January 16, 2014
New Houston Residential Energy Conservation Code On January 8, 2014, Houston City Council approved another five percent increase in the Houston Residential Energy Conservation Code. With this increase, the local minimum energy efficiency requirements for new construction of one and two family homes, townhouses and apartments up to three stories in height is 15 percent above what is mandated by state law. This is the third year in a row the local code has been increased by five percent. In addition to adopting new residential building energy efficiency codes, the City itself is continuing to retrofit municipal buildings to make them more energy efficient. Since 2007, the City has seen a 26% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. For more information on the new code contact Lisa.Brown@houstontx.gov. Educational Seminar Speakers: What if every single act of design and construction made the world a better place? The purpose of the Living Building Challenge is straightforward - it defines the most advanced measure of sustainability in the built environment possible today, and acts to diminish the gap between current limits and ideal solutions. It calls for the creation of building projects at all scales that operate as cleanly, beautifully and efficiently as nature's architecture. An overview of the Challenge will be reviewed with a case study of the first project in Texas built to meet the requirements of the Living Building Challenge. Learn strategies for getting to net-zero energy use and incorporating natural ventilation in a hot and humid climate, how to avoid toxic chemicals in building materials, and how it pushes the edge of high performance design. The educational seminar event is limited to 100 attendees. Register online or call 832.394.9050 prior to the event. Visit https://www.greenhoustontx.gov/gbrceducation.pdf for more details and a map. H-E-B Montrose Market
Three group guided tours Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council in 2011; LEED for New Construction- Gold level
Green buildings provide greater energy efficiency, saving money for owners and users, and the reuse of materials is better for the environment. Ultimately, they foster a happier and healthier workplace for employees. In partnership with the Texas Gulf Coast Chapter of the US Green Building Council, the Green Building Resource Center, within the LEED Gold Houston Permitting Center, hosts periodic programs to educate the public about green building practices. Green Building Resource Center
To learn more about City of Houston sustainability efforts, visit www.greenhoustontx.gov.
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