Denver voters passed one of the strictest green roof mandates of any city in the world earlier this month.
Initiative 300, passed with about 54% of votes cast, creates a new building code that requires vegetative roof systems or solar panels for most buildings 25,000 sf or larger constructed after Jan. 1, 2018. The measure is more stringent than other green roof codes because it also requires many existing buildings to be retrofitted with green roofs when a roof needs replacement.
Older buildings that cannot support the load of a vegetative roof can get an exemption. The measure is intended to help keep the outdoor air cooler, reduce stormwater runoff, reduce the amount of energy consumed by air conditioners, and, in the case of PVs, generate clean energy.
Opponents of the referendum were concerned that it would be costly and hurt nonprofits and affordable housing programs. Advocates conceded that green roofs cost more, but argued that they would pay for themselves in about six years.
Related Stories
| Dec 1, 2011
Safety tracking tool helping prevent injuries at World Trade Center site
Since putting in place their Safety Management Systems Tracking Tool three years ago, risk managers for the World Trade Center project in New York say they've seen workplace injuries, reported hazards, and workers compensation claims decline.
| Dec 1, 2011
OSHA releases new construction safety videos
OSHA released new safety videos to offer both employers and workers brief, easy-to-understand education about construction safety.
| Dec 1, 2011
GSA Region 5 BIM standards could set national agenda in government contracting
Learning how the GSA wants to work with contractors using Building Information Models (BIM) will dramatically improve your odds of winning federal work.
| Nov 23, 2011
Fenestration council seeks committee members
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is seeking members for a committee to pursue recognition of its ratings procedures from the American National Standard Institute (ANSI).
| Nov 23, 2011
Obama signs repeal of 3% withholding on government contracts
President Obama signed a bill that repeals a law requiring governments to withhold 3% of payments over $10,000 to contractors.
| Nov 23, 2011
USGBC launches app lab for LEED certification process
The U.S. Green Building Council has released the App Lab, a searchable catalog of third-party apps that are integrated with LEED data.
| Nov 23, 2011
Document gives advice on stormwater runoff management
The report, “Rooftops to Rivers II,” provides tips on how cities can use smart infrastructure and green building design to minimize pollution from stormwater runoff and other wastewaters.
| Nov 23, 2011
Zoning changes proposed to make New York City buildings greener
New York City will introduce new zoning proposals next month that would make it easier for building owners to add features that will make their properties more sustainable.
| Nov 18, 2011
AGC offers webinar on Davis-Bacon compliance
Webinar to be held in two sessions, Dec. 7 and 8 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. EST.
| Nov 18, 2011
New green construction code may help push LEED standards higher
The International Green Construction Code (IgCC) is expected to set a floor for building standards and may create the opportunity for LEED certifications to push toward higher ceilings.