USGBC Maryland Chapter Announces Advocacy Goals for 2009-2010
The U.S. Green Building Council Maryland Chapter recently published its 2009-2010 Advocacy Agenda. Although the message from the Chair asserts that the agenda is modest in light of the tough economic times that we’re facing, it still manages to set forth some lofty statewide and local initiatives.
Select statewide initiatives include the following:
- State Renewable Energy Credit: Enact legislation to incentivize the development of renewable energy generated in Maryland. By 2022, 20% of Maryland power must be from renewable sources - but, as written, the current policy allows that the credits be derived from a source either in state or within 16 other named states. The USGBC Maryland Chapter advocates that the state should require that 20% of the Renewable Energy Credits and 25% of solar energy should come from in state Maryland sources. This position, if endorsed by the General Assembly, could result in the creation or expansion of the market for alternative energy producers in Maryland. I'm not entirely persuaded that Maryland has the natural resources capable of meeting the requirement as presented by the USGBC Maryland Chapter (Baltimore's nickname is Charm City, not the Windy City...), but if you feel differently, by all means, share your thoughts.
- Expand the Green Building Program: Expand the existing High Performance Building Act by requiring that all construction or major renovation (regardless of the source of funds) on State owned or leased land meet LEED Silver or equivalent certification. Presently, the High Performance Building Act mandates that new or renovated State buildings that are at least 7,500 square feet AND built or renovated entirely with State funds meet LEED Silver or equivalent certification. USGBC Maryland Chapter's proposal would effect those buildings constructed with any amount of state funding - local bond bills, community colleges, etc. It seems to me that this proposal, absent the inclusion of a threshold amount of funds to be sourced through the State before triggering the requirement, may apply too broadly and may not, therefore, garner much support among the building industry.
Select local initiatives include the following:.jpg)
- Amend Master Plans to be consistent with LEED-ND: As a result of SB 280/ HB 297, development within a local jurisdiction must be "consistent" with the local government land use master plan. The USGBC Maryland Chapter advocates that each local government master plan should specifically incorporate the principles of the USGBC's LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) rating system. LEED-ND is purported to be the first national standard for neighborhood subdivision design, and the USGBC envisions that LEED-ND will become a nationalized standard in the future. Most legislation that we've seen mandating compliance with green building practices contains the string "LEED X-level, or its equivalent certification." What is the equivalent to LEED-ND? I'd argue that an equivalent doesn't yet exist. This isn't necessarily problematic, but it is interesting.
It's good to have goals and it's clear that the USGBC Maryland Chapter wants Maryland to remain a leader in instituting green building practices and laws, but I think some of these may stretch a bit far considering the current economic conditions.
