decisions based on their interest. The Russians used to stand in line hours or days for a pound of
meat or a loaf of bread because the government made all the decisions and the market system was
not allowed to work. Government factories turned out consumer and industrial products that no
one wanted and in numbers that were either below or above demand, while Caterpiller and other
similar manufacturers successfully grew by producing what met industries needs and demands.
Code development is not the business of local political councils it is the business of code
professionals and industry.
6) The price of energy will automatically drive manufacturers and builders and consumers the
proper balance point.
7) One of our architectural consultants recanted their experience on a Silver Leeds project:
a_ Leeds consultant fees equaled or exceeded the architectural fees
b. Material costs were 5 to 10% higher
c. Field costs were up 15% due to the material compliance and documentation costs.
8) Another architect said "Much of what we already build with is in compliance with the Leeds
standards so it is not beneficial to have a mandatory City program.
a. Many of the materials we already use are in the point system. e.g. Concrete mix with 20% or more
recycled crushed concrete for aggregate or using fly ash in the concrete. As I understand it -this is
easily done by asking the concrete co. to mix with some recycled content. Ditto paving materials.
b. Other examples are engineered wood joists - e.g; TrusJoist 8c PSL's
c. Steel studs -most of which are made from recycled automobile steel.
d. Energy star rated equipment
e. Many points appear to be given to materials and systems which we already use to
balance/achieve first costs and reductions in cost of long term maintenance.
9) Steel is one of the most recycled materials and ~~et Leeds requires certificates that metals suppliers
provide materials with recycled content. Some nom and pop operations will not want to provide
documentation and as a result you may have to travel and ship further distances just to obtain the
same material with documentation thus wastinl; energy to quench the thirst of a paper hungry
bureaucrat. Leeds promotes buying locally. Gi~~en that buildings are still predominately
constructed with domestic materials when you lbuy a product that is cheaper it is usually the result
of a particular manufacturer running a more c~~mpetitive business in all respect, management,
logistics and energy that make their product mere economical. The process is an economic
survival of the fittest and it all happens automatically until it is interfered with and interrupted by
programs such as the City of Cupertino is about to embark on.
10) The Planning Department tries to sell the mandatory program by saying that "well you are
already doing some of these things so you just dlocument it". If that's the case then why do you
need to document it in the first place, it's a waste of time and money and an unnecessary burden
to industry and the ultimate consumer that has to pay for it.
Please leave code development and building requirements in the hands of professionals and concentrate
on what Cities should do and that is provide for municipal service, infrastructure, police protection and
land planning.
Thank you,
Myron Crawford
2010 California Green Building Standards Code: Nation's First
Mandatory Statewide Standards Code to Green Construction and Fight
Climate Change
Continuing to lead the way in the fight against climate change and protecting the environment, California
adopted mandatory building regulations for all new construction in the state that will achieve major reductions
in greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and water use. The CALGREEN Code is the nation's first
statewide green building standards code and will take effect January I, 20II.
In 2007, Governor Schwarzenegger directed the California Building Standards Commission to work with
specified state agencies on the adoption of green building standards for residential, commercial, and public
building construction for the 2010 code adoption process.
The 2010 Green Building Standards Code will require:
- 20 percent mandatory reduction in indoor water use, with voluntary goal standards for 30, 35 and 40
percent reductions;
- Separate water meters for nonresidential buildings' indoor and outdoor water use, with a requirement for
moisture-sensing irrigation systems for larger landscape projects;
- Requiring diversion of 50 percent of construction waste from landfills, increasing voluntarily to 65 and
75 percent for new homes and 80 percent for commercial projects;
- Mandatory inspections of energy systems (i.e. heat furnace, air conditioner, mechanical equipment) for
nonresidential buildings over 10,000 square feet to ensure that all are working at their maximum
capacity according to their design efficiencies;
- Requiring low-pollutant emitting interior finish materials such as paints, carpet, vinyl flooring and
particle board.
The CALGREEN Code is a comprehensive and uniform regulatory code for all residential, commercial,
hospital and school buildings, ensuring that every new building in California is built using
environmentally advanced construction practices. California's property owners can simply build according
to the state's CALGREEN Code, at no cost for certification.
Having a mandatory code will allow California's builders to build to a certifiable green standard without
having to pay costly fees for third-party programs. In addition to the mandatory regulations the CALGREEN
Code also includes more stringent additional provisions that will help every builder, owner or local government
to go even further. While the mandatory regulations will now be the law, local communities can take additional
action to green their buildings that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency and
conserve our natural resources.
The CALGREEN Code will be incorporated into the long-standing, established infrastructure to enforce its
health, safety, fire, energy, and structural building codes, making verification of the green code for local
building inspectors a simple transition. Like California's existing building code provisions that regulate
construction projects throughout the state, the mandatory CALGREEN code provisions will be inspected and
verified by local and state building departments.
Differences Between the California Green Building Standards Code and Point-Based Systems
The CALGREEN Code is a moniker to distinguish the California Green Building Standards Code from
California's many other Building Codes. Unlike point-based certification systems that can be purchased, the
CALGREEN Code mandates required field inspections using a public, transparent infrastructure that is
stringent, successful, and cost-effective. The California Building Standards Commission is providing the
industry a comprehensive blueprint on how to significantly reduce carbon output, maximize resources, and save
property owners thousands of dollars in green certification fees.
Issues California Green Building Point-Based Systems
Standard: Code
Development process/Transparency Public, regulatory; the state code Guidelines have been developed by
regulations have been developed private entities through with
with a high degree of transpazency membership driven commentazy.
and included California building Does not have ANSI consensus
industry and enviro~Zmental group process approval.
in ut
Participation in development Open public proces:~ that included Private committee members
government officials, building
industry, environmental leaders and
the ublic.
