The Green Building Ordinance came into force in Los Angeles on 22nd April (coinciding, appropriately enough, with Earth Day). The Ordinance sets out where, when, and to what extent those involved in construction work in Los Angeles have to meet ecological criteria. 

The Green Building Plan forms part of the Green LA Plan. Published in May 2007, this aims to bring the citizens of the notoriously smog-affected Californian metropolis better air quality and a better quality of life. 

The most important requirements of the Green Building Ordinance are:
• All building projects greater than 50 units or 50,000 square feet (approximately equivalent to 17,000 m2) must be drawn up in compliance with the requirements of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
• Proposed building work satisfying the LEED Silver designation can expect to benefit from an accelerated approval process. (pd)

Contact: Roland Meier