Construction Management

Best Practices: Green Building

Public Works has a proven track record of implementing sustainable practices in the design and construction of capital improvement projects. Through the implementation of the County's Green Building Policy, new buildings with an area of 10,000 square feet or more have achieved a minimum of Silver Certification under the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system, and many have exceeded Silver Certification. The County's Green Building Policy also requires that all capital projects comply with the County's Standards Manual and the use of drought tolerant plant species. The implementation of Low Impact Development addresses storm water runoff and enhances groundwater quality, and the drought-tolerant plant species ordinance helps to reduce its use of potable water. Since January 2010, all capital projects must also comply with the California Green Building Standards Code, which requires that projects meet minimum energy efficiency and potable water use standards.