Collaboration State agencies; local governments: Private committee members
cities, counties ands ecial districts
Enforcement/Verification of Field inspections required and will Field inspections not required;
Compliance be enforced by government paper audit used to awazd points.
agencies to ensure that construction
bein con leted to code.
Post construction certification Certificate of occupancy; no Yes:
required and cost of certification~l~ additional costs • LEED certification costs:
as much as $30,000 to
$50,000.
Local adoption Mandatory, uniform statewide Regulated by private entities, local
code, local jurisdictions may adoption varies widely
amend by law for s~~ecified reasons
Membership required No Yes
Units of Measure Standards-the code contains Points-based guidelines on
re ulations for buildin reen raduated im lementation of reen
practices
Authority
Statutory
Non-government, private
organizations provide guidelines
for fees
Rationale
Codes/programs needed for
housing, commercial, schools,
hospitals
Additional books necessary for
compliance
Integrated with other California
building codes and regulations
Format of Instructional Materials
To promote local jurisdictions'
adoptions of the code to assist the
state in meeting its greenhouse gas
reduction goals; water and energy
conservation and related resource
efficiencies.
To promote green construction
practices and local adoption
through the purchase of a points-
based guidelines system
One code for all occupancy types - Various point-rated systems; there
residential, commercials, hospitals, is a different set of guidelines for
schools each occupancy covered
None
Multiple and costs for each varies
Yes
The code language and format
follow existing state building code;
industry and local jurisdictions
familiaz with this existing -
infrastructure
No
Guideline language that may
require builders and businesses to
purchase further LEED
consultation and materials during
construction
[1] Timothy M. Smith, et al., "Green Building Rating Systems: A Compazison of the LEED and Green Globes
Systems in the U.S.," September 2006
GG~ t- L 9- lZ~ 1-~-~ z z
S-t-~•o -f= 1~1 a-rt~a~t#-
Nov. 24, 2009 -Planning Commission recommended a process
framework to prepare a Green Building
Ordinance:
• Policy Objectives/Goals
• Green Building Policy Scope
• Public Outreach Plan
• Timeline and ~~chedule
• Funding
June 11, 2009 -Santa Clara C~~unty Cities Association's Board
of Directors adopted Phase II recommendation
for LEED 8~ B]:G development thresholds.
Oct. 13, 2009 -Planning Corrimission directed staff to prepare
a framework for the green building ordinance
process.
Nov. 5, 2009 - Planning Commission reviewed the framework
8c requested refinements.
1. Policy Objectives/Goals
Needs of stakeholders
Cost savings to residents/businesses
AB 32 -measurability
Incentives
Cost/Benefits of alternatives
Green Building Policy Scope
Evaluate Phase II recommendations
Compare w/other cities
Consider alternatives based on cost/benefit
Identify "lowest hanging fruit"
Draft ordinance
Consider incentives
Create educational materials (guidebooks, pamphlets, etc.)
3. Public Outreach Plan
Focus groups
Stakeholders -residents, experts, developers, architects, etc.
Community Resources/Experts in green building
City website, newspaper, tv, radio, Cupertino Scene, Facebook,
Twitter, outreach at churches 8c PTA meetings, and weekly
school homework packet
Outreach meetings, educational workshops, study sessions
Public hearings
2
4. Timeline and Schedule
Jan 19 Council review of frame=work process scope 8c funding
Jan/Feb Send out RFPs for con~:ultant 8e notices for Green
Building Expo
Feb/Mar Select green building consultant
Mar/Apr Green Building Expo
Apr/May Focus group formation
May/June Focus group initial meetings
June Planning Commission rneeting -overview 8c introduction
of Phase II recommendations
July/Aug Draft Green Building Ordinance prepared
Aug/Sept Planning Commission F~ublic hearing
Sept/Oct City council public hearing
5. Fundino
Total project: $SSK - $65K ($45G< - $SOK for Green Building
Consultant to prepare ordinanee~ 8~ conduct outreach meetings,
$10K-$15K public mailing 8e outreach materials)
Alternative: $25K for limited consultant assistance
Planning Commission recommends a green building consultant
w/experience to prepare the ordinance and provide public outreach
Fiscal Imoact
Staff recommends using City's Green Building Certification fund
Current balance is $46K
Additional $19K needed to fund total project w/full consultant use
Staff recommends allocating $1~)K from FY 2009-2010 mid-year
budget adjustment
3
G
Green Building Ordinance DRAFT Flow Diagram
O
FINAL
...
~3
DRAFT
C
Focus Group
Planning Commission recommends formation of a task force
Staff suggests formation of 2 focus groups -residential 8L commercial
Build it Green (BIG) -Residential focus
LEED -Commercial/Business focus
Different levels of expertise in green building
Targeted focus groups -more efficient allocation of time 8c
resources
Green Building Exoo
Kick-off/garner community interest in green building
Introduce concept of green building
Provide educational information Sc green building resources through
guest speakers/booths
Aid in finding interested members for focus groups
4
Alternative Process 8~ Cost
^ Limited process for about $25,000, including the city-wide
mailing notice
^ Review of Phase II recommendations as basis for
ordinance
Limited outreach w/ two focus. group meetings & two
public hearings m
^ Consultant limited to facilitate two
focus group meetings
^ No Kick-Off Green Building ExF~o
Limited process would take about _ ~`
5months (completion by August)
CVPE RTiNO ~
That the City Council adopt the Green Building Ordinance
framework process and budget as proposed by the Planning
Commission with staff's recommf~ndations for:
^ Kick-off Green Building Expo
^ Two focus groups, in lieu of a task force
^ Use of the Green Building Certiification fund and additional
budget allocation to fund the process