KUHF Radio, by Jack Williams June 23, 2004 -- Houston's buildings are turning green, and it's not because of all the rain. City Council has approved a resolution that creates environmentally friendly standards for new city-owned buildings.
As Jack Williams reports, starting now, new city projects over 10,000 square feet or major renovations will have to follow the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Certification standards. They're guidelines that include energy efficiency, indoor air quality, water conservation and the use of environmentally sound and recyclable building materials. Issa Dadoush is Director of Building Services for the city of Houston and says initial building costs will increase, but the city will save money over the long run.
The city has already begun five pilot projects to see how the new standards work. Houston city councilman Gordon Quan supported the resolution and says it's a good example for private contractors. The U.S. Green Building Council says buildings account for 36 percent of total energy use and 65 percent of electricity consumption.
